Anxiety is something that hits so many people in this day and age. Whether or not you are formally diagnosed with the disorder or just have bouts of anxiety during stressful situations, we've all had those moments of absolute terror.

I'm talking nail-biting, fetal position, freaking out, and a million feelings at once kind of terror. It's not a pleasant feeling. It's one of the worst feelings in the world, to be honest.

For me, anxiety is an everyday occurrence. I was diagnosed with social anxiety as well as generalized anxiety when I was in elementary school. It was pretty bad then, but as I've gotten older, it's gotten a lot worse. However, after a while, I came to the realization that I was letting it control me and I was missing a lot of opportunities.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying you can just decide not to have anxiety anymore. That's not how it works. It doesn't go away. Even with medication or therapy. It can get better, but it's not exactly something you can cure.

I don't know why, but one day I woke up and I was extremely angry at myself. I'd scared myself out of auditioning for a play that I would have had a blast being in and I was furious. I yelled at myself and repeatedly informed myself that I was an idiot. That was when I really accepted that something needed to change.

I mean, there I was, berating myself for something that was not entirely my fault. Anxiety is the equivalent of having a little person on your shoulder whispering into your ear every possible way that something in your life could go wrong. Are you thinking of talking to that cute guy in your English class? Well, anxiety is here to let you know of six dozen possible ways that can go, all of which end in humiliation and/or changing your name and moving to Canada.

I remember that day. I took a deep breath and told myself that it didn't matter. I was okay. I decided then and there that I was in charge of my life, not my anxiety. I submitted my poetry and short stories for my college's literary magazine. I took classes that I was both nervous and excited about. I started living the life I had always wanted to live, but was always too scared to.

I chose me. And now I'm happier than I've ever been. I have amazing friends, a supportive boyfriend, and a great job working for The Odyssey. I finally feel like I'm where I'm supposed to be.

So this is for everyone who has ever felt their anxiety take control. Take it back. Love yourself and be confident in your abilities. Trust your instincts. Don't let that little voice in the back of your head make you doubt yourself.

You deserve the world. And you are in control. I believe in you.

And you should too.