The chapters of my 'Anxiety' journey.

Lately, I have been feeling the urge to share a piece of my story.

I believe it's time to shed light on a topic that affects so many of us – ANXIETY.

For the longest time, I navigated my personal and professional life with a smile on my face, while underneath, an 'anxiety' named spider was weaving its web.

The pressure to excel in life, meet expectations, and maintain a flawless image became an exhausting routine.

It took a toll on my mental health, leaving me grappling with self-doubt and a constant fear of failure.

The turning point came when one day I said to my husband, "I need help, I think I am having a nervous breakdown."

Never seen me like this, he was stunned for a few moments.

The next words that came to his mouth were - 'Let's go for a coffee'.

At that moment, I hated him the most.

Why is he being so casual? Did he listen to me? Does my mental state mean nothing to him?

However, I fought the demons of my mind and lethargically went for a coffee.

We reached Starbucks,

A tall triple short expresso with some almond milk, no sugar, no cream, and two pumps of vanilla.

My regular.

We took a seat by the window and all I did was stare out mindlessly. All I could think was to break-FREE. but how? That was a mystery.

After a few moments, my husband came up to me and handed me my cup of coffee. He just sat by me and held my hand.

The next few words that came from his mouth were the turning point.

"I know what you are going through. I may not be aware of your mental state but I am here to understand. I am here to stay. Let your mind rest, Let your agony go, Let me relieve you from the pain. All you need to do is let go and trust me."

With a sip of coffee, I could feel my heart being unlocked from the shackles.

I could feel that relief.

That single conversation sparked a journey of vulnerability and self-discovery.

Today, I will three tips that took me from chaos to calm and killed the 10-headed Ravana inside me.

1. Acknowledging Vulnerability:

Admitting your vulnerability is not a sign of weakness but a courageous step towards growth. I started sharing my challenges openly, not just with my husband but with friends and on platforms like LinkedIn. The responses were overwhelming – colleagues, acquaintances, and even strangers resonated with my journey, sharing their stories of triumph and resilience.

2. Seeking Support:

The turning point came when I sought professional help. Talking to a mental health professional provided me with tools to manage my anxiety and a safe space to explore its roots. Surrounding myself with a support network, including friends and family, became crucial in my healing process.

3. Embracing Mindfulness:

I discovered the power of mindfulness and self-care. Incorporating small rituals, like morning walks and meditation, helped create a sanctuary amidst the chaos. The more I tuned into my own well-being, the more resilient I became in the face of life's challenges.

Today, I share my story not as a tale of triumph over anxiety but as an ongoing journey of growth and acceptance. It's a reminder that we are not defined by our struggles, but by how we navigate them.

IMPERFECTIONS are your STRENGTHS and NOT FLAWS.