"I don't have a choice."
It's a phrase I hear often, laden with resignation, from those caught in the relentless spin of high-functioning anxiety. They feel bound by duty — to perform at work, care for their children, handle household chores, contribute to their communities. Yet, behind their words lies exhaustion, a life lived on the precipice of worry, and a lingering sense of never quite measuring up. They're aware this path is unsustainable, that a crash is inevitable — in a year, five, maybe ten. I recognize it all too well because that was once me, pushing through each day until I couldn't anymore.
Acceptance as a Catalyst for Change:
You have a choice, always. I'm here to affirm that another path is possible, one that begins not with external change but with acceptance. Acceptance that the current trajectory isn't serving you — and that's okay. It's not an admission of failure but an acknowledgment that something fundamental isn't aligned with your true needs.
The Brain's Resistance to Change:
Our brains are hardwired to resist change, preferring the discomfort of the known to the uncertainty of new paths that promise more joy and fulfillment. So, the choice becomes a conscious one — to honor yourself and your life and those around you. Enduring relentless stress serves no one. You deserve better. Your loved ones deserve better. The world deserves a better version of you.
Creating Space for Self-Discovery:
This choice starts with acknowledging that the status quo isn't okay. It's about being willing to explore new options, perspectives, and ways of being. You're only stuck in your own mind, trapped in habitual responses and the filters through which you view your reality. But other paths exist, ones that, though they require difficult choices and prioritization, lead to ease and authenticity.
The Call to Trust Yourself:
The leap of faith I'm asking you to take is to trust yourself. Slow down, create space to connect with your innermost desires. Stop the relentless pursuit of doing and start being. Ask yourself the profound questions you've neglected: What do you really want? What's truly important? What should your priorities be?
Navigating Life's Precious Gift:
Life, your life, is precious. Of course, pain and struggles are part of it — that's the nature of existence. But we needn't create more hardship for ourselves. We can choose a path fueled by empowerment, purpose, joy, love, and gratitude. What does that life look like for you? Connect with that vision. Let it grow and guide your daily decisions.
The Role of Anxiety as a Signal:
Your anxiety is not just a nuisance; it's a signal that something's amiss. And while coping tools like mindfulness and breathing exercises are vital, they're not the complete solution. Anxiety demands action, changes to what's generating the distress. Coping can only take you so far. To truly break free from high-functioning anxiety, you must get to its roots.
Empowerment Through Support:
If I could revisit my journey, I would have sought the support of a coach alongside my therapist during my recovery from depression. Understanding the past while building the present and future is key.
Conclusion:
You're in the driver's seat. The work to overcome your high-functioning anxiety? It's yours to do. And the choice to start? That's yours too. I'm here to guide and support you, to walk alongside you as you find a better way.
Imagine waking up to a day you're excited to embrace, not just endure. That's the life that's waiting for you beyond anxiety's grip. If you're ready to take that leap, I'm ready to catch you. Let's begin this journey to a calmer, more joyful you. Reach out, and let's take that first step together.
In the Ozarks, at peace, in nature