Posted on

I have a secret ‒ I was terrified to publish my new book

Why do we feel that we have to hide our anxiety? Why do we feel that we have to pretend that we are okay all of the time? Why do we feel like we have to keep this a secret, and not share our feelings? People will understand or not, but it is time that we got things out into the open.

I have a secret ‒ I was completely anxious about writing and publishing my book.

i-have-a-secret-never-be-yourself

Over a year ago, I had what I thought was a great idea for a self-help book. I started working on it, and got a good piece of it written while on an art retreat. I thought that I would publish it in September 2017. Continue reading “I have a secret ‒ I was terrified to publish my new book”

Posted on

Panic Attacks & Chest Pains – Surviving Anxiety

Personal Stories of Overcoming Fear i-have-a-secret-panic-attacks-chest-pains

It happened again the other day, and the week before that. Crushing chest pains that cause a complete shock to my system, and pain that is almost unbearable. Panic attacks and chest pains are sudden, vicious things.

But I deal with it, because I’m used to this. Is truly amazing what human beings can get used to,  when they have to. Continue reading “Panic Attacks & Chest Pains – Surviving Anxiety”

Posted on

2018 – New Year’s Revolutions

When we were very small, my youngest sister once babbled something about “New Year’s Revolutions”.  It was one of the most brilliant toddler errors I have ever heard, and I am  extremely grateful that I remember that.

While many people vow to lose ten pounds, declutter their garage, or read a book each month, I think it’s time to stop making average resolutions and small goals. I think it’s time to get fired up. I think we should use New Year’s 2018 as a catalyst for great change.

This is the year to Kick Anxiety’s Ass.
Are you in?

i-have-a-secret-new-years-revolutions Continue reading “2018 – New Year’s Revolutions”

Posted on

Surviving Anxiety – Personal Stories of Overcoming Fear – The Craft Show

I was speaking with someone recently, and was surprised that they did not believe that I have stage fright. I have had anxiety and social stress all of my life, but I have learned to camouflage, deflect, and power my way through it. So I am starting a new section on this blog, with personal stories of the times I have kicked my way through fear to get the job done.  Surviving Anxiety has been a theme of my life, and I hope to inspire others to begin facing their own fears.

i-have-a-secret_SurvivingAnxietyOvercomingFear_Craft.jpg

I’ve been recalling past instances when I was terrified, but stepped up and tried anyway. My parents were a bit odd in that they often didn’t tell me what to expect in new situations, they just threw me in and then corrected me when I messed up. I’m not sure how it didn’t occur to them that kids are brand new at life, and no matter how clever they are at puzzles, it would be kind to tell them what to expect in social situations they haven’t yet experienced. There were many times where my social anxiety was worsened simply because I had no idea what was going on or how to behave. It made matters worse that I was too shy to ask.

Continue reading “Surviving Anxiety – Personal Stories of Overcoming Fear – The Craft Show”

Posted on

Fear is a JERK

Fear is an insidious pest that has never been invited, but creeps into your brain at the worst possible times. Sometimes it cannot beaten by straight up cold logic. Sometimes it cannot even be beaten by proving it repeatedly wrong.

Fear is a cockroach. You can step on it in steel toed boots and it comes back. You can poison it, trap it and throw it out. It will come back.

Continue reading “Fear is a JERK”

Posted on

Hello Again!

Hello folks! After a few months off, this site is back on track.

I have not had a real summer vacation since I was 17 years old, so this summer I took a little time to do some writing, go on four camping trips, sketch out some self-help books, and work on a ton of personal projects.

Now I am back into the work zone – personal writing, freelance writing, and freelance graphic design. 

This site should now be updated at least once a week, and I encourage you to join my email list for updates ( http://eepurl.com/ddwJff  ) . Or you can also follow this site via WordPress.

It would be super helpful if you could share any posts you enjoy – I would love for this blog to encourage conversation. So many people are fighting fear and anxiety every day. Or some are just looking for ways to make their lives more interesting, easier, better. Please stay tuned, and let me know what you think!

The big book announcement will take place in a few weeks. Thank you for reading, and happy day!

 

Also, Happy Birthday to an inspirational bon vivant, David Lee Roth!

Posted on

Discoveries from the Mirror at Hot Yoga

One of the things about hot yoga that freaked me out in the beginning is that you are supposed to look at yourself in the mirror for most of the 90 minute class. Ick. Unless I am busy painting my face, or checking my teeth for spinach, staring at myself in a mirror is unsettling. I have never really understood vanity, and it just makes me uncomfortable.

 

Discoveries from Hot Yoga

Continue reading “Discoveries from the Mirror at Hot Yoga”

Posted on

Decluttering is Hard, Giving Things Away is Easy!

One of the strange things I have anxiety about is letting things go. Perhaps it is because my grandmother grew up during the war, and always instilled in us the importance of making the most of every object. Maybe I am afraid that I will not have the material things I need and therefore be left unprepared, which can lead to being stressed out, embarrassed, and other nasty emotions. Maybe growing up fairly poor made me afraid that I won’t be able to purchase things I want in the future.

Continue reading “Decluttering is Hard, Giving Things Away is Easy!”

Posted on

2016 Recap, 2017 Goals

Every year I do a recap of what I have accomplished the previous year, and I always feel a bit disappointed that I did not get enough done. However, this year there were some serious health issues, so I refuse to judge myself for following doctors orders and basically taking the last quarter of the year off. It was a dark and stormy year, to some degree, but there were many moments of pure sunshine.

Continue reading “2016 Recap, 2017 Goals”