In Control
Hello!
If you're a regular here, you will have probably read my previous post which mentioned reconciling a rift with my Dad. Long story short, it didn't go down well and I have actually deleted him from my Facebook page. Today's post is going to be about why it's ok to take control of situations and how it can ease your anxiety to do so.
I'm sure you've all received unkind texts from people or gotten into text arguments that got heated, right? And it's not nice for anyone and I have found that they are highly triggering for anxiety sufferers. But the other day I had an epiphany: why on earth am I putting up with it? I am an intelligent, fully autonomous adult and I don't have to put up with anyone being unkind or disrespectful to me and I have the right to take control. And so do you.
You might have been in the situation before where you've had a real urge to block or unfriend someone on social media because their behaviour made you unhappy but didn't go through with it because you were worried about upsetting them. Sound familiar? Well here's the thing, their actions are making you unhappy and removing that situation from your life would stop from feeling unhappy therefore, your actions are valid. Be brave and take control.
But being in control doesn't always have to mean removing someone from your life, it can apply to anything. It's all about remembering that you always have a choice. It's pretty liberating when you get to the point where you remember that you don't have to answer the phone immediately if you don't want to. You can either leave it and call back, completely leave it, or answer. The point is, you are in control of that situation. You are not obligated to react in a particular way. In the same way, you don't have to answer texts immediately. You don't have to go to an event if you don't want to, etc. etc.
Anxiety can often make us think that we're obliged to behave in a certain way even though it makes us feel anxious. We feel obliged to lie about how we feel because we don't want to make someone feel uncomfortable. But wouldn't it be better to be honest and tell someone that they are making us feel uncomfortable if they ask why we aren't being responsive? It doesn't matter who they are, be it parent, family member, friend, or colleague, no-one has the right to make you feel small. You are the master of your own life. You are in control.
As always, feel free to like, message, and share. ALSO, please behave sensibly when celebrating/mourning the world cup. Have fun, be respectful, and stay safe.
Lots of Love,
Sarah xxx
