Hey Fear... Suck it!!

Have you ever been so overcome by fear that it almost seems as if you've become incapacitated by it? Like, if you could somehow just get rid of that fear, you'd be unstoppable... but you can't seem to shake it so you're just watching life happen? Yeah... me too.

The crazy part is that most people who suffer from this level of anxiety recognize that it's a psychological thing. We understand that our concerns, valid as they may be, are just concerns and if we could disassociate with them for a moment, we could maybe gain some clarity and overcome those anxious feelings. For whatever reason though, that's the part of the process that some of us struggle with the most. Let me just tell you right now; before you go any further... this blog post isn't some "7 step plan to overcoming fear and anxiety." I don't have all the answers. I'm a 29 year old woman who still struggles with fear and anxiety. And yes, I could give you some of my suggestions on how to handle these intense, mind numbing situations, but I can't guarantee that they aren't fool proof. Not to mention, what works for me, may not work for you.

So... no, this isn't a play by play on how I tackle anxiety on a day to day basis BUT it is a look into how and why anxiety doesn't control my life. I genuinely hope it helps.

Fear and anxiety can be crippling and as an individual, my hope is that you'll take the time to learn how your heart and mind work so that you can navigate these high energy moments. But here's a silver lining that might help you in the meantime. Millions of people across the world are struggling with the same thing. Fear will try and make you believe that you are the only person who understands the struggle that you're facing but the truth is, you aren't. Now, that isn't to take away from what you're going through, it's to show you that you're not alone. Anxiety will try and isolate you from the world, making you feel like you're the only person who can get you out of whatever problem you're experiencing. Spoiler alert: THAT'S SUCH A SACK OF GARBAGE!! There's a community of people out there who understand exactly what you're going through. We see you, we feel you, and I'm here to tell you that you've got this!

Fear and anxiety are going to come, but they don't have to control you. Maybe you're trying to figure out your next big move, or maybe you're simply trying to make it through another day at a job you can't stand. Whatever it is that's keeping you up at night, has done the same thing to someone else. And guess what? They got through it! 

"So...what Chessica? Are you telling me that the world is a huge dumpster fire full of miserable people and I just have to suck it up and find a way to enjoy the flames?"

First of all... that's harsh, calm down!

Second of all... NOOO SILLYYY! 

I said all this to say... go find your people. Put yourself out there! Seek relationships that will make you feel seen, heard, and appreciated. And if you have a great group of friends and/or family already in your corner, lean on them. Open up to them about what you're going through. They just might surprise you and be exactly what you need.

I'm blessed with a great community that I know I sometimes take for granted. It's easy to wrap myself up in my emotions and stay in a cocoon of anxiety but they never fail to be there for me when I need them. So to my family, to my friends who have become family, and to those of you who are building real relationships with me, THANK YOU! From the very bottom of my heart, I love you and I don't know what I'd do without you. 

Now! Those of you who needed to hear this, know that I'm thinking of you. I genuinely hope that you find the peace that you deserve and that life gets easier for you as time goes on. You've got a community out there, and if you need someone to chat with while you're still solidifying that group, you know where to find me. Love you! Go tell that fear and anxiety where to shove it today!

With Love,

Chessi Rae