Swimming with Anxiety

I found this in my drafts...

I've struggled with anxiety my whole life

It often comes in waves

It can be hard to keep your head above water

More than once, I have found myself drowning

Caught in an uncontrollable swell

Those years were the darkest

The sea was unforgiving

But eventually, through tenacious will and resilience, I pulled myself out

That victory gives me strength.

___

So when I feel the cold touch of the deep again

I no longer panic

I move my arms and feet

I remember to breathe

And look to the sun to find my way to shore.

___

I am no longer lost at sea

I learned to swim with the tide

Still, it is tough when the wave comes, but I'm no longer surprised

Not caught off guard, I float without fear

I'm not afraid of my anxiety anymore

Instead, I allow myself to feel it and process it

Talk about it. Understand it.

___

The waves still come

They are inevitable

But the size of the swell has eased

And the tide comes less often

But a wave is a wave, nonetheless

I'm still learning to swim

But every day, I get a little stronger

___

So, if you're anything like me, then never stop swimming

We can go with the tide together

_____________________________

© Simon George 2024. All Rights Reserved.

_____________________________