Release ✨

For as long as I can remember I woke with a tight chest and a racing heart when I knew that my day involved interacting with crowds. No matter how simple the task: running errands in town, or making a class presentation, my mind would switch to full on anxiety mode. Persons were often baffled when they learned that I suffer with anxiety. They would comment, “I would have never thought; you seem so confident about everything, and you seem fearless when it comes to public speaking.” I usually chuckle and nod because ironically, I love public speaking and interacting with persons. However, these activities are also the main triggers of my anxiety.

In university, my anxiety got so bad that it began to take a toll on my body and health. This led to numerous doctor appointments, scans, and blood tests to diagnose the root of my condition. It was alarmingly concluded that my anxiety was so severe that it significantly affected my organs. Typically, persons would say, “just breathe, relax yourself”, and they make it seem so simple.

I blamed the stress of university for exacerbating my anxiety until I realised that I was the one who controlled what I allowed to impact my mind and emotions. I recognised that after I completed university, my anxiety would be triggered by the weight of my career and thus, it would be a never-ending cycle. Throughout the years I’ve tried to manage it however, nothing ever seems to work. Even when I think I’m “relaxing”, my mind wanders to the very same things I try to relax from.

To persons suffering with anxiety, I understand it’s not easy living with it. Anxiety makes you doubt everything in your life. It is essentially a fear of the future and so we live in constant terror of failing, no matter how small the task. Whenever I find myself drowning in self-doubt and the overwhelming feeling of failure, I remember Jeremiah 29:11: “And I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” We should not be afraid to fail; no success story was built overnight or on the first try. Failures are essential parts of life. They help us to achieve the success we desire. So, instead of fearing failure, embrace it as another step towards success.

Also, as cliche as it may sound, we really do need to breathe, lol. Life can be overwhelming and we may become so engrossed with trying to stay on task 24/7 that we forget to take a moment to just release. Knowing when to take a break for our own mental and physical health is vital. Increasing the time we spend pampering ourselves, and catering to our overall wellbeing gives us the opportunity to take control of our mind before it takes control of us. So let‘s change our mindset together! ✨❤️

P.S If you truly believe that despite your best efforts your anxiety still remains uncontrollable then it is absolutely okay to seek professional help. Remember you are doing this for YOU, and visiting a professional may very well be the first step to healing. Rooting for you always ✨✊🏾