Overcoming a Moment of Social Anxiety: My Father’s Day Experience

Father’s Day was meant to be a day of celebration and joy, and my husband had decided that a trip to the pool would be the perfect activity for our family. I had to overcome a moment of social anxiety before I could have some fun. Thankfully the kids were on board, as they are older and we’re no longer cool to hang out with. We were all excited, especially since it was his special day, and he had chosen something we could all enjoy together.

green inflatable floatie

It was early afternoon when we arrived at the pool, and to our surprise, it wasn’t crowded. We took off our swimsuit covers and applied sunscreen. My husband and the kids immediately headed towards the slide, giddy and ready to race each other on the slide.

However, as I stood there, ready to join them, an unexpected wave of social anxiety washed over me. I found myself frozen, unable to remove my swimsuit cover. For reasons I couldn’t explain, I was suddenly overwhelmed by self-consciousness and the fear of being judged.

For two minutes, which felt like an eternity, I stood there telling myself, “I’ll just sit here and watch them.” I watched as my family, full of energy and excitement, made their way towards the slide. It was supposed to be a fun day, and here I was, stuck in my own head, unable to move. 4 EVERYDAY EXPERIENCES THAT GETS US ANXIOUS

Then, a voice inside me snapped me out of it: “Girl, what are you doing? They’re almost at the slide!” In that moment, I realized that my fears were holding me back from enjoying a beautiful day with my family. I decided not to let my anxiety ruin the experience.

With renewed determination, I took a deep breath, removed my dress, and sprayed myself with sunscreen. I was ready to join in the fun. To immediately overcome and take my power, I walked in front of everyone that was lounging on their cots and took the long way to get into the pool. I ran towards the slide to catch up with my husband and kids, I felt a sense of liberation. The anxiety that had paralyzed me moments before seemed to vanish with each step I took.

Once I joined my family, we had an amazing time. We laughed, splashed around, and made memories that I will cherish forever. Overcoming that brief moment of social anxiety allowed me to fully engage in the day’s activities and enjoy the happiness that comes from being with loved ones.

Reflecting on that day, I realized the importance of pushing through moments of discomfort. Social anxiety can be debilitating, but it doesn’t have to control our lives. By challenging our fears and stepping out of our comfort zones, we can experience the joy and fulfillment that lies beyond our anxieties. That Father’s Day at the pool taught me a valuable lesson: sometimes, we need to remind ourselves to live in the moment and embrace the joy that life has to offer.

RosalynLynn

Be you so you can be free.

3 SIMPLE SELF CARE TIPS THAT KEEPS ME SANE

Life is going to life!!!!! I can’t control that nor can I control time. As my life and family evolves on this rollercoaster ride, that I do enjoy, it didn’t take me long to realize I had to shift, adjust, and hold on while taking this ride. The biggest reason we get overwhelmed, burnout, and anxiety is because we want to keep the same routine that we’ve had the last 10 years.

notebook

It wasn’t easy, but I’ve had to adapt and reprioritize certain duties and aspects of my life. Here are a couple things that helps me keep my sanity.

Simple Self Care Tips

-Don’t worry about money. I know this sounds absolutely ridiculous considering the state of the economy. However, one of my favorite financial gurus “Lynn Richardson” said it best, you make what you make. Until you make more, you have to make the best use of what you have. It’s tough I know. But I have a firm belief no matter what happens I’m going to be ok. Why? Because God never failed me and never will. He’s kept my family and I and he will continue to. FINANCIAL MINDSET: WHICH ONE ARE YOU?

“Do the right thing and everything else will fall into place.”-

-Entertain or engage with those who have their mind made up. It is pointless and a waste of time to speak, have a conversation, or understanding with someone who has their mind made up. Some people are just bent on seeing it how they see it and not opened to another perspective or point of view. In those instances you just have to let them be ok with being closed off and know no matter what you say it won’t make a difference. Save yourself the headache. SELF CARE IS A LIFESTYLE

-Know my limits. After taking a break and coming to some understanding about myself, I know what I am capable of handling. Carrying all those bricks on your shoulders doesn’t get you a Nobel Peace Prize. It tears you down in more ways than one. At home I no longer clean until my back hurts for 3 days. Each day I set a one hour timer. Whatever I get done, that is it until the next day. At work, when I’ve been busy all day, I won’t keep going. I create a stopping point. What can wait til the next day will. That’s not only for my sanity but work output production as well.

Those are my top 3 simple self care tips that keeps me sane. I go through my days based on how I want to feel. Will it require much from me physically, mentally, or emotionally. Depending on what state I’m in, I make my decisions. I don’t want to over extend myself and everyone gets cheated in the process. Take care of you. We live in a world where everything is instant and it’s all about consuming more and more. Be patient and kind to yourself .

RosalynLynn

Be you so you can be free.

4 EVERYDAY EXPERIENCES THAT GETS US ANXIOUS

After having a great conversation about anxiety and things that makes us anxious, I thought it would be a great idea to list some random things that may make us anxious. Not everyone suffers from anxiety, but throughout our daily life we may encounter some events or moments that causes our palms to sweat, heart to race, get that lump in your throat, or simply the jitter bugs.

stressed black girl covering ears

Who gets anxiety before they to the doctor or dentist? I do. Surprisingly its not because I’m afraid of needles, scared to hear results, or fear the doctor. I have to be squeaky clean before I go to the doctor. I will shower and scrub my skin before I go and still have anxiety about being clean enough for the doctor. Before going to the dentist I’ll brush, floss, and gargle but still have anxiety about not being clean enough. Or maybe it’s my inner child trying to be perfect for the doctor and dentist. Because I know I’m clean.

This next one I see all the time. The person that gets anxious at the check out counter. When the transaction is over they just take their change and receipt and shove into their wallet or purse. Many people in the group have expressed their anxiousness about this one. They don’t want to be the one holding up the line. Or taking too much time, trying to make sure they’re gathered before leaving the store. So often organizing and resorting in the car is more comfortable.

Another anxious moment you may have and not realize is when you’re the first one at the light and leading traffic. Are you constantly looking in the rear view mirror to see if anyone is riding you close. Do you feel pressure to speed up so they don’t . I’ve heard many say this is a common moment of anxiety for them. 17 THINGS I DO WHEN I’M FEELING ANXIOUS

Sounds weird, but ordering at a restaurant. Some people just have a hard time making a choice, having a waiter or waitress stand there with a pad and pen, and the rest of the table waiting for them. If you go out in a group, there’s always a person that was calm, laughing, and talking about all the good things on the menu. But when it’s time to order they get flustered, fumble their words, and blurt out something to get the attention off of them.

Those are four everyday life experiences that some of us probably don’t realize we get anxious about. It’s a relief and comforting at the same time to hear some of these stories. Of course, there many other factors that play into someone having anxiety or anxious moments. What is something that gives you anxiety that no one talks about?

RosalynLynn

Be you so you can be free.