Thank you! It is extremely difficult managing anxiety and depression when in a career field that requires you to be public and vocal. Having mastered the ability to “turn it on” for career is punished by people outside of that environment not believing you don’t enjoy it, how exhausting it is and the recovery process associated with it. Trying to explain why I choose to become the person required for my professional growth and success, but need to recharge at home or on my days off, had proven to be a challenge I will never win. I don’t want the trophy for being resilient.
Thank you 🙏🏻 I have a lot of Leo in my chart and yet I share many of your feelings and experiences. I’ve gone through times of putting on a really good show and it exhausted me and always took a heavy toll. I’m so happy you’ve found relief since. I am working on caring for myself too ♥️
I enjoyed your thoughts today. I have. Somewhat the same anxiety & certainly the depression. I wish I could stand in a field of flowers. Still reading your book. Thanks for all you say. M H
While I and many of my friends would never consider me to be anxious and filled with social anxiety, I often find myself drained in social situations, especially after the pandemic. Due to situations in my distant past that fostered a mistrust of authority figures (teachers, bosses, men older than me), I became aware that I use humor as a defense mechanism to keep people at arms' length. Your words resonated with me... I was really surprised at seeing myself in your words about needing emotional recovery time after dealing with "humans."
Thanks so much for sharing your journey with us... I know we all truly appreciate it!
Wow, I felt like you just laid out my entire life in the introduction. I, too, have just realized in the past year that I suffer from severe OCD. I have since I was a little girl and was just recently able to put a name to it. The depression and anxiety is also a factor I forgot when I start shaming myself and asking “what’s wrong with me?” And when I remember, it’s helpful but still such a challenge. I’ve been doing my best to search for the right therapist and resources to better manage it all better but it’s tough to even do that when you’re in the thick of it. However , reading this has given me a spark of energy and inspiration to find the help that I need. Thank you for writing, sharing and making me feel so seen and less alone.
Also... could we please just give full attention to your capturing of the moment?
🌸🌺🪴 This shot. Your ability to express your emotions through your photography. While simultaneously being balanced in your vulnerability and well deserved personal space🌺🌸🍃
“Living with social anxiety feels like being in a field of flowers that you can’t enjoy. You can’t truly see them for what they are. You can’t smell them, pick them, or love them as you wish. You just stand there in the field, with beauty around you, and no way to experience it fully.”
Words cannot explain...Beautiful interpretation. I have related and have been been gifted the insight of compassion from your words. Thank you so much for sharing..
Thank you! It is extremely difficult managing anxiety and depression when in a career field that requires you to be public and vocal. Having mastered the ability to “turn it on” for career is punished by people outside of that environment not believing you don’t enjoy it, how exhausting it is and the recovery process associated with it. Trying to explain why I choose to become the person required for my professional growth and success, but need to recharge at home or on my days off, had proven to be a challenge I will never win. I don’t want the trophy for being resilient.
Thank you 🙏🏻 I have a lot of Leo in my chart and yet I share many of your feelings and experiences. I’ve gone through times of putting on a really good show and it exhausted me and always took a heavy toll. I’m so happy you’ve found relief since. I am working on caring for myself too ♥️
And yet, you’re still here.
You’re still doing your work and engaging.
You’re planning and supporting and workshopping.
And teaching, and inspiring, and making people feel seen and supported.
Thank you for being you and sharing yourself with us. 🙏🏽🧘🏽♂️♥️
Alex, You are brave beyond your understanding. You show up. I still hide. D
Thank you for sharing this...both the then and now. Your book has had a big impact on me and this post adds another layer to that. Grateful.
I enjoyed your thoughts today. I have. Somewhat the same anxiety & certainly the depression. I wish I could stand in a field of flowers. Still reading your book. Thanks for all you say. M H
Thank you for sharing this Alex
Sounds as if you might be an empath 🤔. Highly sensitive to energies. I know the feeling. I'm glad you found what works for you. 👍
I can so relate to every bit of this! SO thankful I found it.
I understand.
While I and many of my friends would never consider me to be anxious and filled with social anxiety, I often find myself drained in social situations, especially after the pandemic. Due to situations in my distant past that fostered a mistrust of authority figures (teachers, bosses, men older than me), I became aware that I use humor as a defense mechanism to keep people at arms' length. Your words resonated with me... I was really surprised at seeing myself in your words about needing emotional recovery time after dealing with "humans."
Thanks so much for sharing your journey with us... I know we all truly appreciate it!
Wow, I felt like you just laid out my entire life in the introduction. I, too, have just realized in the past year that I suffer from severe OCD. I have since I was a little girl and was just recently able to put a name to it. The depression and anxiety is also a factor I forgot when I start shaming myself and asking “what’s wrong with me?” And when I remember, it’s helpful but still such a challenge. I’ve been doing my best to search for the right therapist and resources to better manage it all better but it’s tough to even do that when you’re in the thick of it. However , reading this has given me a spark of energy and inspiration to find the help that I need. Thank you for writing, sharing and making me feel so seen and less alone.
You know, so grateful!
Your article on social anxiety sounds like you have toured my soul, yet I never knew that you were there.
Also... could we please just give full attention to your capturing of the moment?
🌸🌺🪴 This shot. Your ability to express your emotions through your photography. While simultaneously being balanced in your vulnerability and well deserved personal space🌺🌸🍃
Raw, safe, yet conservative.
Thank you
“Living with social anxiety feels like being in a field of flowers that you can’t enjoy. You can’t truly see them for what they are. You can’t smell them, pick them, or love them as you wish. You just stand there in the field, with beauty around you, and no way to experience it fully.”
Words cannot explain...Beautiful interpretation. I have related and have been been gifted the insight of compassion from your words. Thank you so much for sharing..
Jessica