From Anxious to Accomplished: My Journey of Overcoming Anxiety and Thriving in Life

Life can be full of surprises, and sometimes those surprises come with a side of anxiety. I've been there, and I want to share my personal journey of (almost) overcoming anxiety and finding success amidst the challenges. From experiencing family losses to moving from one country to another (and vice-versa), and even feeling lonely at times while living in Mexico, anxiety affected my work. But with determination and a little bit of humor, I managed to turn things around.

Imagine being a young and ambitious person with big dreams. That was me at one point. However, life threw some unexpected obstacles my way. I faced the loss of loved ones, and it left me feeling lost and vulnerable. On top of that, I had to move from country to country. I can easily say that I have spent my 20s in Mexico, a place with a different culture and language which welcomed me with open heart and arms.

Living in a foreign country can be an amazing experience, but it can also be tough, especially when you feel alone and isolated. The language and cultural difference were not an obstacle for me - I fitted in with no doubt and you can read more about it in my article about the Mexican hospitality. Nevertheless, even fitting in, due to many circumstances, the anxiety became my constant companion, affecting not just my personal life but also my work. I knew I needed to make a change.

They say the first step to healing is acknowledging the problem. With that in mind, I started a journey of self-discovery and sought help from professionals. Talking to a therapist became my safe space, where I could openly discuss my fears, grief, and the overwhelming anxiety that had taken over my life. Gradually, I began to rebuild myself and started to feel like the old Dimitrije.

Humor has definitely always been my savior, even in the darkest times. As I navigated through the challenges of anxiety, I found comfort in laughter. I learned to see the lighter side of life, often sharing funny stories with my therapist. Laughing together helped me put anxiety on the back burner. I realized that a good laugh can be more healing than any medication. Also, I was constantly trying to "kill" my anxiety with food - regular one, healthy one, junk food... just any kind of food. After I started to follow to routine, I felt stronger, more productive and started feeling good in my body (which also has shown improvements).

After navigating the challenges of anxiety while living abroad, I reached a point where I yearned for familiarity and a sense of belonging. That's when the idea of moving back to my hometown began to take root in my mind. It felt like the right decision, a much-needed step towards finding inner peace. I discussed this longing with my therapist, who offered invaluable guidance. I realized that sometimes (and some psychotherapist confirmed it scientifically!) returning to our roots can provide a sense of stability and comfort, allowing us to rebuild our lives on a solid foundation. So, I mustered up the courage, packed my bags, and embarked on the journey back to my hometown, ready to embrace the familiar and create a fresh chapter of my life.

With newfound strength and resilience, I decided to take back control of my life and reignite my passion for work. I started by setting small, achievable goals and celebrating each little victory along the way. Stepping out of my comfort zone became a personal challenge, and each success boosted my confidence. Slowly but surely, anxious thoughts faded, and I regained focus and productivity.

Overcoming anxiety is a unique journey for each person. For me, it meant dealing with sadness, getting used to new places, and discovering the power of laughter. I reached out for help, embraced change, and celebrated even the smallest accomplishments. Today, I stand tall, showing that anxiety doesn't define us, but how we manage to overcome it does.