Lately, I’ve been on a focused journey to tackle my anxiety. I pour myself into mindfulness practices and self-help strategies. When I feel like I’m making progress, I’m suddenly hit by an overwhelming wave of panic or self-doubt. It shakes me to my core. It can be disheartening, like standing on shaky ground after carefully building a sturdy house of coping mechanisms. I often remind myself that recovery isn’t linear; some days I feel empowered, while others seem like a step backward. In those moments of setback, I must dig deep. I question my instinct to criticize myself. These “failures” are not a reflection of my worth or effort. Instead, they are a part of the complex tapestry of healing. I embrace the ebb and flow. I lean into my support system and find solace in shared experiences. I realize that vulnerability isn’t a weakness, but a sign of the bravery I show in facing my fears. Each stumble is a learning opportunity. It teaches me resilience. That understanding ultimately lights the way toward a more peaceful existence.