Here's what I'm currently working on friends! I won't give you the full view just yet, but I'm almost finished this Mother's Day Pet Portrait. If you would like to request a Custom Pet Portrait for Mother's Day in paint or colored pencil, click How It Works or email rose@laurenelizabethfineart.com.
Have you ever felt anxious? Do you often worry about your pets, money, what others think, your kids future? Yep. I thought so. I'd say now a days, people consider anxiety normal. Heck, even depression is no big deal. But, it actually isn't normal. Anxiety is unrealistic, unhealthy, and unnatural. I use to think my anxiety was permanent until I had it so bad I was desperate for healing. Here's what I learned and what really REALLY helps alleviate my anxiety.
Truth #1: A Tendency, NOT your Destiny.
You weren't born with anxiety, you learned it. You did not come into this world as an anxious baby. Anxiety was something you learned to be "normal" from a parent, grandparent, sibling, or friend.
You may be more susceptible to worry because it's in your family, but that NEVER makes it permanent. All it means is that you will have to work a lot harder to re-train your thoughts AND to practice techniques that help you to calm down when you do get anxious.
Truth #2: Replay a New Story
What story are you replaying in your mind about yourself? Are you subconsciously telling yourself that you're not a hard enough worker to pass law school? Or smart enough? Or maybe you believe you're unattractive or disorganized.
Well...let me ask you this, when you're not being those things (exm. disorganized, unattractive, or lazy) then what are you?
Let's say you believe you're unattractive. Well, when you feel beautiful at your brothers wedding, does that still mean you're unattractive?
What we "believe" about ourselves will take control. The story we replay over and over again, if it's not the truth, it can make us feel anxious, angry, depressed, and/or lead us to making poor decisions.
So in this step, determine your story, create the true story, now replay that story, over and over and over and over and over and over again... (Can you tell I want you to practice this step!)
Truth #3: The 5-Second Rule
I've had multiple panic attacks. Some very small, but others can be so intense I feel a sharp pain in my chest and stomach. Over the years I've found a lot of things that don't work, but the 5-second rule has actually been incredibly helpful!
It's as simple as it sounds. When you feel anxious and your thoughts are racing, you count down from five. I know this sounds crazy, but trust me. It works like this.
When we count, we're using the part of our brain that deals with logic and decision making. When we worry, we're not using logic. In fact, we're using our imagination (maybe that's why I'm such a great worrier!)
But, this method leads to us thinking more realist thoughts and making more logical decisions. If it helps, I'll sometimes count down from 10 instead of just 5 seconds.
Truth #4: Share Your Story
Sharing your story is not only therapeutic, it will open doors to freedom. That's how I recovered from an addiction.
Find someone you trust and be open and honest with them. The more honest you are with yourself and others, the closer you'll get to freedom from bondage.
If you struggle with anxiety like I have, I would love to pray for you. Contact me HERE and/or share any tips that have/haven't worked for you in the comments below.
