What makes you most anxious?

Anxiety you say?  Meet IBS and Fibromyalgia, my two Frenemies!  It seems years since we met but they are now permanent residents in my house.  When I was in my mid 30’s, I met my first Frenemy, IBS.  She met up with me during a difficult time in my life, and though I was not a fan of her attention getting behavior, I wanted to help her feel better.  She had a tendency, though, to always make a big deal out of every crisis or situation and she would have these episodes where I would have to stay home with her for days.  As the months turned into years, our relationship evolved and deepened, sometimes for the better, but most often not so fun.  Long story short, I finally came to better terms with her for a time, and I made the mistake of telling her that if she wanted to feel better, she should make friends.  The next thing I knew, she showed up with a new friend…Fibromyalgia!

 Well, I am not one to give up on someone, so I not so willingly welcomed her in as well.  It has been a lot of years since they joined me, but I have discovered a secret!  By understanding, feeling compassion, giving mercy and showing myself some grace, the three of us exist together.  IBS just needed someone to listen to her instead of lecturing her or trying to fix her all the time.  Fibromyalgia just needed tender loving care and understanding of why she hurt so much.  Anxieties will always be with us in a world that is messed up but still beautiful if we can look…My frenemies and I continue on as a team to tackle and overcome whatever anxiety or obstacle is in our path.  I discovered that they have become a part of me and I them, my frenemies that is, and when the ugliness of things in the world push in on me, they are there beside me pushing back!  Thanks Girls!  I love you both!  You are helping me become something better not worse.

Wiwohka