ANXIETY: The Uninvited Guest (Who Refuses To Leave)
Sanity Optional
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Sanity Optional 〰️
“Anxiety is the dizziness of freedom.”
Anxiety? Don’t mind me, I’m just over hear freaking out. Sound familiar? Anxiety captivates the mind like a flurry of snowflakes, each one unique, delicate, and unpredictable. Just as no two snowflakes are alike, the experience of anxiety varies profoundly from person to person. It can creep in quietly, often when we least expect it, during challenging moments, when we find ourselves triggered, or while navigating the unknown. This complex emotion, though deeply personal, binds us in our shared struggles, revealing the intricate patterns of our mental landscape. Understanding anxiety is not just an exploration of discomfort; it's an invitation to uncover the hidden depths of our resilience and to navigate life's unpredictable terrain with grace.
It is far too easy to succumb to anxiety, allowing it to dictate our lives, yet the truth is that unlearning anxiety is within our grasp. This realization is empowering; it tells us that ‘sanity is an option!’ By choosing to step beyond fear, we open ourselves to a world where we don't just survive but thrive. You won't fall or fail; instead, you will find solace and clarity in your choices.
Letting go is a profound act of self-liberation. It urges us to cease sabotaging our potential and the joy of those we hold dear. It is time to embrace the courage to release what no longer serves us and to foster a life filled with purpose and peace. Let us embark on this transformative journey together, taking one step at a time toward a brighter, saner existence.
I know what you’re thinking, "It's easier said than done." But let's consider this: isn't everything easier to talk about than to actually do? Is it easy to wake up early in the cold to walk your dog before work or school? What about sticking to a gym routine? It didn’t start as a routine until you made it one. Remember that interview or presentation you prepared for? The hard work paid off when you received applause.
Facing discomfort requires effort. The issue isn't about whether you can try; we all can, as our minds are capable of so much. The real problem is emotional anxiety linked to our beliefs. Have we set up a barrier that stops us from believing we can excel at something new? Where does the belief that we aren't good enough come from? In today's world, with the help of the internet and AI, we have the resources to succeed at anything. Sayonara anxiety!
To effectively conquer your anxiety, it’s essential to invest time and effort. Transformations don’t need to occur in one sweeping motion. Rather than succumbing to feelings of overwhelm, concentrate on taking small, manageable steps toward your aspirations. Whether your anxiety stems from academic pressures, professional demands, body image concerns, life ambitions, or relationships, they all center around a pivotal element: YOU! Fortify your mind and cultivate resilience to navigate these challenges with confidence and grace.
ignore the negative voice
What you're experiencing may feel like an overwhelming burden of anxiety. Find solace in the fact that every soul on this planet faces stress in various ways. You might feel like you cannot handle your stress, but trust the process; someone else's situation may be more challenging than yours. Take a moment to breathe and resist the urge to succumb to the relentless narrative from that voice in your head. You can break free from a reality that doesn’t truly exist. The cage is only in your mind.
Once you realize that your thoughts are incredibly powerful, you can transform them. Affirm that you will be okay. There is no prized trophy for being free of stress—take your time, be gentle with yourself, and practice the art of avoiding self-sabotaging thoughts. Regardless of your/their truth in reality, you deserve better. Use the limited time you have in this life to maximize your potential. Do not grant your mind permission to dwell on negativity or to matters that cannot uplift you. Life may throw challenges your way, but remember, you have the power to rise above them! You are the force that matters most. You yourself ARE the prized trophy; that is if you allow it.
Embrace in Known Activities to Overcome Anxiety:
In the heat of the moment, take a moment to exhale, then draw in a deep breath and remind yourself that it’s just you versus yourself. Encourage yourself to push through and engage in an activity that brings you joy. Whether it’s cleaning, baking, gardening, hitting the gym, going for a run, meditating, taking a walk, or enjoying a hot bath or cold shower, the key is to redirect your energy toward a new focus and a different vibration. Even if you’re holding on by just one percent, keep pushing forward. Once you complete the task, you will likely look back and see it as a mini triumph. Interestingly, one mini triumph will lead to another and another, until you realize you have gained control over your mind and body. Never underestimate the power of that little push; it can take you further than you ever imagined.
Embrace New Activities to Overcome Anxiety:
Much like an activity you already enjoy, consider pursuing something you've never tried but have always wanted to. It doesn't need to be a large endeavor; even a small project can make a difference.
If you've never baked, give it a try—**BAKE!**
If cooking is new to you, why not **COOK!**
If you've yet to learn how to ride a bike, now is the perfect time to start.
Our bodies often become very comfortable with socially learned behaviors that we repeat until they become second nature. One effective way to unlearn these ingrained habits is to confront our anxieties and work through them in a self-aware and supportive environment.
For instance, I always dreamed of planting tomatoes in a small planter on my balcony, but my fear of the unknown held me back for years. Eventually, we moved into a house with nine beautiful garden beds. While I initially considered renovating and removing the garden entirely, I decided to face my fears and try gardening instead.
During a challenging period with my health, I shifted my focus to gardening and learned to navigate my anxiety amid the uncertainties. It was tough, and I had countless questions, but I persevered.
Today, just a couple of years later, I proudly open a fresh farmers’ market each summer, and many residents in our community purchase organic produce from me. One summer, I harvested an impressive 2,000 perfectly round, bright red tomatoes!
Now, imagine if I had chosen to remain stagnant, simply sitting with my anxieties instead of taking that small leap. Next time you are anxious, take your small leap!
Embrace A New Friend Who Doesn’t Share the same Anxiety:
As unusual as it may seem, seek out a friend or someone you can spend more time with—whether through work, volunteering, or social gatherings—who exudes confidence and does not experience the same anxieties as you. As you spend more time together, what was once unfamiliar will start to feel familiar, and what was familiar now becomes unfamiliar and you will emerge as a stronger individual. The people you surround yourself with matter.
When you're feeling down, it's beneficial to share your struggles with someone who can uplift you with kindness and support, like a mentor you admire. Conversely, confiding in someone who has previously displayed impatience with your challenges may only add to your burdens. Be mindful of whom you choose to share your thoughts with; select those who can serve as your guiding light.
Always remember, the choice is yours, and your heart always has your best interests at heart.
Embracing this journey means confronting the fears and doubts that have lingered in the shadows for too long. It requires patience, self-compassion, and the willingness to step into the unknown. Along the way, you'll discover new strengths and insights that were hidden beneath layers of apprehension. Each small victory becomes a stepping stone, leading you closer to a life filled with peace and confidence. Remember, the journey is as important as the destination, and every step forward is a testament to your resilience and courage.
“The cost of freedom, is the journey itself.
- Aneela K.”
Still on the Journey Called Life,
Aneela K.