It took me a long time to be okay with this statement. I am a lifelong perfectionist, and also a sufferer of anxiety, which makes for a hell of a combination.
In all reality the combination is not so uncommon. People who deal with anxiety are often perfectionists and frequently deal with the combined frustration of never feeling like what you did was good enough. So then you end up just stopping, instead of powering through and accepting that progress is good. Progress is important and meaningful and is the only thing that will get us to our goals. Rough draft are rough for a reason. Some polish, some practice, some mileage. That’s all I need.
Today is World Mental Health Day and I want to use this opportunity to encourage any of you who are considering seeing a therapist or pursuing medical treatment for your mind to… DO IT. I started at 33 and though I will always be a work in progress, I am proof positive that you can begin anywhere, anytime, and it’s never too late.
I was afraid, worried what people would think of me, worried the stigma would follow me everywhere. I thought a therapist could never understand me. Hell, I’d gone three decades feeling that way — why would I think anything different?
I was concerned about the possible side effects from medication. I was worried I’d lose my mind. I didn’t realize that the only way I’d lose it was if I didn’t decide to take control.
If you have questions about finding a therapist that works with your schedule, insurance, needs, fears, etc… please reach out. Everyone needs a safe space for their mind to heal and grow. Use today to take that first step.
💙
Something I’ve learned from meditation and stillness is that it will get interrupted. The key is acknowledging and letting go. Accepting and then giving up. It’s the holding on that hurts.
Anticipation and conversely, regret, both cause so much more consternation than the event to which they’re related. The next time you’re riddled with anxiety, step back, close your eyes, and release.
Something I’ve learned from meditation and stillness is that it will get interrupted. The key is acknowledging and letting go. Accepting and then giving up. It’s the holding on that hurts.
Anticipation and conversely, regret, both cause so much more consternation than the event to which they’re related. The next time you’re riddled with anxiety, step back, close your eyes, and release.
I’ve turned a little corner and I owe it to this attitude. For some reason, I am greatly affected by the emotions around me. I’m like a little sponge and I soak up whatever energy is in the room. It causes a lot of frustration when I then can’t as easily get out of that feeling.
But the silver lining is — it is all up to me! My shine is mine and no one else’s! It’s a light whose power I wield, and its dimmer is in my control. Turning to it to 11, today, people. I’m choosing shine.
Don’t squint in the glare, just return the glow! 😎
I’ve been scared of it all — waking up, going to sleep, going to work, going to school, hanging out with friends. It’s just what anxiety does.
After 30+ years of fighting my own brain I decided enough was enough. I said yes to myself and yes to treatment. I started saying yes to my friends and yes to work. I even said yes to school again! And I got so much in return. I got strength, skills I never would have had, and satisfaction that I DID IT.
It took learning that what happens if I don’t is far worse than what could potentially happen if I do. It’s something you have to experience yourself or you won’t believe me.