I’ve started thinking of my anxiety as a security system. Like one you’d purchase for your home, and then put up a sign in your yard so folks know you’ve purchased said security system. 

The past two years have made me so much more anxious it’s actually comical. I went from being socially awkward to what honestly feels like socially incapable. The pandemic definitely made me up the subscription on my theoretical security system. 

—This is not sustainable. 

I’m working on downgrading my plan. Re-learning to take (reasonable) risks. Letting people in, and being patient with both them and myself. 

All this to say. Be nice to yourself. The past couple of years have been hard on everyone, and if you made it this far, that in itself is enough.

I’m embarking on some pretty exciting challenges as per usual, and it’s not gonna work if I’m constantly on guard. So here’s to downgrading from the platinum plan to maybe a gold or silver level of protection.