Holding things lightly versus with clenched, tight fists is so helpful when nothing is going as planned and as hoped for. When something-like the weather, sickness, other people’s decisions-are outside of your control, focus on what you can influence.

In the context of this post, I am speaking more to every day frustrations versus profound disappointments and heartbreak that invite grief and mourning.

It’s kind of like anxiety itself is a big ball of yarn, and as you untangle the massive ball of yarn, you address one section of string at a time, making it more concrete and not so overwhelming.

And, yet, there is another approach. It’s the idea of seeing anxiety through a lens of gentle acceptance, almost like it’s your old friend, who has come for a visit again. While you may not find yourself excited for this “visitor” to be here, you welcome her anyway.