As told to Brandi Lytle
A couple of weeks ago, I introduced you to Kimberly as she shared her CNBC story. (You can read that here.) Today, she is bravely sharing another part of her story–finding joy in the midst of anxiety. Her openness and vulnerability takes true courage, and I am sure that you will find inspiration in Kimberly’s Good Things Story…
What difficulty were you struggling with?
This is tough, as I have a few things I am struggling with. Right now, the biggest thing is discovering I have anxiety. I’m learning my causes of anxiety and how to manage it. I have begun counseling to help work through this process. I’m also dealing with a new chapter in my family, as my mom just got re-married and her now husband will be moving into my family home. So, I am sorting through many emotions and trying to figure out who I am and what I want in life.
Why had you lost your joy?
I think I lost my joy because I never truly knew who I was or what made me happy. I’ve never lived on my own–I went from my parents’ house to my husband’s house and was very reliant on others for happiness. I threw myself into being a wife and felt that being a wife meant I had to be there for my husband and spend all my time with him. I’m slowly learning what things I do like and forcing myself to do some things independently.
What good thing (no matter how big or small) helped you to start focusing on the positive?
I am still working on focusing on the positives. Seeing a counselor has been huge in this. I am also focusing on me, working through finding out who I am and what makes me happy. Taking the step to start a website has been great. It is scary, but I feel like it is a passion and the possibilities are endless with it.
What would you like to say to others who are going through the same struggle that you have overcome (or are in the process of overcoming)?
Do not be afraid to get help. I was so worried about going to counseling, or even admitting something was wrong. Now that I have, it has made it easier to accept it. I still am struggling with the anxiety and learning ways to manage it. But knowing it’s there, I am not as scared that I have something wrong or that I am not normal. If you feel comfortable, I would recommend talking to others about it, too. I first started with some close friends before deciding to share on social media and both helped a lot. I have found that many others struggle with anxiety as well, and I am working on finding my tribe of women so we can support each other together.
Thank you for boldly sharing your truth, Kimberly! And thank you for reminding us that seeking help is not a sign of weakness, but of strength.
If you’d like to check out Kimberly’s website, click here.
Fabulous one, will you be brave and share Your Good Things Story? To find out how, click here…
Photo Credit: Xochi Romero on StockSnap.io
