On a beautiful day
when nothing was going wrong
anxiety showed up,
just in case I needed it, I suppose.

I scanned my life to see what I was concerned about.
Nothing.
Then disappointment showed up–
disappointment that I couldn’t enjoy the day
without this annoying “friend” making an appearance.

While I was wishing I was done with anxiety,
I noticed that I was wishing I was done with it.
There was the gift.
Stepping back helped me see
that I was attached to becoming anxiety-free.

Then, I found the freedom to imagine.
I could say hello to anxiety
and let it pass through.
(Although I was tempted to add,
“Don’t let the door hit you
on the way out.”)

What you are aware of you are in control of;
what you are not aware of is in control of you.
― Anthony de Mello, Awareness

Credits and References:
Image of clouds by Helen Haden. Used with permission
The Gift of Awareness by Esther Hizsa, 2024.
Man opening door by Picryl.com Creative Commons

© Esther Hizsa, An Everyday Pilgrim, 2024.
The unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without permission from Esther Hizsa is prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used provided there is a link to the original content and credit is given as follows: © Esther Hizsa, An Everyday Pilgrim 2013-2024.  http://www.estherhizsa.com