The Positive Fight Against Anxiety

I come by my anxiety naturally - I inherited it from my father.  I've had it my entire life, and it's part of who I am.  I worry about everything - big or small.  I worry about things that have happened, things that might happen, and things that will NEVER happen.  

It's a part of my personality that I really despise.  My life is GOOD.  I have nothing to complain about, and the constant anxiety makes me feel like a very weak person sometimes.  I want to be strong.

In the past six months my anxiety has been more persistent.  My doctor thinks it's probably hormonal, related to the start of perimenopause, and she has put me on a great combo of vitamins that has helped quite a bit. 

But I knew that I needed to DO more.  I was becoming anxious about my anxiety.  One day my husband asked me if I was happy.  I gave it some thought, and I realized that I AM happy - but my anxiety was stopping me from enjoying my happiness.  Does that even make sense?  It did to me, and I told myself enough is enough.  

The next day I started blogging. 

Blogging has been the jumping off point to taking control of my anxiety.  Not only is writing very therapeutic, it has led me to other wonderful bloggers who have given me inspiration, helpful advice, and concrete suggestions that help me chip away at my worries.

I strongly believe in the power of positive thinking.  Somewhere along this journey of my life I had forgotten that.  I was letting the negative thoughts and worries overtake who I am and steal my happy.

Slowly, day by day, I have been beating back the anxiety.  Some days are more successful than others.  This is what I've discovered....

--I start off my mornings with five minutes of meditation.  In the beginning it was only one minute - that was all I could do.  Mornings are my most anxious time, and this helps me face the day on the right note.  I focus on my breathing and push all other thoughts aside.  My goal is to work up to fifteen minutes.

--Keeping a gratitude journal reminds me every day of the good things in my life - and there are many.

--Positive reading is key for me.  I keep a list of inspirational quotes, prayers and sayings on my computer, and I look through them at least once a day.  Right now I'm also reading Let's All Be Brave by Annie Downs.  I'm only a few chapters in, but so far I like what she has to say.

--I've increased the amount of time I devote to volunteer work, and I've added some new activities.  It's impossible to worry about yourself when you're helping others.

--Exercise, exercise, exercise.  Every day - even if it's just a walk around the neighborhood.

--When all else fails, and I find myself getting anxious, I tell myself to STOP.  I say that word, out loud. Unless I'm in public, then I say it in my head - I don't want to scare anybody :).  It's surprisingly effective.

I'm waging a war against my anxiety, but it's a positive fight.  I know it will be a lifetime battle.  But life is good, and I am happy and strong, and I will WIN.