You’re not in trouble!
This is just for you
“You’re not in trouble”
Anxiety takes many forms - all of them absolutely awful. They can range from a sensation of dread trickling up your spine to a full-on panic attack so bad you can’t breathe, can’t move and worst of all can’t stop it.
But without a doubt one of the signs of anxiety that is often overlooked is the ‘Im in trouble’ feeling. I want you to know 2 things right off the bat - you are not alone with this sensation/thought and its not true.
“You’re not in trouble”
You haven’t done anything wrong. You’re completely safe. The world outside is not plotting your doom. The boss is not waiting to pounce on you when you get to work. Your friends are not hating you for something you did or didn’t do because you didn’t do or not do anything wrong! The folks in the store are not talking about you behind your back.In fact, most of them forget you exist the minute you’re out of sight.
“You’re not in trouble”
And here’s what to do about it. Next time that creeping, constricting, choking feeling starts to wriggle in the pit of your stomach. Notice it. Ahhhh it’s the ‘trouble’ feeling.
And follow these three steps.
1 Sit quietly somewhere - if you’re at work nip to the bathroom and close the door. Don’t let the ‘trouble’ take root. Nip it in the bud.
2 Start to focus on your breath and count 10 breaths. Counting 1 at the bottom of the first out breath, 2 at the bottom of the second out breath all the way to 10. Then count 10 more breaths starting with 1 at the top of the first in breath, 2 at the top of the second in breath. And keep counting until you reach 10.
3 Repeat slowly. I'm safe. I’m a grown up. I’m not in trouble. Gently reminding yourself you’re in the present. And then stand up and shake. Shake from head to foot. Arms, legs, body, head. Let everything shake and release anything that is not needed in the present. Shake off the past. Shake for at least 2 minutes.
Let me know how you feel next time it happens. And remember
“You’re not in trouble!”
Sending you much metta and some virtual flowers, just for you
Allyjo
