I suffered with crippling anxiety for years. Many of them undiagnosed. By the time I realised I had an actual health issue and I wasn’t ‘just’ stressed, pathetic and unable to cope ”like other people” I was having panic attacks daily. Often several times a day.
I was on several kinds of medication which at best made me numb and able to go through the motions of being a ‘normal’ functioning person. That I took a whole lot of these meds when I attempted suicide speaks volumes about how ineffective they were for me.
I was considered at high risk and in urgent need of counselling but a year after my suicide attempt I was still on a wait list to see someone as demand was so high.
Eventually my doctor agreed to send me to CBT which helped more than I expected. It enabled me to see the only person causing my anxiety and depression was me. I don’t have family. I had few close friends. Nobody was putting any pressure on me to do, be or have anything but me.
What really transformed my life was educating myself about self talk, limiting beliefs and the programs I was running.
That voice that plays in your head on a loop saying things like “You can’t do this. You’re not good enough for that. Just who do you think you are? Why would YOU get the job when there’s thirty other people applying?”
None of this is real. I wasn’t born with those thoughts and neither were you. They came from someone or something and you can change it- just the way you change the TV channel if you don’t like what you’re watching.
I joined groups on Facebook that focused on joy, happiness and the Law of Attraction. Like attracts like. We hear this a lot because it’s true. Within weeks of just being aware of what I thought or said to myself I started to meet happier, more spiritual, supportive people.
I started to meet coaches, writers and healers. I started to attract my tribe. People who believe anything is possible and live in the moment.
I started meditating which led me to attend a sound bath event where I discovered Theta Healing® which I now practice and get to help other people release their anxiety and stress so they can shine again.
There’s an old saying “The best things in life are free”. Most of the tools I use daily are free. You can sit, quiet your mind and give yourself space and it costs nothing. You most likely have access to the internet where you can find an amazing abundance of guided meditations and inspiring talks to listen to.
If you can, be around nature. Walk barefoot on the ground. Literally “grounding” yourself brings peace. Slow down and be mindful not mind FULL. You can do this anywhere, any time. For example, if you’re washing dishes pay attention to the sound of the water running, the feel of the bubbles on your hands, the motion of the sponge on the dishes. It’s that simple.
Breathe. It sounds obvious but when you’re stressed, overwhelmed and anxious it’s easy to stop breathing and get caught up in the pounding in your chest. STOP. Breathe in long slow breaths. Breathe in for 5, hold for 5, exhale for 6. Repeat until you feel calm.
Diffuse essential oils in your home, spend less time online. If you’re following people on social media who make you feel bad, who make you feel less than, stop. You have a choice.
Set boundaries. Learn to say no. Ask for help. You are not weak, you won’t be a burden. You deserve to be calm, happy and confident and if that doesn’t come naturally find someone who can teach you.
Everything you need to feel whole and at peace again truly is within you. Meditate. Meditate and meditate some more. Pray. As long as you’re searching or expecting something or someone to make you feel better you’re going to keep searching and not healing.
Whether it’s a new car, expensive handbag or a fidget spinner. No thing is going to help you overcome this. Things and devices might help you manage your symptoms and function better but you are worth so much more than managing, getting by and coping.
Despite what the media may tell you we still live in a wonderful beautiful world filled with love, kindness and miracles. This may sound like BS to you if you’re in that space but Law of Attraction 101 “You attract what you focus on”.
Last weekend I was invited to stay with amazing people in a wooden Palace hanging out with and giving healing to elephants! I’ve been obsessed with elephants my whole life.
If you don’t experience miracles daily reconsider what you call a miracle. Last week I had two people that I’ve never met who don’t know each other working together to help me convert some audio files for a new product I created. I think that’s miraculous. You probably use the internet constantly but do you really appreciate it?
Lastly, be grateful. It changes the way you see life. If I feel myself dipping into “meh” I stop and write a list of everything and everyone in my life that I’m grateful for and I send them love and blessings.
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