Usually, the fear that's caused by my anxiety stems from purely hypothetical situations. Worrying about what may or may not happen has never proven to make my life easier. So, I try to prepare as best I can and then let it go. I remind myself that, while anxiety can be scary, it doesn't have to control my life. Of course, this is easier said than done. These words haven't magically cured me of all my anxiety, but they have gifted me with a new perspective.
It's often impossible to control the outcome of a situation, but I can choose how I respond to it. Rather than fearing the worst, I accept that I will deal with whatever happens when it happens. I say"no" when I don't want to do something, and I say"yes" to things that may frighten me, but also excite me. What may come is unknown, but I know there will always be some kind of lesson I can learn.
My mom has shared a lot of her wisdom with me over the years, but not allowing fear to control my life, despite living with anxiety, is perhaps one of the most important things I've learned from her. It has made me more confident in the way I navigate the world, even in the most difficult times. While my anxiety has been more present recently, it serves as a reminder to continue to care for myself and those around me. Although I may not be able to go out and do all the things I once did to relieve stress, it has motivated me to
, while remaining respectful of everybody's wellbeing. Life is still happening, and I choose to continue to enjoy it, without fear and with gratitude.