Even through the chaos I can maintain my focus, remember the essence of who I am and what my purpose is. I can welcome each day as a new opportunity that’s full of possibility and root that possibility in my core values. I can “be the change” – in my own small way – even if it feels insignificant. And while trying to contribute positively to the world, I can also find ways to manage my stress and anxiety rather than ignoring my mental health.

When I’m stressed or anxious I tend toward sleepless nights with my mind stammering from one topic to the next. Nothing but incoherent babble interrupted by spontaneous bursts of creativity or insight that I scribble feverishly in my journal or the notes app of my iPhone. But when the wee hours hit & my eyelids refuse to get heavy, I binge-watch House Hunters International and fantasize about a new life under an entirely new identity. ⠀

Worry sometimes graduates to anxiety which feels like a raging fire pit in my belly and a cacophony between my ears. It’s constant. It reminds me of the raw nerves I used to feel before performances. Like how it felt after barely rehearsing a new solo aerial act and performing in front of a big audience with high expectations. Before I felt ready.  Before I felt worthy of having all eyes on me.