Anxiety is Real.
Anxiety is real! I simply wish it were not the case, but anxiety is real. One way I define anxiety is fear and worry about a future outcome that has not happened yet and is an outcome you do not want. If we spent our days only thinking about the best from a foundation of trust, we'd probably have less anxiety. Sounds nice right?
The more I experience anxiety, the more I see it is deeply connected to a lack of trust.
I want to be in control and I am keenly aware that I am not. Moreover, whoever is in control, I do not trust to take care of me and make sure everything works out. The truth is I realize I am prone to believe things are going to crash and burn. No matter how good things have been, any minute or one mistake is all it will take for everything to crumble. I am beginning to think whoever is reading this is now having increased anxiety because of my writing. Oh, anxiety is real. Anxiety grips us internally and exerts all its force on us to convince us that our external world is falling apart.
Since anxiety is intricately connected to trust, consider the following experiences as tangible ways to combat anxiety by increasing trust:
- SIT IN SILENCE & BREATHE...strengthen the trust that I am living
- WRITE YOUR THOUGHTS DOWN...strengthen the trust that my experience matters
- SHARE YOUR ANXIETY WITH A FRIEND...strengthen the trust that I am not alone
Just as anxiety is active within individuals, anxiety flows within relational systems (e.g. families, teams, organizations, boards, to name a few). Interacting with others is a sure fire way to encounter anxiety. Pressure, control, and insecurity all flow within people groups.
The greater our own willingness to courageously face our personal anxiety, the greater our grace will be when facing the anxiety in others.
We must begin to purposefully pursue trust in our lives. In my own life journey, I recognize trust hinges on my faith. Discovering a vibrant connection to a loving God who is deeply interested in making all things right offers me hope. The question is, "Will I trust?" Increasing my personal sense of trust will increase my personal sense of safety. As I become a safe individual, I can be an advocate for safe relationships and safe systems.