Enough is enough. 

For far too long, you have preyed on our lives and made us your victims. We will not allow you to do it anymore. 

For many of us, you are a constant drain… always bring us down, forcing us to hide from our true selves.

You…

Make me *shake* as if I were standing outside in the cold.

Have me *sweat* like I’m wearing a winter coat in 100-degree weather.

Take my *breath* away, as if I just ran a marathon.

Cause me to *overthink* like the decision I’m about to make is a matter of life or death. 

You are an inconvenient curse on my life.

Close to my whole life, you have been with me.

Loose shirts are my go-to, so the pit stains don’t show. A lot of times I’ll space out at social gatherings because you start distracting me. I even fidget: kick my foot, play with my hair, play on my phone—ANYTHING—to distract myself without causing attention. Because you make me think everyone is judging me, I must hide how you make me feel.

I always wonder why I was unfortunate enough to have you. 

*Why me?* 

Over the years I have come to realize that I am not alone. Many people experience similar inconveniences because of you, and we all hate it.

But in all honesty, if we all take a moment to really think about it… you mold us into the wonderful people we are today. 

You…

Give us the **motivation** to get things done.

Help us be **prepared** because you make us playout all the bad possibilities of a situation in our heads.

Teach us to be more **thoughtful** of others because we recognize what anxiety looks like.

Make us more **appreciative** of good days where you are nowhere to be found. On these days we can see that everything is okay.

Yes, it would be easier if you weren’t around, but since we have no choice: It’s best to look on the bright side.

So, maybe, *just maybe*, you’re not all that bad. Maybe we are not cursed beyond repair. We might be different because of you, but not doomed.

We need to choose to not let you run our lives; no matter how persuasive you are to doing so.

Nice try anxiety. You won’t be holding me or us back—not anymore.

Sincerely, 

An anxious, but optimistic individual