Small victories

[ziggypiggy]

It's hard to be understanding when people in your support system, whom you love and rely on, get frustrated and say things that are counterproductive and hurtful. I have to remind myself that they are human too and have their own shit going on as well. They are not my personal guardian angels, always prepared with just the right words in the most soothing tones to keep me in my right mind.

Today I was telling my sister about a situation that causes me great anxiety. She's normally pretty well nuanced on how to listen and respond appropriately. Today she just blurts out "get over it".

A was kinda stunned. Got a little indignant, thinking to myself well that's not helpful and really minimizes what I was describing as a severe anxiety producing scenerio.

My first hair trigger response was to immediately think to myself "I'm never telling you anything like that again." But after processing a bit I realized it wasn't about her. It was about her having to deal with me while constantly walking on egg shells. That's very difficult to do time and time again. So, today I won't retreat into my safe corner to lick my wounds like normal, muttering to myself how nobody cares or gets my struggles. Today, I will move on with my day knowing that my guardian angels will sometimes come at me with some tough love. And that's ok.

[fauxartist]

That is an incredibly insightful and thoughtful post. You got it....exactly right. I hope a lot of people here read this and get the message. Sometimes we have to think beyond our immediate self and realize other people have their own problems that they are dealing with. And to not take it on as a slight and think beyond that is showing a lot of growth in your dealing with anxiety...it's hard and it stings at first when someone we trust isn't there for us, but we have to remember they have stuff too....great post.