We hear a lot about the difficulties of living with anxiety disorders, but I like to think about how amazing our strengths that tend to be a part of our character! Living with GAD myself, I felt tears of validation come to my eyes when I read this article I've linked below. It felt really good to consider those positives that come with being a person with severe anxiety, since I've struggled with it from early childhood.

Sometimes I feel so sad when I think about the little child I was, full of pain often, because of my anxiety. And I get sad about how many things I've missed out on and wish things could be easier for me like it seems to be for others. But then, there are also a lot of things about me that are wonderful, which are certainly influenced by the fact that I have GAD. I wish I could go back in time to child-me and give her a hug and tell her about how excellent she actually is, and that things will all be okay!

I hope anyone else who has ever felt that life with anxiety is difficult, sad, or disappointing, can also feel the reinvigoration in who you are as a person that comes from noticing those golden nuggets in yourself.

Here's to our courage, moderation, transcendence, curiosity, and kindness! You're doing great. &lt;3

[Five Character Strengths of People Living with Anxiety | HealthyPlace](https://www.healthyplace.com/blogs/anxiety-schmanxiety/2015/11/five-character-strengths-of-people-living-with-anxiety#:~:text=%20%20%201%20Courage%3A%20It%20takes%20a,with%20anxiety%20tend%20to%20be%20hopeful.%20More%20)