Ever feel anxious about an impending situation? A move, a new relationship, a trip, even a new recipe you are cooking for your family. Eckhart Tolle says:
“Realize that now is all there ever is; there is no past or future except as memory or anticipation in your mind.”
I have read that powerful statement over and over. When that fear starts to creep in, I just say those words and somehow it makes me feel better and calm. I must admit, some days are harder than others.
Anxiety is nothing more than self imposed fear of the unknown. It really seems to be the ailment of the 21st century. We are all in such a hurry and busy that we forget to think about ourselves and our happiness.
How many times have you pulled in your driveway and you do not remember the drive home? That is because you were thinking about the children’s schedule, what am I going to cook for dinner, oh and the laundry needs to be done and I must finish the project for work. Along the way, you missed the flowers along the side of the road, the person smiling at you in the car next to you, the color of the sky, the smell of fresh mowed grass, and the songs on your playlist. Or perhaps a song or two on your playlist reminded you of a earlier time with someone and so went your mind in that direction. You get my point.
A few years ago, I felt so anxious about my life as it was literally spinning out of control before my eyes. I started drinking heavily and abusing my prescribed anxiety medication and that made everything that much worse. Following a nervous breakdown and my life, as I knew it, falling apart, I took may steps back and analyzed what I thought I was loosing. I was shocked, it was not the life I wanted. I remember falling apart in a group session while hospitalized for the nervous breakdown and remarking I was sad I could no longer buy 5 dozen eggs. Well, the reality is, I still can, I can bake and cook for others. Just because my family now consists of me, my two sons are grown and no longer live with me, I will be OK! What a great opportunity I have before me to give back on a large scale daily!! Just relax and breath, everything is on its way as it supposed to.
When we try to overthink and force things, that is when anxiety comes for a visit. Remember, anxiety and hurry are wicked step sisters. It is all a process to shift your perspective to a calm positive state of being. JUST SIMPLY…….stop, relax, breath and say to yourself, I am so happy and grateful, everything is on it way!~Shirene