Dear Anxiety,

First off, let me reassure you—this is coming from a place of genuine concern, not judgment. I’ve been in your shoes, so I get it. Life feels like it’s spinning out of control lately, doesn’t it? You’ve had a lot on your to-do list lately, especially with the purchase of your house, the move, and all the stress that comes along with it. Buying a house isn’t like some reality TV home shows where a crew fixes the place up before you move-in is it? In real life, you have to do all the fixing yourself. I can only image all the questions and uncertainties swirling around your head. The stress that kind of purchase puts on anyone is a lot. You’ve probably already started playing the “Worst-Case Scenario show,” right? Maybe you’re wondering if you accidentally bought a money pit, and now you’re regretting it just a teensy bit? Don’t worry—we’ll tackle those feelings in a minute.

Also knowing you as I do, you are worrying about the unpredictability of a certain orange hued individual (whose official title we won’t tarnish by calling him that as he’s disgraced that office.) and his Gestapo, aren’t you? Yes, I know their official name is ICE, but let’s call a spade a spade. The recent turbulence in Minnesota and the shootings of innocent people have left us all feeling a little unsteady, raising questions like: “Why does this keep happening? Why isn’t anyone doing something? And... what’s next?" That last one, I bet, is the real concern for you. And who could blame you? His unpredictability is exhausting. And we’re all feeling that one.

I’m sorry, I just realized that recapping your worries might have sent your apprehension meter into the red zone—sorry about that! I’m just trying to recap what I can only assume are issues that are causing you some concern. Just know I’m here for you; in any way you need. Is there anything I can do to make you feel more comfortable, more secure? Maybe a cozy blanket, a cup of herbal tea, a cocktail perhaps? If I could help you kick all of those “what ifs” out of your head, I would? Trust me, if I could press “pause” on world events, I’d do that as well - I could defiantly use a moment of quietness myself. Honestly, I think everyone could use a moment of quietness at this point in the year, especially since we’ve only made it through one month.

I hope I’m not out of place, but if I may, can I offer a few tips to help navigate this chaos? First, hit the brakes and give yourself permission to relax. I mean that literally—sit down, exhale, and remember you’re not responsible for everything happening in the world. Not even the drama unfolding with your new place. This next statement will be hard to understand, but: what will happen will happen (I know, not super reassuring, but hey, it’s honest, and you’ve always asked of me to be honest with you, no matter how painful it may be.) Ask yourself: “Is any of this actually my fault?” Spoiler alert—none of it is. And those bossy voices in your head? Tell them to take a coffee break as well. They won’t listen, but in time, they will.

Now breathe. Take a few deep ones—hold, release, repeat. Notice those tense shoulders soften. Repeat this as many times as you need in order to get those tense little shoulders of yours to relax. Now, picture every wild scenario racing through your mind. Which ones can you fix? Which are out of your control? Which ones are just created by your imagination to make you feel super stressed? Now write everything down, concentrating on the things you can control—your house, your personal life. Let’s tackle those with a plan. What are issues that need someone else to fix, and what ones can you fix? For those “what-ifs” you can’t wrangle, let them go, even just for a minute. I know that’s easier said than done—but truly, most of what you dread never actually happens. Trust me, I’ve out-worried myself many times, and it’s rarely worth the lost sleep. Once you get all of those scenarios out of your head, you free up space to actually see what is bothering you. Which of course allows you to come up with a game plan to fix what you can, especially after you let go of the what-ifs.

Yes, I know this sounds easier said than done, but I’ve been there. I’ve been through and participated in the worry fest you are in at the moment. So, take a breath, jot things down, and give yourself credit for how much you’re handling. It might sound simple, but sometimes the simplest things work best.

I hope these little nuggets of wisdom help or at least make you smile. Whatever you’re facing, remember: you’re not alone, and you’re doing better than you think.

I’m rooting for you, and if you ever need an emergency dose of humor or a pep talk, you know where to find me. Keep me posted. Hang in there!

Your slightly less-worried friend,

Concerned (but still smiling)