Anxious Thinking

Our world is filled with much that can give cause for anxiety. Perhaps this has always been the case but it certainly seems more prevalent today. 

In two days I turn 61. So maybe I have something to say now. Something that you can hear. Something that my 61 years have earned me the right to say.  Something that will help and give hope. 

Firstly, life is easier with God. If you don’t believe, I understand and accept you without judgment. But for me, having the ear of Jesus has been the difference between life and death. 

Secondly, and now for my soapbox… get off social media or at least be very mindful about setting some boundaries. I’m not so old as to not recognize that we need technology to function in this world but I am old enough to know what life was like without it. It wasn’t perfect and don’t let anyone who nostalgically boasts of the good old days tell you otherwise. But it was less complicated and there was more time for being bored.  Creativity thrives where there is boredom. 

Thirdly, be alone with your thoughts. This sounds simple but if it’s not something you have practiced, it will take courage. Those of us with anxiety are very good at distracting ourselves so we don’t have to face those terrifying thoughts. 

Being alone with your thoughts does not mean solving them.  Maybe you’re worried about money, or you fear another war. You worry that you’re not good enough, that people don’t like you much. Sometimes you have trouble breathing because the fears are so intrusive. Your stress about work is high and you can’t even afford to take a vacation. You think you look unattractive and compare yourself with others. It consumes you. 

I have felt all these things and am quite sure I’m not alone. Over time some of these anxieties dissipate but alas, new ones arrive. It is a never ending battle with ourselves. 

One of the practices that has helped me tremendously is the practice of being present with my thoughts. To purposely set aside time to just sit and let the thoughts be. For me it is helpful to get a few of the morning tasks out of the way and then grab my cup of coffee and sit.  This is a great time of the year because I can sit outside and enjoy the weather, my cats and the general splendour of summer. 

The idea here is to just let your mind wander. Try not to control the thoughts, just let them come.  Solutions may come but that is not the aim.  The goal is to listen to the thoughts that you have been trying to silence. What we avoid dealing with does not go away, it grows. 

Lastly, there are good therapists and great medications. Your brain may need this.  I know mine did and still does. 

Life does not need to be an endless rollercoaster of worrying emotions. 

You can have more peace. 🩷