LEARNING TO INTERPRET MY BODY’S SIGNALS HEALED MY ANXIETY

Yesterday I had the privilege of being interviewed to be an official speaker for Beyond Blue in 2015.

Throughout the interview process I learnt a lot about the incredible work the charity is doing to raise awareness about anxiety and depression, to encourage people to speak up and also reduce the stigma associated.

Personally, I suffered anxiety for several years, overcoming it in the past year. I kept it hidden as I was worried it would negatively impact my career, that people could think I couldn’t cope.

I constantly had an anxious sick feeling in my stomach.

Nothing would make it go away… except for alcohol and chocolate – temporarily!

Thinking about my experience makes me wonder how many people are suffering in silence, wearing a brave smile around friends, family and co-workers like I used to…

Throughout the interview yesterday I was asked what I thought the cure to anxiety and depression was. I explained that I believe everyone’s healing journey is different, but ultimately at some stage the individual needs to speak to someone and seek professional help.

As a result of my own healing journey I have realised that it is possible to control and understand our emotions and physiology.

So now I control my body.

My body no longer controls me.

My body sends me signals occasionally, however, and these signals merely help me know if I’m on the right track.

Sort of like an internal navigation system.

Esther Hicks says “There really are only two emotions. One feels good. And one feels bad.”

When I experience positive emotions I now know it’s because it means I am on the right track in life.

If I experience a negative emotion (which is rare these days thankfully!) I am grateful because I understand it’s my body’s way of signalling to me I’ve strayed off course.

For example, in the past my body used to send me negative signals in the form of anxiety to alert me if I wasn’t speaking up for myself… or treating myself with love and respect… or (and this was the biggest one for me in the past..) not following my true purpose in life.

As soon as I started speaking up, loving and respecting myself and taking steps to follow my purpose my anxiety faded.

So I understand my body’s signals now and respect them fully.

And the more I honour my body’s internal navigation system, the better my life becomes.