Dear Anxiety,

We're breaking up.

It's not me, it's you. I'm sure that this seems harsh, but hear me out. There's simply no place for you in my life anymore. The problem is that you're abusive, and when I say abusive, I mean destructive and selfish. I know you planned on spending every day of your life with me, preventing me from doing crazy things like being happy or living a full life; I know you love running your thoughts by me all day trying to convince me that my entire life is a lost cause, which I totally allowed.

The thing is, I'm not into it anymore. I just think we're moving in different directions. I don't mean to sound rude, but you're not going anywhere in life. I mean, really, how can you spend all day screaming into my ears that something is going to go wrong? Don't you have anything better to do? How is it possible that you are completely content keeping me isolated from everyone around me? I know, I know, you've seen me through some really tough times, but somehow it seems like they were all your fault. It's like you wanted me to fail all the time; you wanted me to think my friends hated me, to feel like I wasn't worth a decent relationship, to believe that my opportunities were actually potential disasters. You were the one who forced us to stay home when others were out adventuring; you were the one whispering about all the terrible possibilities when I made plans.

I tried, you have to admit that. I was the one seeking help for us, trying to find a way to coexist. I even tried meeting your friends, but it didn't take long for me to figure out that depression and loneliness just aren't my idea of a good time. Quite honestly, I'm just over you. Now, I realize that we're going to see each other from time to time, and I'm prepared for that. Though I may wish that you'd just disappear, I know that we inhabit the same mind; we share the same space, and there's no getting around that. Just know that when I see you around, I won't be giving you any attention. Honestly, I just don't care about what you have to say.

While I have your attention, I should also let you know that I'm grateful. The years we've spent together have been miserable at best, but I can say that they've also played a part in who I am today. You've helped me to learn a lot about myself. You allowed me to discover one of my passions: running. You forced me to find out what I can be, and what I can do. After years of your smothering, I've finally learned to fly.

Sincerely,

Shelby