thoughts on kindness:

Here's the thing: I can write another post on what's been working for me / what has helped me pull through moments of fear or anxiety. Or I can steer off into another direction.

Truth: While the things I wrote about before (see post 1 & 2) do help, they are my go-to's for calming, breathing, and relaxing myself after an episode (of anxiety) that has sent my body into a tailspin.

But what about inside of the actual moment? The fear, the panic, the racing heart, the indecision, the 'am I going crazy', the 'something's not right' moments.

However you got to that moment - doesn't matter for now. Inside of that moment all that you need is to feel safe.

Where is the place you feel most secure? For me, it's my bedroom - in my comfy clothes and under my covers.

I try to focus on my breath. Normally it's really rapid so I spell out a word in my head and breathe through every letter.

My words:

C~A~L~M  *  W~H~O~L~E  *  L~O~V~E

I need close to 15 minutes of total quiet to completely focus on my words & my breathing. This means letting go of what needs to be done, leaving everything as it is, and getting to my place of comfort.

I've learned that letting go is such an essential part of healing. You have to sort of surrender to everything and give into that moment - give into yourself - so that you can begin your healing.

The past has happened - the future has yet to happen - but this moment, the present: it's happening right now. Anxiety thrives on re-hashing the past or thinking about the future. 

I have to stay in the right here and now, because that's all there is really.

It's been close to two months since I found out that I was experiencing symptoms of anxiety, and in that time I've done a LOT of reading & research on the subject.

~It takes courage to accept what is happening to you.

~It takes courage to let go and allow yourself the space and time to self-love your way back to a calmer place.

~You are so NOT alone. 

~This moment will pass. I promise.

~You are brave, beautiful, and strong. These things are true. But you are also capable of feeling fragile and sensitive. That's totally normal and part of being human. We're wired that way. 

~You will make it through this. 

Happy weekend peeps. We can keep the conversation going in the comments if you'd like :)

Comments

[Amy]

Love that you find the space you need and spell your words, I'm going to try this and suggest to clients. Much love, Amy

P.S. How did you come up with your words?

[Bella]

Hi Amy ~~
Thanks for visiting & taking the time to read through...
Hmmm. Well, the words just sort of came to me when I asked
myself what do I really need right now? How do I want to feel?
Calm was 1st.
Whole was 2nd.. because inside of my anxiety I feel scattered, almost like I can't focus on a single thing.
Loved because I tend to isolate and keep quiet about what I'm going through. And while I know that I am loved - inside of those moments I ask to feel loved. If that makes sense..!
Relaxing music helps me too

[deb taylor]

important, honest,timely, amazing, powerful message here.
Thank you.