Dear anxiety,
Sometimes you are loud, like a roar, a tornado and I find myself twisted in thoughts and worries.
Sometimes you are silent, stealthy, and I slowly become aware that my heart is racing and my mind worrying.
Sometimes you make me question my strength or the love of others.
Sometimes you create doubts and worries.
But anxiety, you don’t win.
I’m just putting that out there.
Even though I know your tactics and the fallacy of “run through that scenario in your mind again and again” and how you try to rob peace. You see, despite the worries and the doubts I’ve learned I’m strong.
Stronger than you think you I am.
Yes, I stumble at times.
Yes, I feel alone at times.
Yes, I have sleepless nights at times.
Yes, I worry at times.
Yes, I have moments of fear.
But, I also have good.
I also have joy.
I also have hope.
I also have love.
I also have optimism.
I also have clarity.
I also have sleep.
I also have progress.
I am brave.
And brave is no longer allowing you, anxiety, to define worth, capabilities, and potential.
It is brave that I set down the past, despite the cry for you to hyper-analyze it, and love the present and work hard for the future.
You see, I’ve found the antidote.
Grace.
Hope.
Peace.
Persistence.
Kindness.
Authenticity.
Joy.
Bravery.
You are strong, but I am stronger.
-me
*words by Rachel Marie Martin of Finding Joy
