Overcome Anxious Situations

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I am a serious fan of positive thought and the power of the mind. I have written many articles about shifting our energy from toxic negativity to a positive mindset because it lightens the burden and does much more for the soul. I was recently working in a domestic violence shelter, and someone had talked about using focal points to help a survivor get through a dreaded day in court where her assailant would be present. This inspired my post to offer another tool to your life's self-help arsenal.

I remember being extremely nervous when I had to go on stage during my school graduation ceremony. I didn’t even have to speak, but the auditorium was filled with people, my loved ones included. I could feel all of their eyes on me, which stressed me out; I was shaking. I was only up there for a few minutes with the university president when I was given the top counseling student award. While they spoke very kindly about my work, the sight of my family in the audience was my focal point. Seeing them being supportive and feeling their love helped soothe my anxiety, and it really did get through my anxiety.

It isn’t so good to distract yourself from the present. However, redirecting towards connection when trying to combat self-imposed suffering such as anxiety can really help.

What do you use for healthy coping tools? Drop me a note, and let’s talk about it!

Dance your troubles away, continued...

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Examiner

I used to dance a lot when I was younger and more carefree but as I grow older I seem more reluctant to let loose on the dance floor. This is something I will be working on in the upcoming years because I miss the fun such craziness used to gift to me:)

I am by no means considered a good dancer, sure I've got some moves but they are unique! When I say unique, I mean they are not intentional! I would love to flow gracefully or create a choreographed number that makes people look twice and not make fun of me but it just isn't in my jeans and I'm really okay with this. If you're looking twice, at least I was brave enough to get out there! Are you a good dancer?

United States Navy, teamwork and commitment, continued...

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Examiner

My youngest son, who is 13 years old, is talking about wanting to enlist. I have to admit, it makes my stomach hurt to think about it. I am proud of him and, of course, I'll support any career decision he makes but I'm hoping he'll change his mind before it is time to enlist. I believe our soldiers give the ultimate sacrifice and I know I'm being selfish by hoping he changes his mind; I don't want to think of the increased danger he'll be susceptible to by going into the military!

It does help to listen to Jim talk about his time in the Navy. He lights up and you can tell it was a true love for him. I'm sure there are millions of occupations within the military that are not in the field of combat, I've just got to pray my son finds and fulfills his life purpose regardless of my anxiety attached to it!

God bless all of our soldiers and their families! Leave me a note if you have any feed back!

Patience, part of a life plan, lessons learned or just plain annoyance, continued...

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Examiner

Wow, patience, what a concept, huh? I don't want to sound like I'm sitting on my perch looking down at everyone but I would GUESS that most people do not try to practice this virtue. I have not done any scientific research to support this statement but, boy, it seems like we're in a very impatient world! Most people are in such a hurry, what happened to breathing deep and just taking in the moment? If we could all just consider this from time to time it would be helpful to the world. I, for the most part, try to practice this concept. I do get irritated at times and perhaps this is part of the plan giving me the platform to continue to practice. Most of the time I give in and tell myself, "It just wasn't meant for me to get there at that time!" Most of those days, I seem to attract the slowest drivers in the state to my path.

Once when my boyfriend was caught up in a rage from delays, we we're sitting in our car in front of a store and just as he was trying to move forward, this very little, old man came creeping out in front of us and took several minutes to get across the path. It was like a Saturday night live skit. We, of course, started laughing because it was so comical it broke the tension for him! Do you have any stories of delay that ended on a positive note?

Does your life feel out of control, continued...

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Examiner article

Yesterday when I was interviewed on the Healing a Grieving Heart radio show, I was asked if I found anything in common between the loss I have suffered; loss of my marriage, job, my father and so on. It made me realize the common factor, in all cases, was really out of my control. You might think you can make your marriage work, but you can only control your part, not your partners. You might think you can control your career but sometimes there are circumstances beyond your hard work effort that causes your departure and we all know life isn't everlasting but emotionally, you feel like your parents will always be there for you. In all cases I felt like my world, at least as I knew it, was shattered and this was true. I had to brave through the change and transform myself into a person who is divorced, who is unemployed and who is without a father here on earth. I survived it all and I will continue to survive the next phase of change. I may not like everything that comes my way but I can count on my strength to make the best of it and find the silver-lining as I move forward. How has your loss gifted you?

Grounding Your Anxiety with Nature

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This was my 1st article posted in 2009 in my healthy living column at Examiner.com. Unfortunately, the business closed it's virtual doors last year (after 5 years of posting)
 and all of the content was pulled with them. I've copied the article in below. After the article I shared my inspiration for creating it.

How to Ground Your Anxiety Using Nature

Even the most happy, healthy souls have moments of despair.  During the hustle and bustle of everyday life, demands can be overwhelming causing anyone to feel exhausted and off-balance.  Confusion sets in and suddenly you’re unsure where to turn; crippled by anxiety.  When you are feeling stuck, this is when it’s a perfect time to take a step into nature to gain some clarity.

Have you ever looked up during a rainstorm to discover a breathtaking rainbow?  This is such a validation of universal hope; a promise of sunshine beyond the daunting storm.  It radiates new found warmth; a treasure from deep within and riches that reach well beyond any bank account.  Being one with nature is the foundation for self-discovery and the path to get back on track.  When you feel the whirlwind of life rushing through your veins, spinning you out of control; take a stroll through the woods, in the park or just down a neighborhood sidewalk. Mindfully take in the beautiful backdrop; inhale the sweet fragrance of a wild flower or freshly cut grass.  Be still and let this moment ground you enabling easier and deeper breathes.  If you are not able to find a rainbow, or inhale nature’s engaging fragrances then create a blissful moment of your own.  Nibble on a tantalizing piece of seasonal fruit.  Retreat from your anxieties by mindfully experiencing nature’s nectar by biting into a sweet strawberry. What a beautiful  counter to the rush and distress from all of your obligations.  Revitalize your spirit with a few delicious bites! 

Whether you find your moment of grounding through natural visions of beauty, sweet aromas or tastes of nectar, allow this process to balance a world sometimes filled with confusion and chaos.  You just have to recognize your own need and fulfill it by tapping into the tranquility and peacefulness gifted from our great earth; practice letting nature sooth and renew your spirit!

Click here for helpful resources to counter anxiety.

This was the inspiration to the article:

This past week I've started driving with my son, Jeremy. He is 14 yrs. 9 months and he just received his phase 1 driving permit. I'm really thankful this is taking place in the Fall. I am extremely anxious getting into the vehicle with him! He is really doing great but his inexperience scares me. He ran out to my vehicle with permit in hand, the 1st day it was legal, asking, "Can I drive us home from Driver's Ed today, Mom?" I tried to swallow the lump in my throat, pulled to the side and slowly moved to the passenger seat. My uneasiness soon started to dissipate as we drove through the Michigan Fall colored landscape. It wasn't long before he was pulling into our driveway safe and sound! I was physically present with him but I certainly appreciated the beauty surrounding us and I was able to pacify myself using it as a security blanket! I'm hopeful you are taking in nature's beauty wherever you are and that you are present enough to be awe-inspired!