Anxiety is a hidden enemy. It is the thoughts that keep you awake at night: "Did I speak enough in class?" "Did my friends really enjoy sitting with me at lunch?" Well, I've decided enough is enough! I have had enough of being afraid! I have had enough of letting opportunity pass me by time and time again! This article is to encourage you to go out and make the best of your day, using me as an example.
It is OK to admit you're frightened.
This tip has helped me more than I care to admit. I had always told myself that letting others know I'm afraid would equal being weak. What I had to realize is that the opposite is what holds true; admitting that I'm scared is one of the bravest things I can do.
Don't let your fear leave you with "What ifs?"
Sadly, I've let some opportunities pass me by that I would have loved, but I let my fear overrule my wanting, leaving me with the inevitable, "What if?" "What if I had gone?" "What if I would have had an amazing time?" "What memories did I miss out on making by staying back?" One time I went on a delegation across seven countries, France being one. We got tickets to go onto the Eiffel Tower, a place some only dream of visiting. I made it to the first landing no problem, but then came the second landing before we went to the top, and I found my feet glued to the floor. I was paralyzed. Long story short, by the time my panic attack had subsided we didn't have time to go to the top, and I was left to hear the stories from those of the delegation who did. Not one of my proudest moments.
Take pride in the little things.
What a lot of people tend to forget is that not every stepping stone has to be a giant leap forward; it could only be a single step. Once again with the Eiffel Tower, was I disappointed with myself for not making it to the top? Yes, but I did make it to the second landing, which was farther than I wanted to venture in the first place. The smaller things lead you to your next milestone and then you LEVEL UP!
It is OK to backtrack. DON'T PUNISH YOURSELF!
This is the most important tip that I tell myself every single day. You don't want to exhaust yourself by continually pushing yourself farther and farther away from your comfort zone. It you reach a point where you cannot move ahead, then go back a bit. The saying, "two steps forward and one step back" comes to mind, but just think that in the end you will make it to your destination. Also, DO NOT punish yourself for needing a break or retracting a bit! It is normal and should honestly be expected. If you, on your journey to a healthy anxiety-free life, feel no need to step back, then plow on my friend! Just remember that not everyone can.
Give yourself time.
You, most likely, will not get better at the snap of your fingers. This isn't Mary Poppins but the real world. Everyone is the setter of their own pace, no one else. Will there be people ready to push you? Probably. Will they perhaps, push you too far? It is possible, but you have to remind them that it is you who is trying to better yourself, and that while you appreciate their effort, sometimes boundaries need to be set. This is a process and it moves along differently with each individual.
Realize you can live your life to the fullest.
Keep these tips in mind and you're sure to go far. I've seen myself blossom into the person I've always wanted to be but was too frightened to open my mouth and speak. Do I still have bad days? Yes. Am I still on medication? Yes. Yet, what I must remind myself, is that one day if I keep at it, I will be rid of my anxiety and be happy in what I've accomplished.
