Dear Anxiety,

You have been in my life for a very long time. I first met you when I was five or six years old. Even at that age, I thought I needed to be the best athlete, dancer, and student to stand out in the world and reach my larger-than-life dreams. My parents never pushed me, so I am unsure why you entered my life or why I felt so much pressure. But because of you, I had sleepless nights and daily body aches. You had way too much power for a very long time.

Through the years, we have had our ups and downs. Sometimes, you consume me, and other times I have been able to keep you in check. The worst of you appeared in my late teens when a sexual assault led to paralyzing fear and endless stomachaches. I lost 30 pounds all because of you. Terrified about my health, I started to fight back against you. That’s when it hit me. I cause you.

I discovered that you, Anxiety, are the result of my thought process, habits, and attitude. Once I realized I was in control, I started to pay attention to the activities and behaviors that made you less present. Exercise, writing, and conversations with family and friends all helped to stop you from overwhelming my life. The more I engaged in behaviors that helped me, the less you hurt me.

In my 30s now, I recognize that you will probably never entirely disappear from my life. You are probably a part of life. But whether it’s stress from building my company or disappointment from a relationship, I now know how to take power from you. And that’s important because the less power you possess, the more happiness I can feel.

Anxiety, you’re tough, but I am way tougher.

Dear Teens,
As a teenager, I too struggled with low self-esteem and insecurities. In high school I would watch other more confident students run for student government, try out for sports teams, cheerleading squad or audition for school plays. I never felt smart enough or athletic enough or even pretty enough to succeed at anything I went for in school. I was a prisoner of my own irrational fears. Then one day my english teacher, who was the drama club supervisor, suggested I try out for the yearly school musical. I was so afraid to go for it even though I secretly would have loved to be on stage. Well I decided to audition and lo and behold I got a part. The really scary thing was I had to play a stripper in the play “Gypsy”. I had to wear a skimpy costume in front of the whole school. I was terrified. Well opening night came. I danced and sang in front of 1000 people. That was the moment I learned that it is important to face your fears, try new experiences and know that its all part of our journey in life. That night I gained a lot of confidence. I suggest, don’t be afraid of the unknown. You will be surprised what you are capable of accomplishing. The sky is the limit!
Shelley