Breathe In. Breathe Out.

So this is what it is like to function, whether in crisis or when all is well. A day at a time, a step at a time, a breath at a time, I do what needs to be done for myself first, and then for my loved ones. (For if I do not take care of myself, I will be in no condition to take care of them.)

In spite of anxiety, I do what needs to be done a step at a time. In spite of wanting to freeze when feeling overwhelmed, I breathe, ask for help when needed, and put one foot in front of the other. And at the end of the day, I feel better for having accomplished what I needed to accomplish. The world does not end. I do not lose my mind. I get things done. I am capable. And not only that: I am pleasant to the people I encounter, particularly those who help me navigate the mazes between me and my goals. That pleases me a great deal, because it is genuine, not an act.

I woke up this morning feeling overwhelmed by my life. After some cleansing breaths I gently slipped into my day. By noon I had accomplished everything I needed to accomplish. By two I had prioritized the tasks I want to accomplish for the rest of the week and was on my way to school. While riding the train I realized that I had come a long way in the hours since I had opened my eyes to anxiety first thing this morning. I feel proud of myself.