All posts filed under: Personal Growth

How to Keep Going in Those Moments of Doubt

Published by

I still remember pacing back and forth in the parking lot, seagulls shrieking overhead and fishermen walking past at the end of their day. I’d driven out to the ocean, to my favorite pier, because I wanted to make sure I was in a space that felt comforting to me. I had to do something difficult that day. I had to call a boy I liked. I was in college at the time, nearing my twenty-first birthday, had still never kissed someone, and I’d recently been trying to Facebook flirt with a handsome fiction writer in my Southern Lit class. That afternoon he’d left me a voicemail seeing if I wanted to hang out. And that meant I had to call him back. It made me sick to my stomach. I’d been on edge of panic all day. My body was flooded with anxiety and adrenaline and I was weighed down with a heavy cloak of fear. I stood near the water as I dialed his number and with a shaky voice told him I …

Just Breathe.

Published by

“It’s sad, I don’t want to,” I said, turning away from his outreached laptop. “Just watch it, it’s cute!” “I already know what happens. He loses his candy and can’t find it. Sad.” As Jared tried to get me to watch the latest viral animal video, the one of a raccoon who loses his candy (or so I inferred from the tweets and facebook posts I’d seen about it), I kept refusing. I already know what happens. The adorable creature loses his candy. He’s confused. It’s a metaphor for all of humanity. The truth is, I’ve been feeling more raw lately. A little more sensitive than usual. A little less tough. I don’t think I could handle this raccoon. I’m not sure if it’s the recent holiday season, the scrappy nature of my current career, or the fact that our wedding is less than two months away (*screams internally*) but I’ve felt a little bit like a porcupine on its back: vulnerable. I’ve struggled with blogging about being engaged and planning our wedding, since the last thing …

2015: The Year of Facing Fears

Published by

If you’re anything like me you’ve recently found yourself turning to your coworker and asking “how is it already December!?” and by coworker I mean cat and by asking I mean shouting. But seriously, how is this year coming to a close already? The end of the year always makes me anxious because I feel like I’m “running out of time” to “do everything I wanted to do this year.” This is silly because it’s not like time comes to a screeching halt after December 31st (unless there’s something you’re not telling us ANCIENT MAYANS). A few years back a friend of mine explained that she doesn’t list New Year’s resolutions at the beginning of a year. Instead, she assigns a theme to her year. For example, she might have dubbed 2013 “The Year of Intention” or maybe 2010 was “The Year of Patience.” I dug this so hardcore because a) as a student of literature I’m ALL ABOUT themes, b) I like the idea of not having the pressure of a written list and c) I’m sorta lazy and …

Let’s Talk About Love, Confidence & Writing with Author Åsa Maria Bradley

Published by

I am beyond excited to welcome author Asa Maria Bradley to The Anxious Girl’s Guide to Dating today! Asa was kind enough to talk with us about following your dreams with us, despite her busy schedule. Even as her debut paranormal romance novel, Viking Warrior Rising, is flying off shelves and blowing readers away she still managed to make time for us. She’s also giving away a free copy of her book to one of our readers (sweeeet!) If you want to win your very own copy of Viking Warrior Rising simply comment below and/or ask Asa a question in the comments. I love anyone who encourages people to persevere and take risks. To show yourself grace while pushing yourself to grow. Asa does all this and more. My favorite moment from our interview was this: “Why do we trust people’s criticism and doubt their praise? Find people whose opinion you value and trust, and then believe what they tell you about your work and accomplishments.”  So.much.yes. Check out her thoughts on following your heart and your dreams (only she words …

Get Yer Gratitude On

Published by

Not just today. Every day. Forcing myself to slow down and acknowledge there is more abundance in my life than I might think has been one of the most powerful habits I’ve learned. It is the first thing I do when I can feel the clouds of depression rolling over distant mountaintops. It’s what I do when I feel the scratching claws of anxiety in the back of my throat. It’s a easy as it is hard. Rewire your thought patterns. I’m grateful for dogs. A hot cup of tea. Fog in the morning. People who allow me to be me. Peeta Mellark. The written word. Hugs. Comedy. Personal growth. Personal patience. Cats. But really, cuddling with my cat is the best. Blankets. Freedom of speech. Compassion. Mac n’ cheese.