For many, what once seemed like simple or everyday tasks might seem daunting and anxiety-provoking, especially when we continue to witness the continued pain and suffering of people everywhere. In this world, there are so many things that are out of our control that sometimes the anxiety can even make us immobile; and after 14 months of living in a deadly pandemic, it may feel like the idea of normal world no longer exists. However, there are many things that are within our control and identifying these can be the exact remedy we need in addressing fears and worries about the future.
There are many aspects of our lives that we are able to have control over, including the way we view things, our emotions, how we respond to others, and the time we dedicate to things that we love or enjoy. Identifying the control you do have provides the opportunity to focus on your strengths and to reflect on what is triggering the anxiety and what solutions you have the power to employ in addressing these feelings. This process can also be incredibly empowering as you prioritize and invest in the things that you can control, which is often the things that bring you great joy and the validation you need. Below is a graphic created by Amber Rae highlighting some examples you might include on your list of things that you are able to control.
When we identify the things we can control, we are also able to give ourselves permission to put ourselves first as well as those around us, providing space and love to ourselves and our loved ones. As used by those who have attended 12 step groups “Grant me the [strength] to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference.”
Fore more information on the article that inspired this post, click here.
