People’s reactions fall into three categories: emotional, rational, and mindful. Ideally, we should stay in the mindful state, which is having a mindset that is in-between emotional and rational. Unfortunately, my brain tends to gravitate to the emotion-based mindset. It’s killing me. 

Although I may be more in tune with my emotions than most people, it has impacted my ability to fully enjoy many things in life. This is not living. 

I find that when I’m letting my emotions guide me, my anxiety increases then the “what if” scenarios begin or the “Chicken Little Effect” invades my mind.  This is when I have to make myself check the facts. Facts are occasionally hard to see and/or accept but they are there. Once an individual becomes aware of the facts, anxiety decreases and rational thinking can help them transition to a different mindset. This is exhausting, but worth it especially if you find you are suddenly “alone” and realize you cannot rely on others to help you soothe yourself.

It’s time to to fake being brave and stumble down a new path.
A. Mac