I couldn't tell you how many times I have wondered that very thing. I can tell people wonder why I get so nervous to go to the movies or even go to the grocery store. A lot of you probably do the same thing. Afraid to say you don't want to go somewhere because you get nervous but then you end up panicking because you went.
I think one thing that has helped me tremendously is the fact that all the people I am close to or do things with know what makes me nervous. I didn't hide it anymore. You can't expect everyone to read your mind. All of my friends know that the movies make me so nervous I can barely sit still. Now if I really want to see one, my husband takes me on a Monday afternoon when no one else is there. Tomorrow we will be taking our 4 year old to see his first movie and I will admit that I am pretty scared. All I have to do is reassure myself that no one is making me stay. I really feel like that's why it's important to tell people about the things that make you uncomfortable. It makes life so much easier.
Here is an example of why it is so important in the process of getting better and it also happens to be one of the proudest moments since having anxiety:
My brother-in-law and girlfriend got engaged in July 2010. From that day when she told me I would be a bridesmaid I WAS WORRIED. Actually, worried is an understatement. I was completely petrified. I cried for a week because I was so scared. Finally I called her and told her I couldn't do it. Immediately after I called all I felt was regret. Regret. Why would I feel like that when I had just cried for a week over it. So after thinking about it I called back and said I would do it. Over the next year I fretted over every single detail. Everyone constantly reassured me I would be okay but it never helped. Once it got down to the last few days I was in full panic mode. The bride, which happens to be one of my best friends as well, told me that if I got nervous I could just walk out. (That's the definition of a true friend) She was willing to let me walk out of her wedding just so I could be apart of it. Throughout this whole thing the one thing I didn't want to happen was for any of the attention to be off the bride. So the night before one of my best friends gave me a very sweet card and candy telling me I could do it.
Once the big day arrived I was just a big bag of nerves. I almost walked out of the rehearsals but my sister-in-law was there to calm me down. While getting ready they kept me calm and I was pretty distracted with doing hair and getting ready. I hardly ate anything and secretly wanted to run out the door screaming! When the time came to walk down the aisle I was completely about to faint. (It also helped a little to know that I wasn't alone because the groom was about 2 seconds away from passing out) As soon as I walked out the nerves were completely gone. I NEVER thought that would happen. I spent the rest of my night enjoying the wedding and grinning from ear to ear that I actually did it.
So basically what I'm trying to say is it so important to let the people in your life help you if they are willing. I can't imagine not having these people in my life and I'm am so grateful to each of them.
If there are any topics that you want me to write about feel free to ask me! I'm always open for suggestions.
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