Hello anxiety, my old friend
I felt the panic rising inside of me -
My heart beating faster
My breathing becoming quicker and shallower
The feeling that someone was behind me,
Pushing me forward.
I knew exactly what was happening:
My old friend, Time Anxiety, was paying me a visit.
And I knew exactly what to do:
I slowed her down.
Fighting the impulse to race my pen across the page,
I purposely and purposefully made each stroke slower.
I made my breaths deeper, longer, slower,
Remembering my old calligraphy mantra:
"Slow is smooth and smooth is fast."
And I allowed myself to explore in my journal -
What am I in such a hurry for?
It’s almost 7 am, I’m just now starting to journal, I wanted to get to the office early today, and there’s not enough time!
Who is telling me to hurry?
That part of me who never feels like she’s enough, who finds identity and worth through being a super fast all-the-things-doer. It’s interesting because she hasn’t come around in a long time. Maybe it’s because I’m celebrating Slowtober.
What does this part of me need?
The best thing I can do is to thank this sweet part of me for all that she’s done to keep me safe, because ultimately that’s why she’s here. She has worked tirelessly to help me feel seen, to get the love I deserve. I have compassion for her and for Young Amanda who hustled so long for love and attention and worth. And I am not her anymore.
And the big aha moment:
I know I am worthy simply because I exist. And I don’t have to prove my worth through hustle. I can embrace my worthiness as I slow down.
And that panicked feeling was gone,
Replaced by a wave of self-love and compassion.
THIS is the power of journaling.
This is the gift journaling has given me over and over again in my life -
A tool to look and listen inward.
A safe space to explore what I'm feeling.
A place to document my journey and record my wins.
A way to uncover - and celebrate - who I am.
If you want this gift, you deserve it.
And I'm here to help.
Use these prompts as written or as inspiration to uncover what you need in your life this week. And know that I’m always here to support you and answer questions you have along the way!
What is your flavor of anxiety?
What triggers it?
What is your anxiety telling you?
How can you calm and reassure your anxiety?
How can you love yourself a little bit more today?
“Dear Anxiety”
When I’m struggling with something, like anxiety, I often like to write it a letter. I address it by name. I explore how I’m feeling. I ask it what it needs and what it’s trying to tell me. I work through why I’m feeling this way, how I would rather feel, and how I can shift to feel that way.
We can write letters to anything that weighs us down - stress, anger, disappointment - and to the good things too - joy, gratitude, laughter.
Journaling Mini-Retreat - Wednesday, October 18, 7:30 pm Eastern
Gift yourself some self-care with this Journaling Mini-Retreat. Join us for our monthly group journaling celebration. Register HERE.
Magic Moon Circles - October 14 & 28 1 pm Eastern/6 pm BST
My magical friend Pippa Haywood and I have partnered to bring you two special events this month: a New Moon Circle on October 14 and a Full Moon Circle on October 28, both at 1pm EST/6pm BST. Join us for visualization and magic, journaling and connection. Learn more and register HERE.
One-off:
Does your journaling practice need a little jumpstart so you can really see the benefits in your life? Join me for my favorite on demand workshop: 3 Simple Ways to Jumpstart Your Journaling. You’ll walk away with:
✍ A comprehensive understanding of the benefits of journaling
✍ Hands-on experience with three different journaling techniques
✍ And the skills to put them together to confidently create a journaling practice that you love
Purchase HERE for $27.
On the Regular:
Registration for The Journaling for Growth Membership Program is open! Each month we’ll write our way to a life we love by journaling through a different topic. With curated prompts and weekly group sessions, this program gives you the variety of tools you need to uplevel your journaling to learn and grow. October’s topic is Money Mindset, November is Gratitude, and December is Year End Reflections & Goalsetting. Join now for just $97/month.
Diving In Deep:
I’m offering my biggest, most exciting program early in 2024. Together in Unveil Your Inner Magic we’ll take a look at those assessments and personality tests that we’re taking and blend them together with what we already know about ourselves so we can truly find and celebrate what makes us so special! Learn more here.
Customized Solutions
I offer a range of services, all designed to help you embrace journaling for personal growth and discovery, achieving your goals, and writing your way to a life you love.
Let’s hop on a call to discuss what you need!
Happy Journaling!
Amanda, your timing is extraordinary - since you published this post but before I read it (I'm nearly a week behind with my Substack inbox!) I've been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. Now I know what's going on I'm in a position to tackle it - and this post of yours is such an excellent start to my journey. Thank you so much. 😘
Thank you for this meditation. Going to try the letter to anxiety!