Lately, I’ve been thinking about just how much I’ve accomplished. Just in the past school year, I’ve lived by myself in my own apartment, I made the Dean’s List both semesters, I made the Chancellor’s List during the Fall Semester, I’ve built relationships with amazing people, I’ve traveled internationally for the first time, and I’ve gained so much confidence.
The thing is, none of this would’ve been possible without the amazing support system I have, especially while I’m at school. I have a great group of friends who have helped me in so many ways. They’ve been so supportive: they’ll drop what they’re doing and help me if I need it, they’ll listen to me vent, they’ll pray with me, and they’re always there to celebrate my accomplishments. I know for a fact that if it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t have been able to accomplish so much. I wouldn’t have gotten such good grades, I wouldn’t have grown in my spiritual life, and I wouldn’t have been able to step outside of my comfort zone.
When you have an anxiety disorder, the right support system is crucial. It can mean the difference between barely living and living life to the fullest. In order to win the war against our anxiety disorders, we need help.
Today, I would like to express my appreciation to our “special people,” the ones who stick by our side, help us to fight against our disorders, and help us to fight for recovery. These people stay by our sides no matter what, they support us in our low moments, they celebrate our victories, and they love us just the way we are. These people are saints and angels in disguise, and they deserve our love, gratitude, and appreciation.
To our special people:
- We don’t always have the words to say “thank you.” We love you dearly, and we appreciate you more than words can say, but sometimes, we get so wrapped up in our anxiety that we don’t have the presence of mind to say “thank you.” Not only that, but some of us have a hard time expressing our love and appreciation in words. Know that we see how much you do for us, and we can never thank you enough for it.
- Sometimes, we’re afraid of losing you. We’re afraid of scaring you away. It’s not anything you did, though. Our disorders sometimes make us feel like we’re unworthy of love. Some of us have even been rejected because of our disorders. Continue to show us unconditional love, and eventually, we’ll trust that love.
- Sometimes, it’s hard to trust you and let you in. You didn’t do anything wrong, though. It’s just that there have been times where we didn’t have anyone to depend on besides ourselves. When things get stressful, it’s easier to revert back to what’s easiest; this sometimes means shutting down and not talking to you. Please be patient with us when this happens. Remind us that we can trust you and you’re always there for us, no matter what.
- You may not feel like you’re doing anything special, but you are a huge blessing in our lives. The fact is, not everyone is willing to do what you do. Your kind words and actions give us strength and courage that we didn’t even know we had. Not everyone is willing to walk down this path with us. The fact that you are says a lot about your character.
- We can’t fight this battle alone. We need people in our corner who will support us when we reach our breaking points. We need people who will help us talk through our anxious thoughts. And we need people who will tell us “I knew you could do it” when we accomplish something big.
To every special person, from the bottom of my heart, thank you so very much for all that you do. It might be a thankless job sometimes, but you are making a very real, very tangible difference in the lives of those with anxiety disorders. We’re endlessly grateful for your support, and we couldn’t progress towards recovery without you.
Thank you for being an amazing, wonderful, kind, loving human being.
Anxiety Free World 