Anxiety, wins, and brandy (you’re a fine girl)

I’ve been an anxious person my whole life. And sometimes when I’m not worrying about something, my extra helpful mind says, “Think you’re feeling relaxed? Let’s think about that time in high school when you had to choose between a friend and a boy, and your overactive teenage hormones chose the BOY, and you completely ditched your loyal pal, and were pretty much the worst friend ever.” Let’s think about THAT. No lie—that thought finds its way into my 54-year-old mind at least every couple of months. Please tell me at least one of deals with that shizz from time to time. Or don’t, and then THAT thought will keep me up tonight.

Yes, I go to therapy. Yes, I take meds. Yes, I meditate. Yes, I huff Janet’s fur like I’m pulling a hit off an asthma inhaler. I do all the things. Granted, I have many more good days than bad ones, and I’ve gotten way more relaxed over the years (believe it or not). I’m currently living my best life. Seriously. Sometimes I huff Janet recreationally.

Part of my coping toolbox includes being creative and focusing on integrity. Doesn’t it feel good when you’re in your truth, even when it feels uncomfortable? Small wins feel nice. Big wins make me dance in my living room to “Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl)” by Looking Glass. You cannot forget the part in parentheses because wearing a braided chain “made of the finest silver from the north of Spain” is significant and pretty damn cool. Here’s a video of a live performance. Watch it. You will not regret.

Here are some of my recent wins:

I created a Texts from Mittens Patreon page for paid members to enjoy bonus content. This challenged my vulnerability, but I’m still here.

I restarted embroidery and am in the process of designing a new project. I will share a photo of it, even if it looks like doody.

I wanted some quick-cook oats (because they cook faster than whole ones), but all I had were whole ones. I tossed them into the blender and voila! Quick-cook oats. Go ahead, it’s OK to get excited about this, and yes, you can steal the idea.

I made my bed every day last week, which is not a big deal, but I get lazy. Our duvet is such a pretty plush platinum delight. I feel happy when I look at it.

I ordered some cool metallic pens to use when I sign Little House Life Hacks book in Walnut Grove on Saturday, July 20.

Another win: I just wrote THIS! Cue “Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl).”