It may sound a little crazy, but it’s possible to enjoy anxiety—or at least embrace it as part of you.
I recently worked with a young lady who was terrified of her anxiety. She thought it needed to be fixed, but together we realized her anxiety was part of who she was—and she could use it for good. It didn’t happen overnight, but we worked through it, and one of our key conversations was about this: As long as we have to deal with anxiety, we might as well enjoy it.
When I first started trying this with horses, I was surprised by how much easier it got. The more I allowed myself to embrace the anxiety, the more it seemed to fade. Joy slowly began to replace fear, a little at a time.
Here’s the best advice I’ve learned:
1. Feel Grateful for Your Anxiety.
- I know it sounds strange, but try to feel grateful for your anxiety. It’s there to protect you. When you appreciate its role in keeping you safe, it loses some of its power. The more you can feel joy and gratitude for how anxiety has served you, the quicker it will retreat.
2. Look for the Lesson in the Anxiety.
- Anxiety often arises from uncertainty, but it can also be a sign that you’re growing. Instead of viewing it as a threat, ask yourself: What is this teaching me? Maybe it’s prompting you to slow down, take action, or trust yourself. Reframing anxiety as a guide rather than an enemy shifts your relationship with it.
3. Practice Micro-Moments of Calm.
- You don’t have to erase anxiety all at once. Focus on finding small moments of calm during anxious episodes. Whether it’s a few deep breaths, feeling the ground beneath you, or simply being present, these “micro-moments” can help reset your nervous system and break the cycle of anxiety.
4. Redirect Your Focus to the Present.
- Anxiety thrives on worry about the future. Instead of spiraling, bring your focus back to the present. Engage in something you enjoy—whether it’s spending time with your horse, walking outside, or simply breathing deeply. By grounding yourself in the now, you take away anxiety’s grip on you.
Embracing anxiety isn’t about eliminating it—it’s about accepting it as part of your journey. Over time, the more you embrace it, the less power it holds. With patience, you can learn to use anxiety as a tool for growth, calm, and peace.
If you are wanting to enjoy your anxiety a little bit more, we can also do a Hypnotherapy session to reset to a clean slate and make that joy come even faster! Set up a chat to see if this would be a good fit for you! Book a Time to Chat!
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