So, you have problems with anxiety? Me too.

This morning I woke up anxious. Throat tight, stomach tighter, thoughts swirling like a typhoon. I had no reason to feel anxious--it's just one of those things that happens from time to time. Mornings like this tempt me to stay in bed and think about what on earth my body and mind could possibly be so afraid of. Is there a work deadline I missed? A freelance project I'm behind on? Are my relationships ok? Did I forget to close the garage? 

But this morning I did not want to indulge the pitter patter that so often consumes my mind. I was too tired. Too cranky. Too put out. I knew that if I stayed in bed my precious morning minutes would creep by. I knew if I wasn't careful I'd really have a reason to be anxious, like being late for work. 

And so I forced myself out of bed and into the bathroom. It felt like pushing myself through an invisible forcefield of plastic wrap. I only made it by telling myself over and over again in my head that I would get ready for work, I would look professional and I would be a positive contribution to society. I should have known such conviction would arouse a mighty push back from the anxiety. "NO" it seemed to shout ."It's not worth it. You do such meager work anyway. Why on earth would you keep repeating this pattern? You're not even happy. You should just...give up." Of course, the banter doesn't stop there. "Remember that one time last year when you forgot to call your grandparents? Wasn't that terrible? I thought so..." Or worse. "Look at your room. It's a mess. Think of all the other girls you know who, if they were in your position, would be doing a much better job. This is pathetic. You forgot to put your coat on the rack. Oh, and don't even get me started on the dishes you left in the sink." 

I felt like I was being attacked by some subconscious beast that I couldn't see or depict. But I felt it. So poignantly did I feel it. 

Fortunately, I was able to summon enough strength to put on one of my favorite blouses, a white jacket and jeans. I slipped my hair in a pony tail and packed up my purse. Then I brushed my teeth, put on my make up and said, out loud, that "I am going to have a GOOD day."

And then I left. As I drove to work I spoke words of comfort and reassurance to myself, explaining that it's ok if the house isn't immaculate. I'll be sure to do a deep clean this weekend. And don't stress so much about all the little mistakes you've made in the past--even if you despise them. There's always a chance to do better and be better. 

When I finally got to work I quickly scanned through all my emails and social media outlets. And that's when I stumbled upon this golden gem: 

Being reminded of the prophet's words brought an ever so thin glimmer of perspective that I so desperately needed this morning. I didn't realize it then, but I do realize now that it took courage to get out of my bed this morning. It took courage to challenge the anxiousness that, in times past, has so easily beset me. It took courage to get dressed and go to work with a quivering yet determined goal to be successful. It took courage to drive in my car and let myself believe that God is aware of me, my struggles, my worries and my pains. And He is going to help me--every step of the way. 

For anxious souls like mine, please remember that you cannot always control when the bouts of fear and negativity will hit. But you can--almost in every case--control how you will react. Don't waste time comparing your strength against another's. This is your battle and one you can only fight with the correct help. Dig deep in your soul for the courage to keep pressing on; and if you find your well of character is running dry, call for help from Him who has the power to save every person. Help will come. In very tiny, small, significant ways it will come. Most likely, it will be that litte voice that says, "I am going to have a GOOD day today."