Top Ten Reasons I Hate Anxiety
Top Ten Reasons Why I Hate Anxiety:
I'm always tense. Why can't I just chill out???? C'mon, most of the stuff I'm worried about isn't that serious.
It makes me forgetful. When a bunch of STUPID thoughts takes up residence in your brain, there's hardly any room to remember to turn in your kids permission slip.
I grind my teeth. This sets off a nasty chain of events: Grinding -> Jaw Pain -> Headaches ->Neck Pain -> Shoulder Pain -> I can't turn my head all the way ->I look weird when I try look left or right
Turns me into a rage monster. WHY AM I YELLING AT EVERYBODY? MAYBE IT'S BECAUSE I'M ANXIOUS AND HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE FACT THAT YOU LEFT THE TOILET SEAT UP!!!
Sweating. No, this sweat mustache isn't a fashion statement. It's my body trying everything within it's power to get me out of this social situation.
It prevents me from sleeping. Because 3 am is the perfect time to obsess about whether or not the story I told my friend made me sound funny or bitchy. Let's ponder this some more.
I can never follow the advice of any cliches. Seize the day! Live in the moment! Enjoy them while they're small, they grow up so fast! Don't worry, be happy! Don't sweat the small stuff! Life is too short! Don't make a mountain out of a molehill!
I'm never the life of the party. The combination of social anxiety + self criticism + sweat mustache = wallflower
It makes it hard to get stuff done. (Sitting at the computer, trying to write this list, worried that it is stupid, no one will read it, people will think I'm crazy, what am I doing with my life? do I have an appointment today? am I doing everything I can for my kids? Wait, what??? back to the list....)
It sucks the joy, laughter, bravery and tenderness out of moments that I know I can never get back.
Top Ten Reasons Why My Anxiety Doesn't Define me
I am one of millions of people who suffer from anxiety.
I have been chipping away at it for the many years that I have been in therapy and will continue to chip away until it is just a small remnant.
Sometimes my obsessive tendencies help me get stuff done, like clean and organize my house.
My experiences with anxiety help me be a better therapist to my clients because I truly, deeply understand how they feel and know firsthand what it takes to overcome anxiety.
My willingness to be open about my struggles with friends and family have in turn led them to feel safe opening up with me. I have a community of anxious people who get it.
I have to work extra hard at self care in order keep my anxiety under control and this has lead to amazing experiences and moments of happiness and self fulfillment.
My anxiety has helped me develop a sharp, analytical and humorous personality and viewpoint about life.
The opposite of anxiety for me isn't relaxation, it's confidence in myself and others. When I take another step to overcome anxiety, I add another layer of confidence and belief that I worked very hard to develop.
My anxiety motivates me to be the best, most successful person I can be.
Yes, I am anxious. But more than that I am smart, kind, loving, funny and loyal. I think the good outweighs the bad, don't you?