5 Ways My Anxiety Makes Me Awesome

Let me tell you, I’ve been living with anxiety for as long as I can remember. It started when I was a kid, worrying about school, friends, and getting into trouble. By my teenage years, I had developed some pretty intense phobias, including a fear of flying and even agoraphobia. After witnessing 9/11 in New York City, I started dealing with symptoms of PTSD. Thankfully, I found a therapist who really clicked with me and provided practical tools to manage my panic attacks.

Even with all the therapy, meditation, and exercise, my anxiety still hangs around like an unwanted guest. But as I’ve matured, I’ve learned to accept my anxiety as part of who I am, especially since it seems to run in my family. Recently, I’ve discovered that there’s a certain energy that accompanies my anxiety—an energy that’s actually pretty awesome. Sure, when I’m locked in the bathroom, heart racing and feeling like I might explode, it’s not fun. However, I’ve come to see that some of my best personality traits are intertwined with my anxious nature. Here’s how:

1. My Imagination is Wildly Creative

Okay, so my imagination can sometimes convince me that the bus I’m on is a ticking time bomb. But it’s also what makes me a writer and a poet, and able to whip up fantastic meals from whatever I find in the fridge. Plus, it turns mundane outings with my kids into thrilling jungle adventures. I wouldn’t trade that creativity for anything!

2. I’m Driven to Succeed

I admit it—I’m a bit of a perfectionist (okay, maybe more than a bit). I often feel anxious when things don’t go as planned, but that same drive means I’m incredibly dedicated. When I tackle a project, I put in the effort to make sure it’s done well. Sure, my perfectionism might irritate some people, but I’m all about getting things done right.

3. I Experience Emotions Deeply

Remember the fairy tale “The Princess and the Pea”? I loved that story as a kid because it resonated with me. I feel emotions intensely—not just my own, but those of everyone around me. While that can be overwhelming, it also makes me incredibly empathetic and in touch with my feelings.

4. I Care About Others and the World

My empathy doesn’t stop with those close to me. I think about strangers I meet and stay up at night worrying about social issues like hunger and homelessness. It may not be healthy to lose sleep over everything, but it shows how much I care and motivates me to strive for positive change. For more info on this topic, you might want to check out this insightful article at Progyny.

5. I’m Brave Every Day

There are days when anxiety hits me hard, making it tough to step outside. But I still push myself to care for my kids, go to work, and face the world, even when I feel like I’m crumbling inside. Instead of beating myself up for struggling, I remind myself that showing up and doing what needs to be done, despite my anxiety, is something to be proud of.

Even though I wouldn’t wish anxiety on anyone, I’ve grown to appreciate how it shapes me into the unique person I am. If my anxiety were to vanish, I wonder if the gifts that come with it would disappear too. Honestly, I think I’d prefer to keep those gifts, even if anxiety is a tough companion to have.

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Summary:

Living with anxiety can be challenging, but it also brings out some incredible traits. From creativity and determination to deep empathy and daily bravery, anxiety shapes who I am in positive ways. Accepting this aspect of myself has led to personal growth, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.