As a New Year's Resolution, I made a promise to myself to find joy in every single day. I have been coping with anxiety and panic for five years, and often the worst attacks are a result of my thoughts about the future and the catastrophe that awaits me in my head. Newsflash: these catastrophes don't happen like my mind leads me to believe; however, I continually get right back on the panic train to nowhere time and time again.
I am proud to report that I'm taking steps to go beyond struggling and coping in order to enter a place of joy every day. Whether it's going to therapy, getting fresh air, finding a new hobby, exercising more, laughing, and seeking God more deeply, I am excited to be taking these steps.
Yesterday, I found the greatest joy in seeing Scarlett act like her old self again. She herniated a disc in her back last week, and she has been very unhappy since. We also had our family and Scarlett's dog cousin Dolly visiting, and I think it threw her off. For a few days, she ignored me and barely wagged her tail. Cuddling was off limits! Yesterday, when I came home, she wagged her tail so hard and licked my face as I came in the door. She followed me around and even cuddled with me last night. I was so happy!
Today, I signed up for a 6-week hatha yoga class with my friend Baylee. I am so excited to try yoga again and hope it helps relax and balance me. I am thankful I have a friend to go with me. Better yet, because we signed up together, we got a good discount on the class. Talk about JOY!!!
I'm feeling better already...
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Yesterday does sound joyfull. A few years ago when I was having trouble snapping out of a depression I read a suggestion is Oprah's magazine to look for something beautiful every day. The next day I came home from work and the side of my house was covered with gorgeous clemetis blooms left from the prior owner. It was truly a beautiful day.
ReplyDeleteKeep us informed with your progress.
I have also suffered from anxiety and panic attacks for the past eight years. My anxiety usually centers around the fear of the unknown (ie - future) and travel (even though we LOVE to travel and do so regularly).
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