The Arrival of Spring Gives Me Hope for My Journey Through Anxiety
The arrival of spring signals growth and renewal, a time that is encouraging and hope-filled. I find great inspiration in the journey of a budding flower, one that seems to parallel my journey through anxiety. I imagine a tiny seed beneath the ground, ready to pierce through the soil and face a new environment. This change can be scary. Leaving the comfort of the familiar and heading towards the unknown can be intimidating. Yet, when surrounded by love, this transition becomes more comfortable. This tiny seed develops into a beautiful flower on account of its own strength and the nurturing care and support provided by others.
I can identify with this tiny seed. My anxiety often makes me feel depleted, because I use so much of my mental energy on analyzing my decisions and reassuring myself. Thus, I usually don’t have the courage to break out of my shell and blossom. I struggle to recognize my own value when self-doubt is like a dark cloud hanging over my head. Yet, like this tiny seed, I know I have a purpose. Just like the sun welcomes and nurtures the seed’s growth, my family and friends fortify me, helping me realize my full potential.
With each new day, I strive to move forward in managing my anxiety. Some days, I make great strides and other days, I find myself frozen in the same place or even a few steps back. I recognize growth involves setbacks, which aren’t permanent roadblocks, but rather are stepping stones. I admit I have a tendency to be hard on myself, but I try not to let that discouraging voice be my only soundtrack. By using positive self-talk and reminding myself of encouragement from loved ones, I feel motivated to start climbing my personal mountains. As a seed, my family and friends saw my inner strength – the flower that I would become. Now, as that budding flower, I yearn to open my petals and greet the sunshine.
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Thinkstock photo via Julia_Sudnitskaya.