Take A Breath

Something I am really bad at is over reacting to a negative situation because my anxiety and panic attacks kick in before I even give myself time to process it.

Have you ever got bad news or reacted poorly when something was sprung on you that you weren't expecting?
Have you ever been in a situation where you didn't feel welcome or you just didn't fit in?
Because I have and these are the times when I am overwhelmed with panic and anxiety.

When one of those things occur I respond in the worst way possible. In a way I can't control all time time.
I have an anxiety attack or a panic attack.
A Sports psychologist told me that the difference between an anxiety attack and a panic attack, is that the panic attack you can feel coming, it is something you can anticipate.
BUT...
Just because you can anticipate it, doesn't always means it is easier to control.
The only difference between the two is the emotional symptoms.
The physical symptoms are the same; Your heart begins to race as if it is going to beat right out of your chest and there is nothing you can do to calm it down. But there is, take a breath. Chest hurts, and you can't breath because your chest is tight and you feel like there is no air yet. But there is, put your hand on your chest and take a breath. Feel like you can't talk or tell anyone what's going on? Thats because your throat feels tight and has closed up. This also affects that feeling we just talked about, where you feel like you can't breathe. Close your mouth, and breathe in through your nose. Take a breath. Do you get dry mouth, the chills but your also sweating? Do you feel like you could throw up or your head is pounding or that you might pass out? Or maybe even all three? Me too. So lets do it together this time, take a breath.

When your having an anxiety or panic attack the first thing you need to try and get control of is your breathing. Trust me I HATE it when people tell me to just breathe and I am going to be okay. But when someone is telling you to breathe or telling you you're going to be okay, or maybe they are even telling you that you're going to get through it together... this means they CARE about you! They WANT you to be okay. So listen to their voice or the voice in your head and take a breath.

One thing I have never been a fond of is breathing exercises. I hate them, I find them annoying, I feel like I don't have time for them but guess what? They are good for me and they are good for you too. Panic attacks and anxiety attacks suck but the quicker you get the breathing under control the quicker you can control the attack all together.

On an emotional level these attacks are quite different. Panic attacks include fear, the feeling of losing control of yourself, and a this sense of detachment. Remind yourself that you are in control of your life. Write it down. Write down all the things you can control. If you feel detached, write down everything that makes you feel attached. Read your words over and over again. If you can't write them then think in your head over and over again about the things you can control and whatever it is that makes you feel attached and I'll say it again, take a breath. Anxiety is more complicated. With anxiety you are dealing with distress, worry, restlessness, fear, and all those ideas in your head about the future that haven't even happened yet. Your anxiety is lying to you, and I know how hard it is to see it in the moment which is why it is so important to be prepared for when an anxiety attack comes. I still struggle a lot with anxiety and attacks. Something I found to be very helpful in the moment is to have an album of photos on your phone that have significant meaning to you, and quotes help a lot as well. I find this helps because it will remind you what is real and what is important to you. I find going for a walk or run also helps me and having a positive playlist or podcast ready to go at all times.

There are some days where you are too tired to control your anxiety and that is okay. We aren't going to win all the time. But as long as you get back up and keep fighting once you're ready then there is nothing wrong with that. I think we need to be more caring towards ourselves and know that it is okay to not win the fight all the time. Just keep breathing and keep fighting because you will win more battles than not.

Anxiety and panic attacks are tough, but you are tougher. Remind yourself how strong you are. Surround yourself with positive people.

You will be okay, I promise.
XO - Dani

To live by the sun, and love by the moon

What does it mean to live by the sun and love by the moon?

Lets get down to the basics of why I have decided to name my blog after this concept: 

This concept is not something I came up with on my own, but I took the main ideas so I could shape it into a meaning that I could personally relate to. I wanted to embody all that I was passionate about in life. I wanted this concept to illustrate the life I want to live. I needed a small phrase that would capture and express all that I am striving for in this crazy thing we call life. So lets dive a bit deeper into what this phrase means and why I wanted to create a blog encompassing all that inspires me.

To live by the sun:

For me, the sun represents this rebirth of infinite possibilities and opportunities. Its this idea that light can give you the positive energy to take advantage of the new day that is before you. The sun comes back every day because it wants you to take on the world. Each day is full of possibilities to reach new limits and push your boundaries. This representation of rebirth and light, can give you the positivity to overcome any obstacles. The sun wants to see you succeed, even if that means you fail a few times first. To live by the sun, you can think logically and plan your road map to success. Your road map to success does NOT need to be perfect, you can run off the road a few times and that is okay. Reset. Find your emotions, collect them and start over. You are going to be okay because when the sun rises again you will continue fighting for your dreams so that at the end of the day you are reaching for the stars. Let the light bring you warmth and comfort. Live in the rebirth of possibilities and countless opportunities, you will find your way, I promise. 

To love by the moon:

This is simple really, there is light in the dark. Stop always looking at the negative because deep down you can find something positive. To love yourself through all that you consider flawed and imperfect. The moon shines in the darkness, and it is so incredibly beautiful and it is this beauty that we find on the darkest nights that also lives inside of you. Through your darkest, most painful times, you can still find the beauty in life, you just have to look for it. The moon is said to represent our emotions. We are to allow ourselves to feel all the waves and all the emotions that rush over us in a day. The moon wants you to feel, it wants you to take risks in your life, and to know there will always be something good to come out of the bad. It represents the light in the dark, it is the light we see at the end of the tunnel, because the sun will rise again. The moon allows us to feel so that when the sun rises again, we are ready, ready to take on the next opportunity and to reach the next goal. To love by the moon is too love and find comfort in darkness, to feel deeply and to ultimately pursue the life you want, when the sun rises again. 

Life is ALL about perspective. If you are someone who thinks super negatively most of the time (don't worry I've been there too), then this is going to take a lot of work. You are consciously going to have to be aware of your thoughts and make the effort to put a more positive spin on them. 

Life will never be easy, but it is through your perspective that will determine what you get out of life. 

Make sure you are getting what you want, 

XO- Dani