Welcome to my little blog. Thank you for commenting on my last post. I really want to share hope here. My life is dramatically changed, and I’m sharing the little steps I took. It has been such a journey and I’m incredibly grateful for traveling it. If you are just joining us on this pursuit of happiness, please read here to see what it is all about and here for step one! 
So, now that we are on the right track, you may be wondering ‘what if panic attacks or my anxiety return?’ Well, I’m here to tell you if you are anything like me, they will. They sneak up and surprise you when you don’t expect it. So today I want to address letting it rain. I wish I could say ‘here is a magic wand’, but that isn’t what this is. But now, when my anxiety tries to drag me under, I focus on the good, on where I plan to be and I remind myself that these things pass. I made the decision to do everything I can in my life and have faith the rest will fall into place. When panic and anxiety hit, I remind myself of actual facts, but I also accept that this is a feeling I have. I have found accepting the anxiety, acknowledging it, allows it to leave much quicker.
I remember a day when I was spooning baby food into my little one’s greedy birdy mouth and was suddenly struck with incredible chest pain. It felt like my heart was about to explode. Nothing was out of the ordinary, there was no obvious stress in that moment and I had no idea this was a panic attack. I thought there was something terribly, deadly wrong. Terrified, I called a doctor and was seen right away, only to be told there was nothing wrong.
This pattern repeated for awhile, the proper tests were run, and in the end, I was told there was nothing wrong. How incredibly frustrating to have so many doctors tell me they didn’t know what was causing this issue! After a few months of this, I finally saw someone because the anxiety of not knowing when the next attack was coming was bringing on more attacks. And thus the vicious cycle of anxiety.
Once I accepted and realized I was technically healthy and anxiety is a part of my life in times of stress, I decided I would put together a plan to handle them. Much like grabbing an umbrella if it looks like rain. My plan was to accept that these are panic attacks. To remind myself these pass. This week, one of the things that sparked my anxiety cropped back up. I used the mantras I created, but I also let the anxiety come. I keep my activities focused on things that keep me and my family healthy & well. I don’t allow myself very much downtime and I don’t consult google. I accept anxiety is something I feel, but it is not reality. I keep the faith. I am amazed by the results.
DAY 14 – #31daystohappy
How will you handle a difficult time in the future? Make a plan. Accept every aspect of yourself and include the anxiety. A life without any challenge would result in a weak person. Everyone has to struggle with something. Plan how you will tackle this challenge in a healthy way. Express gratitude that this is part of your life.
I hope that you are finding a little bit of extra happiness if you try any of my prompts. As always, thank you for following along. I very much appreciate all of the nice comments and support i’ve seen you share with each other!
I am not a doctor and nothing I write here is a substitute for medical advice. If you are suffering from a medical condition, please seek help immediately. For my full disclaimer, please click here
Yes, this one thing, accepting somethings can’t be changed and then moving on is a game changer. Sometimes, “it is what it is” and that’s all there is too it. But having thought through your reaction ahead of time is a great way to manage past these moments. Thank you for sharing these thoughts Amanda.
Thank you, Mary Ann! I appreciate you taking the time to comment! I think of you frequently and you are always an inspiration. Thank you!
Amanda
Great comment – focus on the facts.
Having had one of those “out-of-the-blue” panic attacks, your (well-written) story was quite moving and I could empathize. I love your advice to roll with them, even though that must be very hard. I hope that they ease up for you and you can continue with your happy life!
I’ve just read Mary Ann’s comment where she says ‘ it is what it is’ . That has become my mantra lately as a result of so many things that have happened in my life in the last few months. My doctor first said it to me & after giving it some thought I realised it was exactly that! That one little saying has freed me of so many worries. I don’t question why!! ☺️ ?