1/18/2023
I had dealt with anxiety for 20 years before someone asked me that question. And I had to really sit and think and feel all the things in order to answer the question! Sit with feeling the tightness in my stomach and in my shoulders, sit with the pounding in my chest, sit with the nausea and feelings of panic. When I broke it down to physical symptoms, it felt more real. And it felt solvable.
I think when things started for me, I chalked it up to worry over my kids and the terrible things happening in the world and possibly just hormones. I mean, my mom was a worrier, so this is just normal mom stuff, right? But after some significant weight loss, I talked to my doctor who gave me some meds. Without ever delving into why I was feeling anxiety or asking any particular questions. The meds helped, but only temporarily and I honestly think I started relying on them for relief instead of dealing with whatever I needed to deal with. I was outwardly fine and functioning better than others I knew (comparison being the thief of progress!)
I didn’t find life coaching until after my health completely crashed and I was seeking therapy and wanting to be free of medication. Therapy was helpful, but coaching was consistent and gave me homework and made me curious about myself. The way I explain it is that therapy helps me regain balance and dig into some tough issues, but coaching KEEPS me balanced and I work through my thoughts about those tough issues. And then consistently work on those thoughts. My coach helps me uncover hidden thoughts and holds me accountable – the work comes from my own efforts. I have healed myself – with the guidance and support of my coach.
I went 20 years before anyone ever asked me what anxiety feels like – and it was my coach who asked. And I’m so glad she did!
