I started my mental health journey a few years ago. Just about 2 to be precise. At the beginning I was scared, humiliated, anxious, tired. All emotions I did not understand, respect or even want to acknowledge.

Eventually I became open to the idea of trying to understand what I was feeling. I’ve said in other posts how I spent so much time trying to please others I never learned to understand or respect myself. So, I finally took the time to feel my emotions.

I’ve landed on the word “anxiety.” It’s a word that is being used more and more these days. The world is facing a lot of change and that is causing fear for a lot of people myself included. What I’ve learned is that “fear” is essentially what anxiety is. The fear of the unknown, fear of what is to come, fear for something you most often have no control over. Often times fear is used as a tactic to gain control and use power to make decisions and changes which in turn causes more fear and anxiety.

What I have also learned is to not focus on the anxiety and fear. The future has yet to come and I cannot control it so instead I shall focus on what I can do. I can focus on the here and now. Be more present in this moment. Live in this moment. Enjoy this moment. Do what is best for me in this moment.

I can also write about how it is OK to have anxiety. It is OK to be afraid. It is OK TO NOT BE OK. I will preach it to the universe because it is hard to live with anxiety. But you are not alone! Stay present in this moment. Focus on your breath. Use fidgets calm down jars yoga being outside whatever it is to stay in this moment and enjoy where you are.

I created the calm down jar in the “featured photo” to go along with my new book centered around a child with anxiety who learns techniques from his classmates to calm his “crazy” emotions. Jars and the books will be for sale soon! I’m so excited for my second book and for the opportunity to help normalize anxiety and help those get through the crazy moments.

As my own daily prompt- what helps to calm your anxiety stress or fear?

To all. I see you. I hear you. I am here to help if I can. 🩷

Breathe on.