Dear anxiety,

You are the reason why riding the train by myself is uncomfortable without earbuds. You are the reason I can’t work a normal day shift. You are the reason that I’ve chose to go the complete opposite way I need to go, just to avoid that one person. You are the reason I can’t get out of bed on my days off unless I’m going to see Andrew. You’re the reason why I binge on whatever is on television instead of getting up early to do something. You are the reason I am too nauseous to eat sometimes. You are the reason why adulting is an incredibly difficult feat to keep up with.

But what you didn’t realize Anxiety, is I started to fight back. Last year I went on tinder for the first time. I met Andrew as a result of stepping outside of the box, you, anxiety, created for me. I took a job working second shift, and I distracted you, Anxiety, by feeding you ice cream and Starbucks. I went on a date after a twelve hour night shift because I knew you’d be sleeping anxiety. While you were sleeping, I fell in love. Anxiety, you tried to steal my life away from me, but then I had to start fighting back, and so far, it’s worked in my favor. So Anxiety, yes you are always a dear part of me, but if it weren’t for me deciding to distract you, I would be the girl with the bald spot and the massive scar. Now, I’m the girl with the bald spot, a lovely scar, a kind loving boyfriend, and I spend my time working in a high stress job. So thank you anxiety for trying to keep me safe, but it was time we tried new things.