“Anticipatory anxiety. I think you are drowning in anticipatory anxiety.”
A good friend said this to me several months ago and I can’t seem to get that phrase out of my head – anticipatory anxiety. The more I ponder, read, and pray about this, the more I think she is right.
Anticipatory anxiety is the fear, dread, worry you experience before something happens. The “What if” type of thinking. The expecting the worse. The overwhelming emotions of failure before the event even started. Trepidation trembling in my toes through my tummy and trapped in my throat.
The day my friend shared her observation with me I was anxious for a zoom meeting with an editor about my book manuscript. I was sure to end up a failure when the opposite occurred. The meeting finished with a clear plan of action and the feeling that I could get this done. I had been wrong, very wrong, about what was to happen.
I have experienced anticipatory anxiety before going to out for an evening with people then having an unexpected great time.
Giving myself some grace, I know this is the body’s normal response to perceived future threats. In the days and hours leading up to an important event a bundle of nerves can be normal.
What I have learned though is now to name it and reframe it. I can be prepared. I can think through different scenarios, included the worst case but I reframe my future with trust in God.
I mentioned to several people the other day that this fall I feel like I am not only juggling many balls but balls of slime. As much as I try control the globs, much still oozes messily down my arms and splatters on the ground.
Yet in prayer one morning, I realized God’s hands were below my hands, catching and containing everything. He’s got it!
God is in control.
I relax. I believe. I trust. I choose self-care and soul-care first, knowing all will be well whether I worry or not.
I choose anticipatory assurance in God instead of anticipatory anxiety.
Have you ever been caught up in this type of anxiety? What has helped you?
God is good all the time! Thanks for sharing.
amen!!
Oh yes, I too have been the victim of anticipatory anxiety! Thank you, Jean, for sharing your newfound strategy to name it and reframe it, especially in light of what GOD can do in the situation.
God can do anything even calm my anxiety! God is good
AMEN, my friend!
Yes, I recognize anticipatory anxiety only too well and love the antidote of anticipatory assurance. In a wonderful message this week from our Bishop Porter Taylor, he said “Just show up. God’s in control.” That sounds like a good mantra (along with a deep breath) for anticipatory anxiety
Love that quote! and yes a great mantra!
Great phrase. “Anticipatory Anxiety”. I like it. Thanks
I know it was helped me to name this. Thanks for commenting, Clella – miss you
Anticipatory assurance sure sounds like the better road to travel on, Jean. Yes, I’ve had those what-if, worrying scenarios when facing new challenges or obstacles, but most of the time, those fears have been unfounded. Let us trust in God, knowing He is the one in charge and in control.
Blessings!
Sure does sounds like a better road when I take it. LOL. Trust God is the first step and all the steps
Have lived my whole life with anxiety…not a fun road to travel…have been on antidepressant for a few years and its been so helpful….plus counseling learning cognitive behavior therapy….i thank God for these helps….and to increase my faith and help my unbelief….thank you jean…
Awaiting your book…
glad the medication helps. I had to be on some for a few years a while back and it made all the difference. Blessings!