Anxiety is strange, you know? One minute you're fine, and the next minute it feels like your head is stuck in a fish bowl and everything is muffled.

With an analogy that strange, you're probably thinking, "how could someone actually be thankful for something so weird?" Stick with me though.

Anything can trigger anxiety. A memory, a huge test, the thought of work in a few hours, or just this crazy life we live in general can get those anxious feelings started. The little things are the ones that your anxiety likes to make a big deal. These things are like clouds that hover over you and seem to reach out and grab you and consume you whenever they feel like it. Again, you're probably thinking, "how could someone be thankful for that?" Well here is my reasoning behind it.

Anxiety has taught me several life lessons.

1. It is OK to cry.

It is OK to let out the emotions that are taking over your body. If anyone has ever told you that crying is a sign of weakness, and you shouldn't do it, well, they're an idiot. It is OK to cry. It is OK to throw a pillow against the wall and scream when you need to. Crying is sometimes a sign of being too strong for too long. Let yourself be vulnerable. Crying does not make you weak.

2. The people who truly love you will be there no matter what.

When dealing with anxiety, sometimes you may feel like you are making your problems other people's problems. When someone truly cares, they will understand. When your head gets stuck in that fish bowl, they will be there to hold your hand, not pass judgment. You don't need the "it is all in your head" people in your life.

3. Self-compassion and compassion for others is so important.

Anxiety has taught me to have self-compassion. I am who I am, anxiety and all, and I have to be OK with that. I have to love myself for what I am. Anxiety has also taught me to have more compassion for others. I mask my issues, so how do I know others aren't hurting? Anxiety has taught me to offer a smile and a "how are you?" to the strangers I pass. It has taught me how prevalent anxiety is in our society. You never know what someone is going through.

4. Anxiety has helped me grow as a person.

Anxiety has shown me that it is OK to worry, have doubts, or need help. We all experience that, anxiety or not. Sure, anxiety has struggles and there are days people would love to just wish it away. But in truth, anxiety doesn't define who I am. It is just a piece of my puzzle.