Others unrealistic (sometimes unwarranted) expectations, criticism, the “I wouldn’t do that if I were you”… all fall under the “what ifs” of anxiety.

What if I fail? What if they’re right…what if..what if?

When other people’s voices shut out our own it takes anxiety to a whole different level. In fact, their voice may start to intertwine with your own and you began to think and believe those thoughts are your own. I am very susceptible to the urge to change directions if I know someone I love and respect disagrees with my choice. I’ve done it since childhood. Everyone wants someone to be proud of them.

The problem came when I was in middle school, when I was trying to learn to hear and trust my own intuition…Then I had to fight the feelings of others expectations. Even if the words were never said. Even if I made a different choice I would agonize for days (sadly sometimes weeks) if I should have just done it like so & so said.

But the truth is the Bible says:

Meaning sometimes my unsuccess may have come from my own double-mindedness. I couldn’t sit with the decision. The truth is even in what I perceive as a misstep cam and will be used by God. And most of the time, my catastrophizing is waaaay worse than actual results.

Think about a time when you thought the absolute worst thing, only to find out that it wasn’t as bad as you thought it would be. Stop catastrophizing your life and start holding onto hope.