Hey guys. I apologize for my long hiatus. I am doing well.

Anxiety has a very unique way of withholding our potential and telling us we are much less than what we really are.

If you take a look at this picture, this was taken at both the best time and worst time of my life. This picture was taken outside of Doha, Qatar in 2017. I deployed to Qatar in January of 2017 at the height of my anxiety issues. I feel like a great deal of time on autopilot since I was asking “what if” the majority of the trip. It took me a long time to settle down into the deployed environment but once I did I could feel myself changing for the better. The redline fear I felt nearly constantly (self imposed) really maxed out my system and eventually I just broke. Fortunately, I was able to pull myself together and make it back home where my recovery really started to take hold.

When we are constantly afraid or leaning on worry to carry us through the day, we never truly live. Our bodies are amazing at keeping us protected against any and all danger, but relying on these defenses makes us beings that exist on this planet. We are more powerful than just existing. If we give ourselves enough time and understanding, we can begin to truly enjoy who we are and feel compelled to tell others about our story.

As a long time anxiety sufferer I can tell you that many people are afraid to share their struggles. We live in a very judgmental society. Many people feel like if they get labeled as “the anxious one” our friends and family will be less likely to help us. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Sometimes opening up about your pain can give the universe permission to allow the healing to flow 🙂

I like to look back and forward to know how far I have come and where I am going. The differences between these two pictures is night and day. In this one I am smiling, but really smiling. It was great to see my old high school tennis coach during one of my doubles matches.

If you are struggling, my best advice is that you NEED to tell someone about it. Don’t make my mistake and hold everything in until you almost break. Anxiety came very close to killing me, but I chose to hold on and take on whatever challenge life throws my way. I still feel anxious sometimes, but anxiety doesn’t control my life any longer. I have chosen to focus on love and understanding to give my life purpose and to experience my whole authentic self.

Your story, even with chapters dedicated to anxious thoughts and actions, is still a story worth telling. I would love to hear yours!