Anxiety

Buon Giorno Monsignor
Just as you, I’ve always been a worrier, even as a child. I remember not liking the feeling and not having the concept, much less the name, WORRY. I learned basic steps to diminish:, breathing, listening to music, going outside and most importantly prayer.

As I got older, with life’s complications my anxiety would increase, from; college midterms, relationship problems, work, stress and financial concerns. Later, I started reading mental health books, specifically, learning focused methods to reduce anxiety, all listed medication, I wasn’t willing to try them, at first (during my 4 year tumultuous divorce/custody battle I did have to use depression and anxiety medication). I added meditation, tried yoga, eating healthier, removing caffeine and sugar.

The ONE item, which eliminates stress and anxiety, is a self visualization method I came up with, I state my problem, I write each problem on a piece of paper, another problem on a separate piece of paper etc. I then say a prayer, asking for our Father to accept my box of worries (I actually place the papers in a box), to remove all my anxiety and replace it with love, peace and happiness. I know it may seem silly, but it’s been proven when you write out your concerns before you go to sleep your taking removing the worry, you’ll be able to sleep, but once you wake up, there it is, WORRY, is waiting to attach to your brain again.

My method has worked with myself and several of my friends, especially now during the pandemic. I call it my worry box, I feel an instant relief as soon as I close my purple glittery worry box. Thank you for sharing your own personal struggle with anxiety, this is one of my favorite quotes, “Worrying is accepting responsibility God never intended you to have!”

Let’s gift our worries to God.
Regaliamo le nostre preoccupazioni a Dio.

Have a Blessed Friday