As I am living in a time that has many moving pieces, it can be difficult to accept changes without having to manage the stressors that appear in the day. However, it is realizing that our stressors are not what breaks the day, it is knowing the importance of practicing a little extra self-care and knowing that things will eventually move on.

Days that have many moving pieces and robust activity than normal can be more challenging to withstand, especially if it includes things that are more stressful or even unexpected. It is understandable that things are to happen, but when there are several things and they either pop up or happen at a time when you least expect it, it can cause the stress to be overwhelming and as a result, our emotions can get to the be the best of us because our emotions want us to release the excess energy raised by adrenaline and cortisol.

Even though that last statement has been told to me several times, it is now knowing that it is important to learn how to manage the moments that cause me stress and anxiety before a negative reaction arises and I react in a way that I may regret. It is learning helpful coping skills that I can use both in the present moment and later on when the thoughts arise, become intrusive and ruminate to a point where feelings of anxiety in the state of fear or flight arise and, in my situation, the only thing, I can think of doing is running away from something because I feel that is the only way of providing instant relief.

As those moments when my anxiety is elevated, I am understanding of not only the importance of coping until I get to my safe space, but also learning to practice self-care when I get to the safe space so that I can recharge. However, most importantly, it is important to learn to refocus my energy on something away from where memories of a situation appear to not bring up past instances that can flare the stressors and anxiety.

It is knowing that there is more to staying well than medication, although for some, including myself, it is a great help. Medication is not the total solution. For me, it provides me with a better quality of life and has been proven to work. It is also working on the coping tools and ways or caring for myself when I have down time to relax from the overwhelming moments when life is too stressful in a world that is not always able to be conducive to the needs of a neurodivergent person such as myself. I am flourishing in the life that I have because of working on more skills to aid in recovery from those stressful situations that cause anxiety and could eventually result in anger without working to avoid the latter.

In the end, it is me realizing that it must be me that does the work in addressing the issues of anxiety and stress by caring for them on my instead of just venting the dirty laundry of why I am so flustered and frustrated with things. It is working and understanding that I must function in a world that is not always going to do what I want to do and adapt as I can.