Skip to main content

HELLA SCARED: Fear, Faith and Serenity

Image result for insecure
Issa Rae, Insecure, 2016
Can I admit that life scares me? Not always, but definitely from time to time. One moment I'm confident and rolling with the punches taking things as they come and the next thing I know I am panicking, having slight anxiety and worried about what will, or won't, happen next. As one can imagine, this gets frustrating! I in no way live my life in fear, but uncertainty drives me crazy sometimes. I want to know everything right now. I want to know where my career will end up, if I will reach my goals, if I'll ever get married, what my kids will look like, or if I will even get to see these things happen in my life at all. I know, it's a lot to take on all at once. Whew!

 One of the ways I have dealt with this fear of the unknown is to focus on the now. My mind wanders constantly. All day, every day. I am always thinking about what's next, what the next day will bring, if something will or will not happen and thinking 20 steps ahead just in case something does not happen in the way that I hope. While it is always good to plan ahead and to be prepared, I have learned the hard way that planning too much and too far ahead will only bring stress and anxiety. It is nearly impossible to plan out every little detail of life because, life happens. Life happens in many unexpected ways. You may not get that job. You may not meet that person. You could win the lottery (oh please, God....please). We do not know what our tomorrow holds. We do, however, know what is going on present day, especially in the moment. So, if you get anxious about the future the way I do, remember to take life one day at a time.

 Another way I cope with fear and anxiety is speaking words of affirmation over myself. This has actually gotten me through a whole lot! We constantly look for kind words and validation from other people. I mean, compliments are hella nice, don't get me wrong! They're even more nice when they are coming from yourself. Self confidence makes one feel like they can do and make it through anything! I know for me, when I am super confident, I feel like I can take on whatever life throws at me and I am motivated to do my absolute best. Of course it takes hard work to stay confident through every struggles. So when I need a pick me up I speak these words of affirmation over myself:

"Girl you are fine!!"
"I am resilient!"
"I am smart!"
"I am more than enough!"
"You are killin it!"

Last but certainly not least, when I get nervous about life, I PRAY. HARD. I know this goes without saying, but, let me tell you...it works. Now, this does not mean I always get the outcome I was hoping for, but it does mean that whatever the outcome ends up being I find peace and I am satisfied knowing that something better is on it's way. It is very hard to remember that in the moment, but it's true. Nothing that is taking place in my life currently is what I imagined years ago...it's actually better. And if I pay close attention, I realize often that I am exactly where I am meant to be, even if sometimes I feel like I'm not doing enough or I have not accomplished enough in my 26.5 years of life. And it is okay to share this out loud. I like to talk to God while I am driving in my car. I know people in other cars beside me probably think I am crazy, but those conversations give me so much peace of mind. Just letting it out feels so good! I express my fears, my needs, my opinions. I just lay it all down...right in 5 o'clock traffic. And I always feel better afterwards. It restores my faith and reminds me that I am in great hands! Won't He do it!

No one knows what their tomorrow looks like. The only thing we can do is our best, every day as it comes. Spending too much time worrying, fearful and stressed out takes away from the moments happening all around us! While it is okay to plan, it is not healthy to get so wrapped up in things that are out of our control. When you feel yourself getting anxious and wrapped up, say the Serenity Prayer to yourself: God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things that I can; and wisdom to know the difference. Keep pushing. You got this! 






Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Self Care Sunday: Staying Positive No Matter What

via GIPHY Positivity. The practice of being or the tendency to be positive or optimistic in attitude. In other words, the power of not allowing life's BS to get you down and keep you there. Let's face it, every day is not filled with rainbows and butterflies. Often times, it can feel like a dump truck came and dropped all of its...crap all over you and left you to deal with the mess. That mess can weigh you down, attract more mess, and before you know it you're buried in...crap, with no idea of how to get out of it or how it got there in the first place. via GIPHY So, how do you navigate through life without letting the bad bring you down and keep you in a funk? via GIPHY I have found many ways to not allow the bad in life over rule the good. These small practices help me stay positive, happy and optimistic even though the hardest situations. Check them out! Shift Your Focus via GIPHY Believe it or not, we have control over our thoughts, feelings ...
Post a Comment
Read more

The Survival Guide: Office Holiday Parties

Holiday time in the office is always so great. The company Christmas tree. The Christmas music. Everyone is excited for their travel plans and family time. And of course, we cannot forget the numerous holiday parties and luncheons taking place between November and December. It's the most wonderful time of the year! Whether you're new to a company's holiday culture or a veteran in the game, company holiday gatherings can be a bit overwhelming if you have multiple to attend and keep up with. From planning, attending, and adding your name the potluck sign up sheet, it is very easy to get events confused while trying to keep up with party planners and ensure that you're taking a dish that everyone will enjoy. Check out the following tips to get you thru the holiday parties this year! Join a Committee   Believe it or not, joining a committee is a great way to get involved and excited for the holiday office party. Whether it be decorating, catering or cleaning, lendin...
Post a Comment
Read more

Give Thanks: Reasons To Be Thankful

Thanksgiving is upon us and while I am excited to eat some good food and have some much needed, well deserved time off from work, this is truly a time to gather with family and loved ones and remind myself of all the many things I have to be thankful for. Throughout the year, day in and day out, it is easy to get caught up in the world and forget about what is most important. It is even easier to look at those around us and play the comparison game and focus on what we may not have and lose sight of all the many things we do have. When I think about why I am thankful, I immediately think about the people in my life. I mean, yes I am thankful for my job, and money to provide for myself and all of the nice things that I have, but the people in my life are what matter the most to me. Recently, my mom and I had a conversation about being rich in spirit, and that has been sitting with me since. Money and material things are all nice and great to have, but nothing in this world will t...
Post a Comment
Read more