I wrote this a few months ago and, though its fairly unrelated to any of my other writings, the arrangement of these thoughts really helped me navigate through a particular trying period of my life.
I hope it helps. Or at the very least, leaves you thinking.
Anxiety is the very thief of joy.
Not just joy, but also progress, happiness, and purpose.
As with many of the negative things in life, I don’t understand why anxiety is a thing. Is there even such a thing as a “positive” anxiety? It all seems terrible.
In my experience, anxiety doesn’t just come at the onset of my experiencing something. No, it’s particularly vicious. It comes when I’m going through something, hit a roadblock, make progress through that roadblock, keep going, and hit another roadblock. And bam, anxiety.
The questions arrive: “You fluked through it the first time.” “Who’s to say you won’t just fail again like you always do?” Every question slowly tears away at the confidence, the progress, the foundation that you’ve built. And what are you left with? Everybody’s least favourite friend:
Anxiety.
I hope that in reading this, dear reader, you’re reminded that the progress you’ve made in facing some of the demons in your life is remarkable. You’re truly doing exceptional things. And I hope that the next time we face a situation of anxiety, this little writing reminds you that you are enough, that you will make it through, and that I will see you on the other side.