Be Your Own
Parachute
You can be your
own safe person. You can have a sense of security within yourself that
you are self-sufficient, that you can take care of yourself emotionally
and physically. You can do whatever you want to do and be okay. The
bottom line: you can be safe with yourself and for yourself. You can
see the world, start a business, and have a great relationship with the
inner strength and confidence to care for yourself no matter what life
throws at you. It’s absolutely within your reach.
Start Taking
Alone Time
It’s time to
trust yourself and begin doing things alone. For me, this was a big
challenge. People with anxiety are uncomfortable being alone because
they anticipate and obsess. They worry that they’ll lose control and
need help or reassurance. They’re afraid they’ll need someone else to
get them to safety.
You have to
start doing things alone to achieve independence. How about going to
the movies by yourself? Pick a movie that’s likely to make you feel
good. Try seeing a comedy or a light romantic adventure.
Time alone is
invaluable to staying balanced, but when I was agoraphobic, it was
nearly impossible for me to enjoy the simplest relaxation alone. I
always had to be doing something productive; I could never sit and do
nothing all by myself because it have me too much time to think. Now I
cherish time to myself. I love to walk alone or relax in a bath. I
enjoy planting flowers or just sitting outside on a beautiful day,
smelling the air and feeling the breeze.
Even if you
know the most wonderful person who makes you feel safe, you really must
be there for yourself.
