It’s an Illusion

My husband and I honeymooned in Greece after our wedding. Greece was spectacular – the calm, azure waters, the craggy cliffs, the blue and white buildings dotting the landscape, the ancient ruins reminding visitors of the deep, rich history of the land and all those who came before. Not to mention the incredible food andContinue reading “It’s an Illusion”

I Remembered

My anxiety had been so severe for so long that when I finally started to feel better it was…strange. I had forgotten what it felt like to feel normal. I had felt poorly for so long. It was something I lived with every day and, yes, I was coping, and actually convincing myself that thisContinue reading “I Remembered”

Guarded Vulnerability

I hear it over and over again. Be vulnerable. Be real. Be authentic. Vulnerability is praised while being guarded and reserved is not. It was my biggest struggle – vulnerability. I didn’t want anyone to know I was suffering from anxiety, and not just anxiety, but a full blown, debilitating, what often felt bizarre, anxietyContinue reading “Guarded Vulnerability”

The Land of the Living

It was the promise I clung to when my anxiety was at its peak and I was at my worst. “Yet I am confident I will see the Lord’s goodness while I am here in the land of the living.” Psalm 27:13 NLT As a Christian I believe one day the world will be rightedContinue reading “The Land of the Living”

Unacceptable Anxiety

Social media is controversial for good reason. It’s been called addictive and demotivating and it’s been linked to an increase in depression and anxiety. On the flip side, I would argue it’s brought awareness and openness to the once-taboo topic of mental illness. I struggled on and off with debilitating anxiety most of my lifeContinue reading “Unacceptable Anxiety”

A Cage Called Social Anxiety

“I feel a blinding shaft of terror, which I tell myself to ignore, as my brain will often try to send me messages that are untrue and I do not have to listen to them. This is lesson one at St. John’s: your brain is an idiot.” – Sophie Kinsella, Finding Audrey It didn’t makeContinue reading “A Cage Called Social Anxiety”

The Good Fruit

Usually, anxiety isn’t thought of as a positive thing. Who wants to feel anxious? It typically only breeds more anxiety, self-consciousness, self-centered-ness, avoidance, irritability, frustration, impatience, and depression. I’m speaking from experience and the list could go on. But, does anxiety ever produce good stuff? I think, maybe so. I hated struggling with an anxietyContinue reading “The Good Fruit”

Smooth Sailing?

After practically a lifelong battle with anxiety, the last several years have been a really lovely hiatus from fear. I think mostly because I finally gave medication a try and although it wasn’t an easy decision nor an easy adjustment (re: side effects), I do think it’s worked wonders on my overall anxiety. I amContinue reading “Smooth Sailing?”

What I’m Struggling With Still

Sometimes I look at my life, almost like an outside observer would, and I am struck with how different it looks from life three years ago. Sure, I’ve had a baby since then, but that’s not the difference I’m referring to, although it definitely has changed things. Three years ago, I was at the sameContinue reading “What I’m Struggling With Still”

I feel…weird

I remember it. I was taking a test and all of a sudden the room just felt too quiet and my thoughts sounded too loud and I felt like my brain was shouting at me, sort of. I remember it. I was talking on the phone and all of a sudden the conversation sounded moreContinue reading “I feel…weird”