Anxiety Does Not Make Us

Writing is a double edged sword for me. Sometimes I enjoy it and it’s this incredibly emotional release each and every time I do it. Other times I’m in a more difficult headspace and honest writing forces me to evaluate my mental health. It makes me swallow some real tough pills and turn on that self awareness button that everyone loves so much.

I feel like this year, in general, is hard for everyone. I’m finding that everywhere I turn, we all seem a little more impatient and short fused, a little more stressed and worried. You can’t see smiling faces of strangers that can brighten your day. You can’t open the phone or turn on the TV without hearing bad news. It’s overwhelming for anyone. We weren’t meant to live this way. None of us. So, it’s inevitable it would take its toll.

But on a personal level it’s an extreme struggle lately. And that way for everyone I’ve talked to who live with anxiety, depression or any other mental illness. I’ve never been one to use anxiety or depression as an excuse. I have fought it my entire life and learned skills to cope as best I could. Can I use more? This year is teaching me that I should probably up my skills game lol. So, in typical “me” fashion, I tend to withdraw. From people and myself. Hence… you guessed it…. why I’ve been absent lol.

The world seems to be spinning in an uncontrollable way which DOES NOT help those of us who require planning, checklists and control lol. Yep, that’s me. Checklists for days, y’all.

The overwhelming amount of change and stress in life is making it nearly impossible to shut down my mind enough to find the words to type and say. It’s like my train of thought is sporadic and makes no sense to me much less you guys.

Watch a squirrel. That’s what’s happening up in my head.

The problem with anxiety is it leads me to the inevitable circle that is hard to break. I am aware of the problem, but can’t seem to make myself stop it which intensifies the anxiety. See the problem? Can anyone else relate to this INCREDIBLY annoying cycle.

When I’m in these moments I find it hard to pinpoint some positives so let’s help eachother out and find them now so we can all look back at this when we need an encouraging word. Because, Lovelies, we are in this together.

Anxiety Does Not Make You Less

Doesn’t make you less of a partner. Less of a mother. Less of a friend. Less of a coworker. None of it. We can’t kneel down to it and let it take over our lives, but we are allowed rest when our bodies tell us to.

You Can Say No

This one is hard for me, but the older I get the more I’m learning this one. It’s not only unfair to you, but it’s unfair to all the people you’ve made obligations to and cannot follow through. Do not let your cup overflow and spill over because then it creates the stress of trying to accomplish it plus the stress of letting someone down when you can’t. Listen to your gut and when it tells you you’re carrying too much weight, don’t pick up more.

There Is More To You Than Just Anxiety

Sometimes when we are really struggling, it feels like that’s all there is. That’s what defines us and it’s all people see. They see the bouncing legs or fidgeting fingers. The reality is we are so much more than that. Surrounding yourself with people who love and encourage you. Those people will be a listening ear and advice giver. Sometimes the advice may be hard to hear, but if you’ve chosen your circle wisely then they will have your best interest at heart.

It’s a trying time. Let’s build each other up. Create positivity in your life. Do not let your mind trick you and pull you into a downward spiral that leaves you feeling like you’re drowning. We’ve got this. YOU’VE GOT THIS!