Anxiety Has a Whole Damn Wardrobe

Sometimes anxiety looks exactly like what we expect. Worry. Restlessness. That feeling that something isn't quite right.

But anxiety knows how to change clothes.

Sometimes it puts on "I'm just being responsible."

Then it changes into "Let me check one more time."

A little later it's wearing "Maybe I should fix this other thing while I'm here."

And before you know it, anxiety has put on a whole damn business suit and introduced itself as Productivity. 😂

Now you're checking. Rechecking. Adjusting. Researching. Fixing something that wasn't broken. Looking for another problem because the first problem isn't moving fast enough.

And the entire time, you're telling yourself:

I'm getting things done.

But are you?

Or are you trying to control an outcome that you've already done your part to influence?

That's where self-care sometimes requires something harder than taking a bath, lighting a candle, or putting your phone on Do Not Disturb.

Sometimes self-care means recognizing the disguise.

It means being able to tell yourself:

I handled what I could handle today.

I made the adjustment.

I put the pieces in place.

I don't have to keep touching it just because I'm waiting for the result.

There will always be something else you could do.

But everything you could do isn't necessarily something you need to do.

So if you've handled your responsibility today, give yourself permission to walk away from it for a while.

Eat your dinner.

Love on your family.

Play with your pets.

Pour yourself something you enjoy.

Laugh.

Rest.

Live your life while the seeds you've already planted have time to do what seeds are supposed to do.

And the next time anxiety walks into the room wearing that business suit, straighten its little tie, look it dead in the face and say:

"I know who you are." 😂

You've done your part. Let it work.

Protect Your Peace. Trust Your Journey. Leave a Legacy.

— Tracy D. Woods | Dufme609