There was a time when anxiety felt like a permanent part of my identity. Like, something I’d just have to live with forever. But, what I’ve come to realize is this: I don’t have to accept a lifetime subscription to anxiety. I can unsubscribe and so can you too!
Before we dive into the how, let’s talk about what canceling our subscription to anxiety really means. First, let’s be clear about what anxiety actually is and what it’s not.
Anxiety is a natural human response to stress, uncertainty, and perceived danger. It’s a signal that something feels off, almost like an internal alarm system.
Anxiety is not your identity, your destiny, or a life sentence you have to carry forever. It’s something you experience, not who you are.
Canceling your subscription to anxiety doesn’t mean we’ll never experience anxious thoughts or feelings again.
It doesn’t mean that if we doe steps 1, 2, and 3, anxiety will magically go poof! and disappear forever. Nope. What it actually means is this: we develop a clear understanding of what anxiety is and isn’t, where it fits (and where it doesn’t), and the truth about our God-given capability – through Christ – to heal, to manage it, and to still walk boldly in our purpose.
Anxiety is something I’ve struggled with on and off for years. There have been so many moments where I felt discouraged, like I’d never be able to fully pursue my goals and dreams because of the anxiety I experience. Why? Because anxiety can become a disruption.
There are times where it is hard to focus, to function, and to be productive; both in my day-to-day routines and even in my 9-to-5 job. At times, I’ve taken short days and spontaneous mental health days just to cope. And to be real with you, I don’t take prescribed medication for anxiety, because just the thought of it sends me spiraling. Even when it comes to things like Advil or Tylenol, I’ll re-read the instructions a million times and obsess over the possible side effects, almost avoiding them like the plague. If I entertain the “what ifs” for even a second, I know I probably won’t take the meds at all. Anxiety makes me feel out of control, while desperately craving control. And if you’re anything like me, you – life gives us plenty of situations where things are completely outside of our control. That’s why how we react and how we manage those moments is key.
For far too long, I allowed anxiety to call the shots. But now? I’m taking back my control. And you can too.
Let’s dive into some practical, actionable steps you can take right alongside me, to start unsubscribing from anxiety for good.
Change Your Language
The words we speak have incredible power. Proverbs 18:21 tells us, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” What we say about ourselves shapes how we think, believe, and show up in the world. One small but powerful shift . Hear me out. I made was choosing to stop saying, “my anxiety.” When we call it “mine,” we’re claiming it, almost like it is a part of who we are. But anxiety is something we experience; it’s not our identity.
Instead of saying:
“My anxiety is acting up again,” try saying: “I’m feeling anxious right now, but it’s temporary.”
Instead of declaring: “I can’t do that because of my anxiety,” say: “I’m learning to navigate moments of anxiety while still moving forward.”
By changing our language, we start creating space between who we are and what we’re experiencing and that opens the door for healing.
Do the Work
Healing is our responsibility, but the good news is, we don’t have to do it alone. We can believe in managing anxiety and believe in overcoming it. Remember, God is not surprised by our struggles. He doesn’t shame us for them. Instead, He walks with us through them. Psalm 23:4 reminds us, “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.” It doesn’t say we skip the valley. Sometimes, God doesn’t immediately deliver us out of something. Sometimes, He leads us through it because that’s where growth, healing, and becoming happens. Your story… every messy, painful, beautiful part of it, becomes your testimony. And your testimony carries power. The very thing that once made you feel disqualified may be the thing God uses to encourage and inspire someone else!
Embrace Who God Says You Are
Unsubscribing from anxiety isn’t about denying that struggles exist.
It’s about choosing to shift your perspective and realize: anxiety doesn’t define you… God does.
You are not what anxiety or limiting beliefs say you are.
You already are who God says you are – chosen, loved, strong, and capable through Him. Isaiah 41:10 says, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” When you begin to see yourself the way he sees you; equipped, empowered, and never alone, it becomes easier to loosen the grip anxiety once had over your life.
Canceling your subscription to anxiety is a daily, conscious decision.
It’s not about pretending the hard days don’t exist. It’s about refusing to let anxiety be the loudest voice in your life. My friend, I am on my own mental wellness journey. This blog post is not written from a place of having it all figured out. Instead, I’m sharing from the middle of it, hoping that being open about my journey inspires and empowers you on yours. I’m still growing and I’m still learning. I’m not where I want to be yet, but I’m on the path. And, I believe that healing, peace and freedom are possible for all of us.
If this post encouraged you, I invite you to share it with someone else. You never know who might need the remind that they’re not alone and that hope is real.
Remember: You are not stuck. You are not defeated. You are not alone. You are becoming. And, with God’s help, you can manage it, heal from it, and move forward into everything He’s calling you to.
Today, I invite you to make the same decision I did:
Cancel the subscription.
Walk in the freedom that’s already yours.
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