By Nancy Virden (c)2024

What a day tomorrow will be. My goal list is long and it is exciting to think those procrastinated errands will finally be done. I feel good; tomorrow is the day.

Ever had thoughts like that? No doubt you run many errands and enjoy progress. People with anxiety finish school, hold down jobs, and manage their families.

But there are days…

Morning comes and the idea of facing people or meeting deadlines feels exhausting. You blame yourself for being lazy but the muster to go is overwhelmed by a powerful, “I can’t.” At least that is how it works for me. I’m not sure anyone can fully describe the sensations and thoughts that accompany anxiety. There is not one discernable cause or solution, it seems. Anxiety definitely freezes us into an emotional paralyzation.

A few actions tend to help me:

1. Tell someone. I may admit to anxiety or share what is making me fearful. Responses vary from a sensitive “Thanks for telling me,” to a kind reprimand such as, “Not moving is going to leave you stuck” Somehow, talking (or texting or messaging) melts the ice that is holding me hostage.
2. Remember and employ resiliency strategies. I practice and teach coping skills. On a tough morning, it helps to melt the ice simply by trying simple ones.
3. Go to the Highest Power. Whether through worship music, reading the Bible, or spending time in prayer, meeting with God gives me motivation, strength, and eventually, peace. It makes sense, He is called the God of all comfort, Jesus is the promised Prince of Peace, and we are encouraged to live in His shelter.

-COMMENTS WELCOME

Today’s Helpful Word

Psalm 91: 1-2

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”

If you are feeling suicidal, or concerned about someone who is, in the U.S. call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988, or for a list of international suicide hotlines, go here.

If you are suicidal with a plan, immediately call 911 in the U.S. or go to your nearest emergency room. In the EU call 112. (For other international emergency numbers, go here ). Hope and help are yours!

Always the Fight Ministries (ATFM) has been displaying compassion for those fighting mental illness, addiction, or abuse since 2012. Nancy is the founder and voice of ATFM and openly shares her emotional resurrection from despair. NOTE: Nancy is not a doctor or a mental health professional, and speaks only from personal experience and observations. In no way is this website intended to substitute for professional mental or behavioral health care.

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