If I could wear a name badge to social events, I’d be rocking the title of this post. Proudly, might I add. In past years, I might have been embarrassed or even nervous to tell people I have anxiety. Present-day-Priscilla has learned to to embrace anxiety and all of the quirks that it brings to the table. For example, I absolutely overpack on trips thanks to my anxious need to be completely prepared for any scenario, but who else is going to remember to bring a water purifying pitcher for the hotel room? They come in so handy when bottled water in a vending machine costs $5 a pop. My bag may be heavy, but I’m the Mary Poppins of travel and I’m okay with that.
A name badge does nothing more than tell us someone’s name. A short introduction might help shape your idea of who I am. My name is Priscilla, I do indeed have anxiety, and I live an incredibly blessed life. I’ve been working for years on healing from trauma and abuse, focusing on self-growth, gaining confidence, saying goodbye to toxic relationships, and setting healthy boundaries. Studying psychology has helped me become more in-tune with my mental and emotional needs. One of the constant themes of my life is my battle to overcome anxiety and lead a better life. Anxiety can cause me to struggle in social situations, at home, during work, and more. An unplanned pregnancy and a few humbling, hard, beautiful years so far as a single mom raising an amazing daughter has shown me that I have so much to learn and a long way to go in coexisting peacefully with my anxiety. Overall though, I’m your average person juggling parenthood, family, a relationship, a job, friendships, and more.
I could write for days on the ups and downs of my experience living with anxiety. Lately, I’ve identified two major areas that my anxiety impacts me the most: My health and happiness. I’ve learned that anxiety can range from slightly annoying to majorly crippling, depending on what I am facing. After my most recent blood work test results, I realized that my anxiety (mixed with other traumas and negative emotions) holds me back from being the healthiest version of myself. I struggle with change because it is something I cannot necessarily control in its entirety, and with this struggle comes a resistance toward positive change. In turn, this impacts my happiness and I’m left less healthy and much less happy than I could be in life.
Maybe this blog was started to give me an outlet for my frustrations as I work toward becoming healthier and happier while living with anxiety. Perhaps this blog is something I am hoping will encourage others to do the same. Either way, I’ve learned over time that the best, most consistent growth we can achieve in life happens when we are accountable to other people. Putting my struggles and triumphs on page is not easy. It’s a new level of vulnerability and transparency outside of my typical support group. However, I’ve also learned that there is an entire community cheering on people like me (and perhaps you) who have mental health struggles and are still trying to become the best versions of ourselves. This blog is both my attempt to help expand that community and contribute to resources out there for anyone who needs them that is in my position.
I may not have any or all of the answers, but I do know that anxiety does not define me. I’m excited to work toward a healthier, happier life while managing my anxiety. And I’m incredibly excited to have any readers along with me for the ride! I hope to make you laugh, maybe inspire you, and ultimately encourage you to be the healthiest, happiest form of yourself that you can be. I’ll leave you with this quote:
“Anxiety is something that is a part of me, but it’s not who I am.”
Emma Stone
Love this Priscilla! Great job ❤️