A lot has been happening lately, and whether the new circumstances are positive or negative, change can create a sense of instability and emotional displacement. While I am excited about things, I still feel anxious with the lack of clarity on what the future hold sometimes. It is easy for me to feel comfortable in routine and repetition because it eliminates the fear of the unknown and the feeling of not being in control of things. As an alcoholic, I struggle with control, and as a person with anxiety, I struggle even more so when I do not have a full or clear understanding of how things are going to play out. I have learned that when things feel overwhelming, I need to step back and take a few deep breaths. I remind myself that things are going to play out the way they are meant to, and it probably for the best that I do not have a say in everything that goes on.
I recite the serenity prayer and take a few moments to ground myself in the here and now, recognizing that while the future is not mine for the knowing, I can do everything I can to the best of my ability to work my hardest in the present. I do not need to know what will happen a few weeks from now to feel comfortable today. I can face the tasks laid out in front of me, and I can ask for support along the way while maintaining the faith that my serenity and well-being will not be affected by outside circumstances.
Objectively looking at situations for what they are without assigning positive or negative weight to them help me face reality and remain able and willing to live out the rest of today.
