Real Talk | Anxiety is on the scene.
Practical tips, prayer, journal prompts and more!
Hey friends!
Raise your hand if you’ve been experiencing some anxiety lately!
Shew! I’m glad it’s not just me.
I know that anxiety creeps in when my focus and energy are being spent on things I cannot control. As an Enneagram 7 (this is a personality assessment that you can learn more about here), I am ridiculously future oriented. Being present in this current moment is hard for me.
Even now, I’m not thinking about what I’m typing… which is why you will learn to read through the typos. 🤷🏼♀️ I’m thinking about you. I’m thinking about you as you read this. Where will you be? Will these words resonate? Do see my snark as humor? Is it sunny where you are now? Are you currently hungry? You get the point. The list goes on and on.
For me, anxiety is not something that I constantly experience. It is something that creeps in slowly. I’m not sure what your experience is.
Today I want to share a few things that I’m doing to combat these anxious feelings.
I'm walking for 15 minutes. For months I’ve said that I want to exercise. I have a gym membership. I rarely ever go. There is something in me that believes that if I am not working out for an hour pouring with sweat after, then it is not worth it. That is not true. Regardless, I’m starting with a 15 minute walk because I know it makes a difference.
I’m journaling in the morning for about 5 minutes. It has turned into a brain dump, to-do list, and a place to name my current feelings. It has been extremely helpful.
I’m reading. Now, I’m typically an audiobook/podcast girlie. I still love me a good podcast when I’m on the go. I learned, however, that when I’m listening it is hard for me to focus. Reading, like actual words on a page, forces me to slow down. Not only do I absorb the information better, but it allows me to stay in the present moment… which we have already established that I need.
That’s it. That’s where I am right now. Maybe I am not the only one. If you are in this boat with me, then I hope you realize you’re not alone.
always grace,
Amber Lea
Weekly Recap—
Okay. So in the therapy, coaching, self-help world we talk a lot about doing 'the work,’ but what does that even mean?! What is ‘the work’ anyway? That’s what I unpack this week on the Growth & Grace Podcast!
COMING SOON!
Starting the week of September 19th, I’m hosting a study on Spiritual Practices for all paid subscribers! If you’ve ever wondered what you can do to grow spiritually or what it looks like to deepen your relationship with God, then this is the perfect study for you. More info coming soon!
I recently re-read this passage from Richard Foster’s book on prayer, and I cannot stop thinking about it.
For far too long we have been in a far country: a country of noise and hurry and crowds, a country of climb and push and shove, a country of frustration and fear and intimidation. And he (God) welcomes us home: home to serenity and peace and joy, home to friendship and fellowship and openness, home to intimacy and acceptance and affirmation.
We do not need to be shy. He invites us into the living room of his heart, where we can put on old slippers and share freely. He invites us into the kitchen of his friendship, where chatter and batter mix in good fun. He invites us into the dining room of his strength, where we can feast to our heart’s delight. He invites us into the study of his wisdom, where we can learn and grow and stretch…and ask all the questions we want. He invites us into the worship of his creativity, where we can be co-laborers with him, working together to determine the outcomes of events. He invites unto the bedroom of his rest, where new peace is found and where we can be naked and vulnerable and free. It is the place of deepest intimacy, and where we know and are known to the fullest. 1
I believe that most of our growth comes when we ask good questions. So below is your weekly question for transformation. Think about it, journal it, talk it through with a friend. If you want, share your response the comment section.
Question for transformation: What are the consequences of my inaction?
Foster, Richard J. Prayer - Finding the Hearts True Home, Hodder & Stoughton General Div, 2008, pp. 1–2.