Befriending Anxiety

“When we learn how to harness the wisdom of anxiety, the richness and messages contained in the unconscious can inform and expand our lives”
- Sheryl Paul

As someone who’s struggled with varying levels of anxiety over the years, this book has been incredibly eye opening!

Some thoughts that’ve come up as I’ve been reading -

When it comes to emotions, we’re taught to either
1. Supress - don’t even show it
2. Do anything possible to fix the “issue” - medications, supplements, etc.

If there’s a physical explanation for the anxiety, i.e. a thyroid disorder, then meds/supplements are helpful. When this isn’t this case though, bandaiding creates a false sense of resolve.

In order for true healing to occur, the emotions must be faced head on. This involves getting quiet & getting curious.

To lean in + better understand the feels, some questions to ask -

• When did I first experience this emotion?

• Is there something I’m believing to be true that might actually just be a story I’ve created?

• Is this emotion trying to bring attention to a deeper layer needing to be addressed?

• What purpose has holding onto this emotion served?

  Diving into your inner thoughts + feels isn’t always comfy, I know first hand!

Befriending emotions perceived as unpleasant can also feel a bit uncomfy/awkward because it’s not the typical mindset we have about them; however, the relief that comes from a shift in thinking is well worth the step outside the comfort zone.

As Glennon Doyle would say, we can do hard things!