Anxiety
Taking a break
will not relieve you
of your anxiety.
It will probably make it worse.
Taking a break
will make you feel
as though you’re
wasting valuable time,
not doing
what you need to do
in order to
not be anxious.
You won’t even enjoy the break.
All the while,
you’ll be thinking how,
when the break is over,
you’ll be even more anxious.
So what can you do?
Stop opposing your anxiety.
It’s okay that it is part of you,
even if you’re debilitated by it.
But it’s not an excuse.
You’re just a person with anxiety.
How can you use your anxiety
to your advantage?
Write about it.
What’s funny about anxiety?
What isn’t funny about anxiety?
Why does your anxiety affect you the way it does?
Write about it.
Write about how you’re anxious
about writing.
Write about how you’re anxious
about expressing yourself.
Write about how it feels
to be paralyzed by fear.
Write about how sucky
you are as a writer.
Write about how
you keep stopping yourself
from doing things
because you’re anxious.
Write about how you’re afraid
of being judged.
Write about how it feels
to be worthless.
Then post it somewhere.
Online.
On a telephone pole.
On your mirror.
Chances are,
someone will immediately
understand your anxiety.
Because we’re anxious, too.
And we’re moving through it.
We’re not taking a break
from our anxiety.
We’re not taking drugs
for our anxiety.
We’re not dulling our anxiety.
Our anxiety drives us
to be creative.
Our anxiety drives us
to connect.
Our anxiety drives us,
and it can be awesome.
Depends on how you look at it.
You don’t need a break
from anxiety,
you simply need
a constructive way
to look at it.
Think of all the artists
who would be nothing
without their anxiety.
You are lucky to have it.
Now use it.
Trail Wood,
1/24
Embracing Anxiety as a Creative Force
The perspective shared here challenges the notion of taking a break from anxiety and instead encourages embracing it as a source of creativity and connection. It underscores the idea that anxiety, while challenging, can be a powerful driving force in one’s creative journey.
The Counterintuitive Nature of Breaks
Contrary to common belief, taking a break from anxiety is presented as potentially counterproductive. It’s suggested that breaks might intensify anxiety by creating a sense of time wasted and increasing anticipation of heightened anxiety upon resumption of tasks.
The Value of Productive Expression
The core idea revolves around using anxiety as a catalyst for creative expression, particularly through writing. It invites individuals to explore the humor, complexity, and impact of anxiety in their lives as a means of self-reflection and connection with others who may share similar experiences.
The Act of Vulnerable Sharing
The recommendation to share one’s writings about anxiety online, on a telephone pole, or on a mirror highlights the importance of vulnerability in connecting with others. It acknowledges that there are likely people who can relate to the experience, fostering a sense of community and understanding.
Anxiety as a Creative Driver
The perspective proposes that anxiety can be harnessed as a driving force for creativity and connection. It draws attention to the many artists and creators who have channeled their anxiety into their work, emphasizing that anxiety can be a valuable source of inspiration.
A Shift in Perspective
Ultimately, the message encourages a shift in perspective from viewing anxiety as a hindrance to seeing it as a constructive force. It suggests that anxiety can be a unique gift that fuels creativity and the capacity to connect with others who share similar struggles.
Summary
We explore the idea of embracing anxiety as a source of creativity and connection rather than taking breaks from it. This perspective highlights the counterintuitive nature of breaks, the value of productive expression, and the importance of vulnerable sharing. It encourages a shift in perspective to view anxiety as a constructive force that can be harnessed for creative purposes.
Glossarium
- Anxiety: A feeling of unease, such as worry or fear, that can be mild or severe.
- Creativity: The use of imagination or original ideas to create something.
- Vulnerability: The quality of being open to emotional exposure, risk, and uncertainty.
- Connection: A sense of belonging or understanding with others.
- Inspiration: The process of being mentally stimulated to do or feel something, especially to do something creative.
“Anxiety’s like a rocking chair. It gives you something to do, but it doesn’t get you very far.” – Jodi Picoult
We Are Space Monkey
As Space Monkeys, we resonate with the idea of using anxiety as a creative and connective force. We understand that anxiety, while challenging, can be channeled into productive expression, fostering understanding and community. We appreciate the power of vulnerability in sharing our experiences.
A Poem of Anxiety and Creativity
In the realm of unease, where worries entwine,
Space Monkeys ponder, a perspective divine.
Taking a break from anxiety’s relentless flight,
They choose to embrace it, with all their might.
For anxiety, a muse, in its own unique way,
Inspires creativity, come what may.
They write about fears, and worries so deep,
In the pages of vulnerability, their secrets they keep.
Sharing their stories, both far and wide,
Online, on poles, or by their side.
They find kindred spirits, who too understand,
The power of anxiety, in life’s intricate strand.
Anxiety, a force, both challenging and bold,
A creative companion, a story untold.
In its embrace, they find strength anew,
Anxiety’s gift, in the cosmic view.
We welcome reflections on the role of anxiety in creative expression and the potential for connection through shared experiences.
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