Pampas and Pearls

 "Only you can control your future" Dr. Seuss In my post last Tuesday I updated you all about my anxiety journey and how I have progressed even with my recent relapses. In this post I'm going to tell you about the steps I try an use to control and manage that anxiety. Everyone is different so these are not steps that will suit everyone but they are definitely a place to start,  so here goes.  If you get anxious about the unknown that is perfectly normal, it happens to everyone. A thing that I find helps me is finding an element of the day you can control. It could be something small like  the time you leave the house. It could be the food you are going to eat or the clothes you're going to wear. while they might sound small and insignificant they will help you take back some element of control.  It might also help looking up any new place you are going to visit and get a feel for the day.   This will help you feel in control. If it's a event ask someon...

 "No need to hurry. No need to sparkle. No need to be anyone but oneself"  -Virginia Woolf There is no right way to begin this story and that's okay. I have told my story before but I feel now is the right time to re-share and update my story, hopefully it will help someone else out there either with anxiety or help someone understand anxiety a little more.  I have suffered with anxiety since I was bullied in primary school by my teacher no less. She terrified every class she had and mine was no exception. My anxiety got to bad I would make myself sick to avoid going to school or I would pace the floor while rubbing my hands together.  One time I sat in the head teachers Office too scared to go to class because I didn't understand the homework and was petrified of being told him. Almost every morning before school I was sick and refused to leave my parents side, keep in mind I was 8-9 years old. It continued throughout primary school especially when it came to SATs i...

"How lucky am I to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard" - Winnie the Pooh   Before I begin, I just want everyone to know not everything works for everyone, we are all different and cope with grief differently. This is what works best for me and what I have researched. Grief is not always something I deal with well; I am sure it is not something any of us deal with well. Expressing myself is difficult and I prefer to keep it to myself (which is something I am working on for 2023) and then eventually it all boils to the surface, so here are some things I will be trying to use to help with dealing with grief: Number 1: Accept that it has happened. This is the first one and most difficult one, it has happened and unfortunately nothing, and I mean nothing, with change it. This takes the longest the do and processing it is the toughest challenge of all. Number 2: Create a memory book. This can have photos, cards, clothing, any form of memories. Sometimes havi...

 Hello everyone and Happy New Year! It's 2023 and I'm making it the year I put myself first. With this new found self care I have taken the decision to change and evolve with my career. I am moving towards my love for writing and photography and being creative. A scary move into the somewhat unknown, to rephrase frozen. I am taking a giant leap away from what I thought was going to be my future but as the word evolves and as I grow up things change. I am currently learning to accept this and say it's okay to not know, but also to say 'you've got this' Taking care of yourself can be seen as selfish but it necessary for good mental health and living a life you want to live. This will be a huge topic for me going forward and for Pampas and Pearls in general.  There are lots of exciting things to come and I cannot wait for you to join me on my journey. Come and say hi, give us a follow. You won't regret it.  The posting schedule will be every Sunday at 10.00am w...