Holding things lightly versus with clenched, tight fists is so helpful when nothing is going as planned and as hoped for. When something-like the weather, sickness, other people’s decisions-are outside of your control, focus on what you can influence.

In the context of this post, I am speaking more to every day frustrations versus profound disappointments and heartbreak that invite grief and mourning.

It’s kind of like anxiety itself is a big ball of yarn, and as you untangle the massive ball of yarn, you address one section of string at a time, making it more concrete and not so overwhelming.

And, yet, there is another approach. It’s the idea of seeing anxiety through a lens of gentle acceptance, almost like it’s your old friend, who has come for a visit again. While you may not find yourself excited for this “visitor” to be here, you welcome her anyway.

Many days the energy required to stay safe and take care of basic needs takes precedence right now over the higher aspirations in Maslow’s hierarchy of needs--- love and belonging, esteem, and self-actualization.

This is hard. No doubt. Let’s give grace towards ourselves when it feels like too much. Let’s give grace to each other. Prioritize basic needs like sleep and nutrition. You have to be filled up in order to pour out.