I was interviewed last night for a podcast hosted by a fellow Irish writer. All day the thought of it lurked at the back of my mind, a ball of anxiety and worry growing with each passing hour. I started to regret agreeing to take part, convinced I was going to make a mess of it and come across as a blethering buffoon. As the hour neared, I wondered if I could cut my losses and run for the hills, never to be seen again.
As it turned out, I had nothing to worry about. The podcast host, Conor, was excellent and quickly put me at ease. The questions were interesting and relevant and I soon was lost in talking about writing, my books, and a range of other topics. When it ended, I realised we had been chatting for over an hour, when it felt like only a handful of minutes had passed. Afterwards I wondered what the big deal had been.
I’ll find something else to worry about today, for that’s what I do. Existing on a diet of low level anxiety, never far from the surface of my being. I wish I wasn’t constructed this way, but I am and it could be a lot worse. I manage it via a variety of coping mechanisms which get me through each situation. I muddle through, get by, make it to the other side of the bridge. It might not always be pretty, but it’s effective. I do enough.
If this sounds familiar, if you’re a worry wart, then know that you’re not alone. Join me in muddling through, in doing enough. Dig deep and find what you need in order to get to the other side of what is bothering you today. You have it in you. You can and you will. And when you reach the other side, look back and be proud of your achievement. Celebrate it, remember it and be prepared to learn from it. For the next time.
Black Thoughts 
This post came at the correct time. I’m participating in an open mic today, my first one, so I was anxious. This helps. Thank you!!
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You’re welcome. How did it go?
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It went better than expected, I enjoyed it.💫
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Inspiring. Loved it!
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Thank you 😊
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This post couldn’t have come at a better time. My anxiety is through the roof today. It’s a battle I wish I didn’t have to fight but I will continue to fight it. I won’t let it get the best of me.
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Good for you. Hang in there 😉
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You really are the bravest soldier! Thanks for your enlightening blog posts, and best wishes for more success as a fine writer.
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I’m not really but thank you 😊
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A much needed pep talk – as always, thanks!!!
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You’re very welcome 😊
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Well done. We have to believe in ourselves 🧡
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Thank you 😊
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Your description is how I feel before meeting up with people for the first time.
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We are many
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Yes we are many!
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We are 😊
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You’re so right. Some days it’s about surviving. Other days we’ll have the will and energy to thrive. Keep on keeping on my friends. 😊
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You too, sir 😊
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What a wonderful post and encouragement. Thank you!
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You’re very welcome 😊
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Thank you for the encouragement. I have anxiety a lot of the time.
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You’re welcome, Amanda 😊
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I can relate to feeling anxious. I came across fascinating research in a book that discusses the upside of anxiety. I blog about it here https://donovancarper.com/index.php/2020/04/11/stress-anxiety-can-be-good/
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Thank you 😊
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It’s been so long since I’ve blogged or even attempted to that I feel like I don’t know how but yet your blog really spoke to my heart and I feel I need to get some things off of my chest. Only I’m anxious about what I say, how I say it, and if I’m saying what I really mean.
This is going to sound strange, but I’ve lost my faith in God and humanity as a whole. I use to pray to God all day. Not as a religious “freak”, but normal conversations. For example, should I tell that individual that he/she is being rude, hurtful, or just an irritant. He (God) would tell me my comments either didn’t matter to he/she (for which I’ll begin to call the individual “hesh” (!)), that my words were just as hurtful, to soften them, or to be silent. (Now in my 60’s, I’m much wiser; however, not as smart as I use to be!). But I use to hear Him tell me what to, who to avoid, what relationships were good or bad, how to help others, etc. but I don’t hear Him anymore and I know He hasn’t left me.
My biological brother has decided he no longer wants me to be a part of the family. We lost our parents to cancer a long time ago, and it’s only my brother, my sister, and I. I am the youngest of the three. “David” and I are 1 1/2 years apart in age and he was always my “idol” in my teens. I cry when I think of him passing and not knowing he was ill or injured. We have yet to even start with AA’s 12 Steps program. I come from a long line of alcoholics so I won’t even touch the stuff. However, I did go to ACOA meetings.
I guess I said all this because I see the light at the end of the tunnel growing dimmer and I’m so scared I will find myself not in God’s good graces. I’m sorry for being so bleak but I’ve been holding onto these “rocks” and want to drop them. I’ve held onto them for so long that I don’t know how to capture my relationships with God or my brother.
Humbled and scared,
Debby’s Domain
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Hi Debby. Sorry for the late reply. Thank you very much for your honesty and transparency. I can relate to much of what you say and only ask that you hang in there and keep fighting for yourself and the people who matter. Keep safe & well.
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It’s interesting hey? How much we worry about things that never end up happening. Yet, this knowledge still doesn’t prevent me from worrying the next time. Glad to hear the meeting went well for you!
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Thank you Heather 🙂
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