A Little Drop of Courage

Things I Remind Myself Daily – Part 2

May 20, 2020

Have you ever been called over dramatic? Too sensitive? Or, my favorite, crazy?! Have you ever felt really excited, or really sad, and then given reasons why you shouldn’t? Well in case you haven’t experienced this let me tell you how it feels, LIKE SH*T! Yes. I put that in all capitals with a curse word because getting told your feelings don’t matter or are wrong doesn’t just a feel like little paper cut, no. Getting your feelings invalidated feels like getting punched in the gut by the biggest fists in the world. Repeatedly.

Maybe that’s an over dramatization, but guess what? I don’t care! Why? Because it’s how I feel, and I’m allowed to feel however I want! And guess what, SO DO YOU!

I grew up in what I later learned to be an emotionally abusive home. Constantly being told that my feelings were too much, ridiculous, or crazy. When I voiced my opinion I reminded how wrong I was, a “moron”. When I got really excited about a new TV show, or a doll, or new music I was informed I was childish and lacked taste. And when I picked up hobbies that were different from my siblings I was told how I was lazy, silly, or a nerd. I was left confused and feeling like something was wrong with me. Why can’t I just think like everyone else? Why can’t I be good at what everyone else is?

These feelings turned to shame, self-hatred, and anxiety.

Its been a long journey since then, and honestly, I’m still learning to deal. But one thing I have learned to do, when I’m facing judgement and feeling shame and doubt, is to question. I ask myself:

Do I believe what they are telling me?
Do they have my best interest at heart?
Do I feel good about what they’ve told me?
Did they speak to my kindly?
Is this person happy?

If I answer all these questions with an overwhelming NO, then I turn away from them, they don’t deserve any more of my energy, and remind myself “I’m allowed to feel however I feel” and get back to living my best life.

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A Little Drop of Courage

5 Tricks to Relieve Anxiety

May 20, 2020

When that tingling feeling starts in my hands, my heart starts pounding loud enough for me to hear it, and my thoughts begin to race, I know exactly what it is: anxiety.

Everyone experiences anxiety differently. For some it comes out of nowhere, for others it shows up like clockwork, every day at the same time. For me it shows up when I get hungry, or am working out, or driving, or am alone. No matter how or when it shows up it’s almost never welcome.

Our misfiring flight or fight system makes us want to try ANYTHING to get rid of it. To kick it to the curb! To get it gone once and for all. But alas, it almost always shows up again. So next time it pops its little monster head try these 5 tricks (my personal favorites!) to give yourself some relief:

Meditate – Yes, yes, this one has probably been said to you one hundred times, and the thought of sitting in a crosslegged pose with your eyes closed “humming” probably doesn’t sound appealing, but guess what, you don’t have to! Meditation can literally happen anywhere at anytime (well, try not to be driving or operating heavy machinery, LOL). This is by far my FAVORITE and most successful technique at calming my anxiety.

Go for walk – Getting your blood flowing, and your body moving does wonders for your mental health. It also can rewire the brain to think that anxiety time is really exercise time! BONUS!

Listen to your favorite, upbeat music – Listening to something positive can send signals to your brain that says “everything is okay, I mean listen to how awesome this song is!” And if you feel like it, get up and bust a move!

Talk to a friend/family member – Opening up to those closest to you about your anxiety and fears can feel like a elephant coming off your shoulders. It gives you that peace of mind knowing someone else knows and you aren’t having to deal with it on your own. They may also be able to offer some advice that cuts through the nerves.

Write it down – I have found that when I have anxiety, writing it out forces my brain to focus and really think about what I am feeling and why. It gives me time to get to the heart of my anxiety so the next time I face it I know exactly what’s causing it and I can combat that anxiety with facts.

These are just a few of the ways I’ve learned to combat my anxiety. I would love to hear what tricks you have learned! Drop a comment and let’s fight this beast together!