Anxiety vs Nervousness

We’ve all heard the saying “follow your joy.” What we sometimes forget is to unfollow our anxiety.⁠

Our bodies are intuitive systems built to communicate information to us. When we feel anxiety, often,  it’s our body telling us we’re going the wrong way. Anxiety is frequently a bodily response, to when we make ourselves do things we don’t want to do.⁠

There is a difference between anxiety and nervousness. Nervousness is a different feeling. This feeling comes when we are doing what we want, but there is a bit of fear that comes in when doing something we’ve never done before, have fear we’re going to screw it up, etc etc. ⁠

Nervousness tends to be quieter. You feel the connection to your heart, and you know you want to do it. You know it is right for you. But there is this tinge that hits on old limiting beliefs, but there is a deep desire to persevere.⁠

Anxiety is loud. It is the manifestation of the statement “I don’t really want to do this, but I am going to force myself to do it.” Sometimes we mix up the concept of anxiety with nerves. We think that we’re feeling this way because we don’t believe in ourselves enough, and so if we just keep pushing and pushing, we will eventually enjoy what we’re doing.⁠

In our society, we don’t give ourselves enough permission to not do things. Whether it’s social anxiety – giving yourself permission to not go to the party, and accepting that you’re just not a party person. Or giving ourselves permission to not go after certain ambitions, because it’s simply not who we are. ⁠

We feel anxiety and we think we have to be brave. We have to tough it out without realizing that some things are not for us, or of us.

So please, follow your joy. But don’t forget, to also unfollow your anxiety.⁠

In gratitude, Bonnie 

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