The story of Puffy

I recently wrote about the adventure my good friend Mari and I had to celebrate her birthday. We had an awesome day that included a graffiti workshop . People got curious about the characters we painted on the wall, so I decided to share the story of Puffy (C-bow's story isn't mine to tell). Spoiler alert: Puffy's story is a bit profound, so if you're expecting a whimsical tale, buckle up—she's not what she seems.

I struggle with anxiety, and for those who know me, this is no surprise. If I had a dollar for every time someone told me to "stop being anxious," I'd be retired by now. Anxiety often feels like a constant, nagging worry that can be overwhelming. It makes even simple tasks feel daunting and creates a sense of impending doom. The physical symptoms are very real: racing heart, sweaty palms, and shortness of breath. They can be debilitating and significantly impact daily life.

I've always known that just stopping my anxiety wasn't an option. Since anti-anxiety medication isn't for me, I decided to embrace it and channel it towards achieving my goals. Anxiety isn't just a source of struggle; it's also a powerful motivator. It makes me hyper-aware of my surroundings and potential challenges, leading to better preparation and focus on details, which are crucial for success.

The defiance that comes with fighting anxiety pushes me to work harder and strive for perfection. This relentless drive has led to significant achievements and built my strong work ethic. Living with anxiety means constantly navigating and managing stress, which enhances my problem-solving skills and makes me good at finding solutions under pressure.

Experiencing anxiety also makes me more empathetic towards others who struggle with similar issues. This empathy is a powerful tool in building strong, supportive relationships both personally and professionally. Overcoming the daily challenges of anxiety builds resilience, helping me bounce back from setbacks and maintain a positive outlook, even in the face of adversity.

The key to harnessing anxiety as a secret to success lies in embracing its ambiguity. Acknowledge the struggle, but also recognize the strengths it brings.

So, Puffy is a doodle I created in middle school, and she was all over my notebooks. When I was bored in class, I'd draw her everywhere. I was always ahead of everyone (another gift from anxiety—I didn't wait to get home to do my homework). She didn't have a name until the graffiti class, but she's always been the manifestation of the monster I live with called anxiety.

Puffy is deceptively adorable. She has a round, fluffy body covered in soft, purple-colored fur that makes her look like a living plush toy. Her large, sparkling eyes and tiny, delicate paws add to her innocent appearance. However, her cuteness hides a more sinister nature.

The monsters inside us are often the shadows of ourselves we tend to ignore or pretend aren't there. But what if we gave these monsters a face, a name, and a story? By personifying them, we can transform them from faceless fears into characters we can understand and, ultimately, manage.

Personifying our inner monsters allows us to externalize our struggles, making them easier to confront. It gives us the power to say, "I see you, and I understand you, but you do not control me." This act of acknowledgment can be incredibly liberating, turning our inner turmoil into a dialogue rather than a battle.

In this way, the monsters inside us become less frightening and more manageable. They become part of our story, characters in the narrative of our lives, and through this process, we find strength and resilience we never knew we had.

Puffy symbolizes the dual nature of anxiety—how it can both protect and harm. Her character highlights the importance of recognizing and managing anxiety, rather than letting it control one's life. Anxiety is a complex and multifaceted experience, often seen as a struggle but also, paradoxically, a driving force behind success. This duality can be both challenging and empowering. For me, it's a choice, and I choose to use it as fuel for my passion, persistence, and tireless drive to keep moving forward.

I hope this article resonates with those who struggle with their own monsters and helps you find a place where you can live with them in peace.

This article is intended to raise Awareness for Mental Health in leu of Yellow September in Brazil (Mental Health Awareness Month). If you are struggling with mental health, please seek professional help.