worry etc.

I remember many years ago when we began dating I was telling Edd about some of my irrational fears. We were talking over the phone and I was revealing my insecurity and being as honest as I knew how to be.  In his wonderful way he smoothly replied, "We are going to have to put that imagination of yours to better use." 

I still think of that conversation and smile. 

Worry is such a waste of time isn't it?

Even though I know that to be true I still struggle with it. I have a little bit of generalized anxiety disorder and I know it. I actually think I have had it most of my life but a strong faith has kept it in check. But after caring for Edd and losing him and then losing my mom shortly thereafter, among other stressful family situations, my symptoms got a little worse. Not bad enough to have to be on any medication, but enough that I have to be proactive and recognize the symptoms and DO something about them. And there is so much we can do. I found the following on a GAD site that had lots of useful information. 

The best methods for self-soothing incorporate one or more of the physical senses: vision, hearing, smell, taste, touch, or movement: 

Sight – Look at anything that relaxes you or makes you smile: a beautiful view, family photos, cat pictures on the Internet.

Sound – Listen to soothing music or sing a favorite tune. Or enjoy the relaxing sounds of nature (either live or recorded): ocean waves, wind through the trees, birds singing.

Smell – Light scented candles. Smell the flowers in a garden. Breathe in the clean, fresh air. Spritz on your favorite perfume.

Taste – Slowly eat a favorite treat, savoring each bite. Sip a hot cup of coffee or herbal tea. Chew on a stick of gum. Enjoy a mint or your favorite hard candy.

Touch – Give yourself a hand or neck massage. Cuddle with a pet. Wrap yourself in a soft blanket. Sit outside in the cool breeze. 

Movement – Go for a walk, dance around, jump up and down, or gently stretch.

Alcohol may ease the symptoms for a short time but it actually makes them worse as it wears off. Eating healthy and getting exercise makes all the difference in the world!

When we have a challenge or struggle in life it can be used to bring out our strengths or make us work a little harder. I refuse to let my challenges limit me, but I find it good that I can concentrate on a healthy lifestyle because of them.