"How did you not let your anxiety define you?"

AH! My first advice question was submitted by one of my precious readers who wishes to stay anonymous.

Q: "How did you not let your anxiety define you?"

Well, for starters it was not easy by all means. Anxiety is a part of me if I want it to be or not. It took a lot of self-improvement needed to be done in order for me to learn that it is okay to not be okay. I had this mindset that I didn't want help, that I can fix it on my own. But truth be told, I couldn't fix this about myself on my own. So I sucked it up and asked for help.

My primary doctor was able to help me find a treatment plan that worked best for me. Surrounding myself with positive energy constantly, not letting myself get trapped in my own mind. We all get those moments where we just don't want to get out of bed in the morning. Mine was severely becoming an everyday challenge to even have the energy to move. But after speaking to my primary doctor, I am now more active than I've ever been.

I had started doing new things, like painting, reading more often, going for walks with my dog, and even establishing better communication with my loved ones.

A good friend of mine once told me, "If you live to stay comfortable then you aren't really living. Get out of your comfort zone and live your life, because once it's gone there is no getting it back."

He still today has been a very good friend to me and has been there for me in ways that make me grateful to have him. Finding and meeting new people also has helped me with my anxiety. I use to be so anxious when it came to meeting new people. I mean I know I am not the only one who has ever felt this way.

I did not let anxiety define who I was because I knew there was more to me than just being anxious all of the time. So instead of it owning me, I own it, I control it, and I am the driver of my own life. As everyone else should see this as well. Anxiety does not own you, do not let it define who you really are. It is a mask trying to cover up the beauty that lies behind it.

Take a moment to take in a deep breath, and just picture yourself somewhere that brings you peace. Whether it be in your own home, a favorite memory, or somewhere you always wanted to see. Then open your eyes and make your bed! You set the tone of your day when you first open your eyes, try making your bed, or going for a walk before work or class, or even make yourself breakfast. Switch up your morning routine every now and then, anything to keep you actively distracted from being lost in your own head.

We all have a story to tell and some of us are still writing our stories every day and always remember it is okay to not be okay.