Today is technically not my moving day but it is for one of my dearest friends.  She was one of my first friends when I moved here almost 12 years ago.  I know wherever we go in life, we will always be friends and support one another.  I write about her moving day because to this anxious person, it’s a loss (and it’s been making me very sad/anxious).  I don’t like feeling sad and anxious, but then again who does. When you are anxious, it’s hard to deal with feelings of sadness but it’s a part of life. It’s a loss of comfort, of bonding, of time together, of laughs and most importantly of seeing her and her family. But it’s also a time to deal with emotions and just allow myself to feel. Anxiety doesn’t let you just feel – it makes you panic.

When I get anxious, I shut down and isolate myself (unintentionally). It’s crazy too because I actually really want to be around people. I can be anxious around this particular friend and IT IS OK. She is one of the few people who knows how anxious I can get and she’s there no matter what. She’s listened to me and cried with me and laughed with me. I don’t feel judged by her. I feel accepted. As you know anxiety is worrying what people think and feeling judged and not accepted. To find a friend who is both non judgemental and accepting – is a true gift.

To my friend – THANK YOU. I thank you for supporting my messy journey as you embark on the next phase of yours.  I thank you for you just being there. We have agreed not to say Good Bye but instead Feliz Navidad!

May we all FIND friends who support our anxiety and tell us we are not crazy. May we all BE friends who accept each other’s faults and empower and encourage.  This world has so much anger and just watching the news causes fear and anxiety.  I’d love to put my family in a protective bubble. Or at least have Captain America or Superman around to save us (with or without their shirts on). Anxiety makes us want to be liked, protected, and saved.  The person we need to protect and save and love is OURSELVES.

While my friend moves to another state, I challenge myself and you to move yourself to a priority. Move yourself TO matter. Move yourself to BE protected. Move yourself to BE OK.  Move yourself to BE LOVED by YOU.