Anxiety. 3 tools for your toolbox. Why I still need them!


Steps.  3 Steps.  It's not that easy, but it's a start!  I have met so many people battling anxiety because I have be straight up about my struggles with anxiety.  Instead of a long post, I really feel lead to share these 3 little steps that add up to HOPE.

I could write forever on stories of my anxiety.  You don't need that.  If you struggle, you do need to know that I get it.  Sometimes there are negative reasons that trigger my anxiety, sometimes there are positive triggers!  What?!  How can I be nauseous now!?  It happens!  And sometimes, there is no reason at all!  I get so mad when nausea and fatigue from anxiety barge into my moments!  That is why I want to share with you some things I've learned.

But I have a starting point for you if you don't know where to begin.  3 points to be exact.  So here are some encouraging tools.  Each one could be a book of it's own, but those of us that struggle with anxiety, don't need a book!  We need help, hope!  Why?  Because anxiety steals your joy, makes you sick, and robs others of the moments that God wants you to share with others.

First, ask one person you trust, "Is this thought I am having true? Or it is my imagination?"  Process the trigger to it's realest truest form.  Then you know what you are dealing with.

Second, once you know what's true, practice some breathing techniques to slow your heart rate.  Breathe in slowly and count to 4, hold and count to 4, breathe out and count to 4.  Repeat this until you feel your heart rate slow.

Third, have Scripture in hand.  Either know it in your heart, or have it written in your pocket.  Speak out, whisper out the truth of the Word of God.  Hebrews 4:12 says it is "full of living power."  One example is 2 Corinthians 10:5, "Lord help me demolish vain imaginations and arguments that hold themselves up again the knowledge of God and take every thought captive unto the obedience of Christ."

You can build a Spiritual library based on the triggers in your life.  Keep a spiral of 3x5 cards and read them, speak them into your life.  John 17:17 says, "Sanctify me by Your Word, Your Word is truth."

This is over simplified, but it's true and it's full of hope and it's tried and true for me!  It's like anything you struggle with, if you need insulin every day, you take it!  You may need to treat this every day, but you can!  It's not something to feel condemnation about.

Be vulnerable and accountable with someone who understands.  Sometimes we need a doctor or counselor.  But know this, you are not alone and God is walking through every moment with you.  He will refine you in this process.  He will meet you here and you will know Him in such a personal way, it will be beautiful.  Surrender.

Beauty.  From.  Ashes.

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