Today I want to talk freedom from anxiety. Recently I heard it said that we spend the majority of our time worrying about what isn’t even happening. We are afraid of what might happen, and we are afraid of what we have done and therefore some consequence that is possible.
This is really sad because as we worry about past and future, we miss out on the present. As we worry about what hasn’t happened yet, we take some of the joy that is available to us right now, today.
I have struggled with anxiety too, and most of society these days would fall into this category. I believe that some of anxiety is a chemical thing. As a counselor I work with people who have extreme anxiety and symptoms and worries that do not make logical sense. There is still overriding that can be done to rewire the brain, and medicine can be helpful too. There are also many of us who just do not believe in ourselves, causing anxiety around performance in life.
I am going to say that again because this is so relevant and common, I don’t want you to miss it. There are so many of us who do not believe in ourselves.
If you truly believe in yourself -- so many fears would disappear.
So what if they think your kids don’t behave properly? What if they don’t like what you wear? What if they don’t agree with your opinion or stance on that subject? Why does it matter whether or not they’re doing what you’re doing? When you believe in you, you know what you want, you make adjustments as needed, you keep learning and growing. AND you don’t get as hurt by others and you don’t have anxiety for fear of disapproval or not being accepted.
You are confident in who you are. You are confident in the person you were made to be. This doesn’t mean you don’t care about others, it does mean that what others think about you does not alter what you think about you. Don’t allow others to determine your worth, your value.
We all want to be loved. We all are made for relationship and community. We are best able to serve, encourage and be a healthy part of community when we love ourselves and are confident in who we are.
There are some great cognitive behavioral exercises that can assist you in dealing with specific anxieties. This may be part of your life, yet it doesn’t have to be your identity. Learn skills, grow, and don’t let anxiety limit you from being the person you were created to be!
(My book How to Manage all my tangled emotions, addresses and provides tools to handle anxiety click here to purchase on Amazon)
Truth Section
“One day, I will say I did it.” -Meda Hughes
“Your only limit is you.” -Anonymous
“You alone are enough. You have nothing to prove to anyone.”
“And now, after everything, I know this: There is a reason I am here, and that reason is bigger than me. So I will carry on with great faith beyond what I can see, in pursuit of bold courage on the adventure of the journey.” -Morgan Harper Nichols
“Doubt kills more dreams than failure ever will.” -Anonymous
My life is not perfect, but I am thankful for everything that I have.
“Don’t be pushed around by the fears in your mind. Be led by the dreams in your heart.” -Roy T. Bennett
“Cling to Joy: audacious and unbridled joy, that looks for light in everything, even in your waiting.” -Morgan Harper Nichools
“Don’t be afraid to start over. It’s a chance to build something better this time.” Hplyrikz.com
“A grateful heart is a magnet for miracles.” -Anonymous
“It’s ok if they don’t like you. Not everyone has good taste.” -Anonymous
“Push harder than yesterday if you want a different tomorrow.” -Anonymous
“Grow positive thoughts.” -Anonymous
“Dare to be remarkable.”
“The difficult I’ll do right now. The impossible will take a little while.” -Billy Holiday
“I never lose. I either win or learn.” -Nelson Mandela
“The biggest mistake you could ever make is being too afraid to make one.” -Anonymous