Niki Pilkington
Dear anxiety, you’re absolutely rubbish, but you don’t define me. I’m sticking one finger up at you & I won’t let you take over my happiness🖕🏼
I recently opened up a little about anxiety. It was terrifying. Everything about my work embodies positivity, self love & generally encouragement to feel happy, so why would I ruin that with a ‘Hey, actually, I’m not ok’ post? I clicked share & I’m so glad I did. Here’s why..
Your response to that vulnerable post was my realization that it’s ok to say I'm not ok & that I'm definitely not alone in how I feel. Not only was it incredible to read so many encouraging messages - but I received just as many saying you feel the same (which was weirdly sad & comforting at the same time).⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
These last few months have been a lot. A build up of everything I was doing (saying yes to everything, working too much, sleeping too little, comparing myself to others, trying to please everyone & just not looking after myself) lead to panic attack’s, feeling useless & uninspired, bursting into tears when I least expected it (most recently in spin class..that was weird) scary palpitations & loosing my hair (which has a lovely way of bringing on all those other symptoms *eyeroll*)
I’m not writing this for sympathy or attention. I’m writing this because I care. If reading this helps one person then it’s worth it. Anxiety has a way of making you feel like you’re alone in what you’re experiencing, but that’s not the case AT ALL..You never know who may have just started experiencing anxiety, been coping with it for a while or about to kick its butt, let's share more. Check in on someone, ask them how they’re feeling, tell someone they look pretty, tell them you’re proud, send a text to someone you’ve lost touch with, ask someone what you can do to help. You never know who might need it. If you’re feeling low, anxious, sad, depressed, worried, asking for help doesn't make you weak. You’re allowed to feel things, allowed to be venerable. Do whatever it takes to get yourself back to 💯⠀
Here’s to finding out who’s crowns need fixing & helping them glue them back together.
