Have you ever thought you were doing okay managing the family finances, and then some bills arrive that are not totally unexpected but also not in the budget? That can spin you for a while, and you can begin to imagine all kinds of catastrophic outcomes. This reaction is pretty typical, however, and although it can feel scary, it can also lead to something positive.
Many successful people struggle with anxiety. It prevents them from enjoying their lives from time to time and occasionally all the time. On the other hand, when you understand that anxiety is there to help keep you safe, it can empower you to take control.
Look, if you were not worried about something, then there would be no reason to do anything at all, right? So maybe your teeth grinding has an actual psychological function. I'm not saying that feeling anxious is a good thing, but acknowledging that there's an evolutionary reason for anxiety (it has to be in our DNA) can make it a bit easier to deal with.
In evolutionary terms, anxiety is an early warning system that alerts us to possible danger, so we take a step back. Most people have a fear of falling from high places, and we naturally don't walk to the very edge of a cliff, because we know we could fall.
The same thing happens when you see a large credit card statement. A sense of anxiety kicks you into gear _ that is, after self-doubt, anger, and maybe a little pouting. Does that sound like you? If so, you are actually dealing with your life in a positive manner. You're stepping back from the precipice rather than dwelling on it. You look for other paths. Understanding that the initial feeling of anxiety is part of your process will make it easier to deal with.
Examining what happens when you get worried about something can also help you move more quickly toward a solution. First you may fret and feel some discomfort. It may sit with you for a little while, and it may move you to act out and blame or complain, neither of which is helpful. But if you need to vent a little to get the angst out of your system, that's okay. This process then tags your creativity center, and you start getting ideas of how to solve your issue of the day.
Once you appreciate your own process of coping, feeling anxiety will be less scary, and you won't be so hard on yourself for getting into an uncomfortable situation. It's human, and it happens to all of us who aren't Bill Gates.
I don't think controlling anxiety is a natural process for most people, but I do know that by practicing it, you will make yourself stronger and your life less toxic, and you will learn to handle your emotions better. This understanding can make your life nicer. Just imagine not worrying about being anxious. You control your mind, not the other way around, so use the tools you have to calmly get to where you need to go.
