Wednesday, April 11, 2007

anxiety

I had a discussion with someone recently about anxiety and how it was affecting their life. We discussed how anxiety can becoming consuming, about how courage is like a muscle and if we're not using it regularly (pushing ourselves, taking risks) then the muscle weakens and is harder to use when we need it.

And then there was this thought: "You should never let anxiety keep you from doing something when you're acting out of love. Anxiety is actually pretty useful and good at stopping us when we're about to do something stupid...but when it keeps us from acting out of love, it becomes a prison."

Peace to you all.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

MAY I SUGGEST LOOKING UP "THE MIDWEST CENTER FOR STRESS AND ANXIETY" THE COMPANIES METHODS HAVE HELP ME AND MEMBERS OF MY FAMILY TREMENDOUSLY. THE CEO'S NAME IS LUCINDA BASSET.

PS. THE BIBLE SAYS, THAT ONE WHO HAS AN UN-EASY, WORRIESOME, UNFULLFILLED, LOST IN LIMBO KIND OF LIFE, IS A PERSON WHO IS NOT FILLED WITH LOVE, LOVE FOR THE FATHER AND THE SON OF THE FATHER, JESUS CHRIST, SOMETIMES YOU HAVE TO START SEEKING FULLFILLMENT ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE MOUNTAIN IN ORDER TO ARRIVE TO YOUR DESTINATION! LIFE IS NOT ABOUT YOUR TIME ON EARTH, YOUR TIME ON EARTH IS ONLY TO PREPARE YOU FOR YOUR ETERNAL LIFE AWAY FROM EARTH. IF YOU CAN CHANGE YOUR ENVIRONMENTALLY BRAIN-WASHED MIND FROM USELESS EARTH BOUND SHALLOWNESS, AND START LIVING YOU LIFE FOR YOUR ETERNAL LIFE, YOUR ANXIETY AND STRESS WILL IN FACT VANISH BECAUSE THE LORD LOVES YOU AND WILL ALWAYS FIGHT FOR YOU, YOU JUST HAVE TO LET HIM. THE SON DIED FOR YOU, AND THE ONLY WAY TO BE GRANTED ETERNAL BLISS IS THROUGH THE SON OF GOD, SO I SUGGEST YOU CHANGE YOUR WHOLE PERSPECTIVE ON LIFE, IF YOU WANT TO LIVE IT TO THE FULLEST.

ONE TOOL THAT WILL TRANSLATE THIS BETTER TO YOU IS A BOOK CALLED "THE PURPOSE DRIVEN LIFE" ITS A MUST HAVE.

GOOD LUCK, AND GOD BLESS.

SWN

steve said...

Dear SWN,

Thank you for taking the time to comment. May I ask a favor? As I understand it, writing in all capital letters is the internet equivalent of saying that you are yelling. I doubt you meant it that way, but it would make it easier for me to read your post if you would correct this in the future. Thank you.

My primary concern about what you wrote is that it implies that anxiety is a function of a lack of faith. Many deeply faithful people struggle with anxiety and depression, and I think it unfair to imply that the problem lies in their lack of faith (or that the solution is as simple as having more faith).

I think the solution to things like depression or anxiety is complex, and depends a lot on the person who struggles with such conditions. Programs like "the midwest center" (which uses an approach called cognitive behavioral therapy) are helpful for many people, but not (sadly) for everyone. I'm glad to hear that it was helpful for you and your family.

Prayers and blessings to you.

more cows than people said...

you are most gracious, dear steve.

btw.. i tagged you for a meme... six weird things about me... second post down on my blog at the moment.

glad for our conversations this weekend.

Rachel said...

Steve,

Thank you for both your post and your comment about depression. I believe that we do a terrible injustice to ourselves and those around us when we spiritualize very real mental/physical issues. I continue to enjoy your posts.

Peace,
Rachel

steve said...

more cows,

Thank you for your kind words, friend!

Rachel Rev,

Good to hear from you again! Thanks for your comment. I agree entirely.