It's amazing how our brains can hijack our thoughts and send them on a anxiety roller coaster ride. Even when we know and have the tools, what you described can and does happen. Conscious breathing helps, which most of us know and practice, but often forget in the moment. Gratitude does as well. Thanks for the reminder of how potent a practice it is.
Paulette, Thank you for your compassionate response. It is amazing to me as well. I've realized it's best to accept anxious moments when they arise without judging myself. Conscious breathing helps me, too. Thanks for mentioning how helpful it can be. As you point out, sometimes when the big wave comes, we forget we can swim. But as soon as we remember, we can get back to it.
Hello Sandra. Long time no see! I am enjoying exploring your Substack. I can't say I am usually anxious in the ways you describe. If ever I am I veer towards paralysis and periods of deliberately distracting myself. But what I wanted to say in response to your post is that I can see that what you write will be resonating with lots of people and I really hope it helps them navigate the challenges. I have only just started on Substack, so still learning how these things work.
Hello Dominique, Nice to see you. I'm happy to hear you're enjoying exploring my Substack. I'm fortunate that the anxiety I experience is situational and not an everyday response. Paralysis and distraction present their own challenges and I wish you very best in managing those tendencies. We all have some challenge to face, it seems. Good luck with your writing journey on Substack. All the best to you.
Hey, Sandra, I am so glad you were able to fix the car even though it was expensive. I have had vertigo for 5 months now and my doctor appointment is on this Friday. When I get really anxious and think that this is never going away, I remember all of the horrible things people are going through and am grateful that I am able to eat good food, have a warm house to live in and a sweet neighborhood of friends, as well as a sweet husband. I also remember the times that things could have happened to me but didn't, so I am able to put things in perspective doing those things. We are all works in progress, aren't we? :) Sending love! <3
Jean, You have many beautiful aspects to your life. I'm glad you remember them when you feel anxious, as well as the sufferings of others. I'm glad it helps. Vertigo is a tough challenge. I'm so sorry you are dealing with it.
hey Sandra...I can sooooo relate..how quickly the anxiety can ramp itself up...it`s like a body invasion.. take over...like a switch turnin ON with no OFF switch.....I think if you have been exposed to a lot of STRESSORS ... it`s like a button is activated.....it`s a familiar path for those feelings to follow in the brain ...but kuddo`s to you..for finding a way to derail them !!! ( but it`s good you were also concerned for your safety & the environment... ) I`ve used GRATITUDE whenever I`m feeling less than thoughts .... pulls me out instantly...yes !!!
Brenda, That's it. The anxiety feels so overpowering. I can relate to what you said, too. Thanks for sharing your personal experience. It's inspiring to know that gratitude can instantly pull you out!
It's amazing how our brains can hijack our thoughts and send them on a anxiety roller coaster ride. Even when we know and have the tools, what you described can and does happen. Conscious breathing helps, which most of us know and practice, but often forget in the moment. Gratitude does as well. Thanks for the reminder of how potent a practice it is.
Paulette, Thank you for your compassionate response. It is amazing to me as well. I've realized it's best to accept anxious moments when they arise without judging myself. Conscious breathing helps me, too. Thanks for mentioning how helpful it can be. As you point out, sometimes when the big wave comes, we forget we can swim. But as soon as we remember, we can get back to it.
Oh I like that, "when the big wave comes, we forget we can swim." That's so true.
Thank you! It’s fun to turn a good phrase!
You do a lovely job. I look forward to reading more of your work.
Hello Sandra. Long time no see! I am enjoying exploring your Substack. I can't say I am usually anxious in the ways you describe. If ever I am I veer towards paralysis and periods of deliberately distracting myself. But what I wanted to say in response to your post is that I can see that what you write will be resonating with lots of people and I really hope it helps them navigate the challenges. I have only just started on Substack, so still learning how these things work.
Hello Dominique, Nice to see you. I'm happy to hear you're enjoying exploring my Substack. I'm fortunate that the anxiety I experience is situational and not an everyday response. Paralysis and distraction present their own challenges and I wish you very best in managing those tendencies. We all have some challenge to face, it seems. Good luck with your writing journey on Substack. All the best to you.
Hey, Sandra, I am so glad you were able to fix the car even though it was expensive. I have had vertigo for 5 months now and my doctor appointment is on this Friday. When I get really anxious and think that this is never going away, I remember all of the horrible things people are going through and am grateful that I am able to eat good food, have a warm house to live in and a sweet neighborhood of friends, as well as a sweet husband. I also remember the times that things could have happened to me but didn't, so I am able to put things in perspective doing those things. We are all works in progress, aren't we? :) Sending love! <3
Jean, You have many beautiful aspects to your life. I'm glad you remember them when you feel anxious, as well as the sufferings of others. I'm glad it helps. Vertigo is a tough challenge. I'm so sorry you are dealing with it.
hey Sandra...I can sooooo relate..how quickly the anxiety can ramp itself up...it`s like a body invasion.. take over...like a switch turnin ON with no OFF switch.....I think if you have been exposed to a lot of STRESSORS ... it`s like a button is activated.....it`s a familiar path for those feelings to follow in the brain ...but kuddo`s to you..for finding a way to derail them !!! ( but it`s good you were also concerned for your safety & the environment... ) I`ve used GRATITUDE whenever I`m feeling less than thoughts .... pulls me out instantly...yes !!!
Brenda, That's it. The anxiety feels so overpowering. I can relate to what you said, too. Thanks for sharing your personal experience. It's inspiring to know that gratitude can instantly pull you out!