Anxiety

What if we look at anxiety differently, more as a friend than a foe?

What if we step back and recognize that anxiety is simply something we’re experiencing but not who we are, that it can actually be a gift if we treat it as such?

What if we take it for what it is — just as a surge of pent up energy desperate for release and instead of trying to tame it we allow it to have its place?

What if we recognize that it's often misunderstood and that we can use it to achieve our greatest desires if we begin channeling that rampant energy towards things that bring about more experiences that we want in our lives, things like gratitude, exercise, or anything else that would leave us better off on the other side should we choose things and feelings that bring us joy over worry or defeat?

How would our lives change if we took these types of approaches to it? Maybe we could find ourselves more in control as co-creators with this misunderstood friend rather than victims, paralyzed by what we THINK we can’t understand. Maybe we can find comfort in its familiarity — a constant in a world of change while we use it to make the change we so deeply crave.

There’s definitely another aspect of anxiety to consider. It isn’t only a rush of energy pin-balling within our chests, but it can often appear as a villain wreaking havoc in our minds.

Anxiety amplifies whatever we’re feeling at its moment of conception. When we’re in a good place mentally and emotionally, we often call it excitement. When we’re in that dark place, we fail to recognize it for what it is — energy — like everything else. It just depends on how you choose to view it. Even villains serve their purpose in making us stronger, so if a villain is what you need to push forward, by all means, proceed! However, we can all really benefit from taking a step back, sitting with our anxiety and examining it. Again, by not trying to tame it, we can watch its flow with every thought that passes and if we’re mindful enough, we can begin to see the inner workings of our minds — the deep beliefs that often limit us and keep us right where we are in our lives. Watching each thought, if done without judgement of the self, can be the first and one of the most critical steps to healing.

What thoughts berate you?

Why are those thoughts in your mind?

Is there a need for forgiveness in your life, and if so, is it yourself that needs forgiveness or is it someone else?

Anxiety brings these things to light and only once we welcome them into the light can we begin the healing process. When we choose to see anxiety as a friend we can become open to its benefits and the opportunities for growth that it offers us. Instead of getting lost in it, we can find ourselves in it. If we get acquainted with it enough, it just may be the best friend we could ever have.

What are your thoughts? I’d love to hear from you in the comments section below!