When You're Feeling Anxious

Last month hit me with unexpected health problems. March didn't go as planned with a missed wedding, vacation, and more.

Yet even in the difficult moments there were pockets of beauty.

• Flowers from family

• A farmer’s market at the hospital offering calamansi croissants & Pandesal bread! (Yummy Filipino delicacies)

• A date night meandering through Home Depot.

Although it’s easy for me to complain, I’m fixing my eyes on the good, even when my heart wants to worry.

I’m home from the hospital, but still have some lingering side effects. And I’m trying to be grateful for the good amid the hard. Today this is my gratitude list: What about you? How can you focus on the sunshine in the clouds?

Worry doesn’t empty tomorrow of its sorrow, it empties today of its strength. (Pg 121, Dillow)

My Gratitude List

• Hearing a favorite verse at the right time.

• A piping hot meal from friends.

• Notes from loved ones

Although the past few weeks have been difficult, I’m thankful for friends and family who have helped me reclaim my joy.

Resources that encourage my heart

• Redefining Anxiety: A quick booklet covering a variety of myths and facts on anxiety, by Dr. John Delony.

  • “Anxiety isn’t something you are, it’s something you move through and experience.”1

• My Redeemer is Faithful and True: This song has been on repeat and I love this stanza:

  • My Redeemer is faithful and true.
    Everything He has said He will do,
    And every morning His mercies are new.
    My Redeemer is faithful and true.

• Made to Tremble: How Anxiety Became the Best Thing that ever Happened to my Faith.

  • Podcast interview here: this book by Blair Linne is beautifully written and easy to read.

• Calm my Anxious Heart: A Woman’s Guide to Finding Contentment.

  • I’m still reading this book, but I’ve heard great reviews.

Favorite Books, Podcast, & Coffee this month:

• This podcast series from Abbey Wedgeworth is so helpful! It’s a preorder bonus for her new book, “Help I’m Ruining My Kids.”

• Finally finished “Becoming Mrs. Lewis,” not what I expected, but kept me engaged the whole time.

• Started a journal to record 1 line a day for 5 years!

• The Body Teaches the Soul: 10 Essential habits like sleep, food, tech, and more. I particularly enjoyed the worship chapter and reminder to keep gathering with believers.

• I’ve received many ads for this pro-life coffee brand, and finally gave it a try, it’s so yummy! 7 weeks Coffee

• Attended a Ben Rector concert a few weeks ago for a special anniversary date/trip.

• My son loved this water activated painting book.

PS: If this resonated with you, I’d love to hear from you!

This post is part of a blog hop with Exhale—an online community of women pursuing creativity alongside motherhood, led by the writing team behind Coffee + Crumbs. Click here to view the next post in the series “Reclaim.”