Have you noticed worry gets smaller and more manageable with time and perspective?
I struggle with Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Sometimes it's difficult to manage and I have to be consistent with my self-care.
The past couple days I've noticed heightened senses of worry and fear. I've been anxious and irritable when I'm awake and having uncomfortable and sometimes scary dreams at night.
So, I took a quick scan of the past couple weeks and how I spent my time last weekend. In doing so, it became pretty clear to me that I haven't been making down time, exercise, or diet a priority.
(Yes - we have to make DOWN TIME a priority. Believe me, it makes me uncomfortable too. I encourage you to sit in that discomfort because it is necessary to zone out sometimes.)
The reading in the image is from One Day at a Time within the Al Anon daily reading literature. I've been attending an all-women virtual Al Anon meeting since the end of last year. My family has a history of drug and alcohol addiction. It was perfect timing when a friend invited me to pop into a meeting and see if it's something I'd find helpful.
Being part of this incredible group of women has created a significant shift in my life. Al Anon is not about "fixing" the addicted family member or friend in your life. It is about personal growth and supporting others in the group through your shared experiences. (I encourage you to learn more at al-anon.org.)
Daily readings, like the one in the picture, help me get grounded for the day ahead. I can usually find something in my life to connect with each topic. I thought of one Fearlessly Authentic client in particular this morning so I decided to reach out to her.
Here is what I sent:
"This was the reading today from Al Anon’s “One Day at a Time” book. I instantly thought of you. I’m struggling this week with worry and anxiety too. We have to try to not let worry consume us. We are doing this work for the greater good. We have to keep our hearts and minds focused on our goals and not let fears, anxieties, insecurities, and self-doubt get in the way. You know what you want and why you want it. Don’t let your concern of what others may or may not think of you get in the way of that. We have to let it go. Live and let live. "
How do you overcome worry...? Mediation? Prayer? Distraction?
There are so many techniques. I encourage you to find one that works for you. Worry takes up useful energy. Energy that can be much better spent elsewhere.
Take a scan of your life lately. Are there activities or thoughts you've been doing more or less of that may be throwing you off balance? Balance isn't something you achieve and then never have to think about again. A tightrope walker would fall every time if they didn't keep working at it.
It takes awareness, practice, and consistency to keep our life in balance. Let's all work to keep worry out of the picture so we have more space for healthier, more joyful, and productive energy.