You do not have to believe every fearful thing your mind tells you. You are allowed to return to what is true.

What your anxiety says: Something is wrong.

What it actually means: Your body is remembering something from before. You are safe now.

You’ve been left before, and you’re bracing so it won’t hurt as much this time.

– Jacqueline Whitney

What your anxiety says: They’re going to leave.

What it actually means: You’ve been left before, and you’re bracing so it won’t hurt as much this time.

What your anxiety says: I have to figure this out tonight.

What it actually means: You’re trying to control what feels uncertain because uncertainty has hurt you before.

What your anxiety says: I’m too much.

What it actually means: Someone made you believe that once. They were wrong.

What your anxiety says: I’m going to mess this up.

What it actually means: You’ve been holding yourself to a standard no one could meet.

What your anxiety says: I should’ve said something different.

What it actually means: You’ve spent years apologizing for taking up space, and your nervous system hasn’t caught up to the fact that you’re allowed to be here.

Jacqueline Whitney is the author Held: A 50 Day Devotional For Parents and All That You Deserve.