Sorry For Being So Anxious Earlier. I Had No Idea Everything Would Be Fine.

Thnk: don't stress over things that have not happened yet. 

Have you ever been overwhelmed with anxiety, only to look back later and realize everything was fine all along? If you have, know that you're not alone. Anxiety has a way of gripping us in the moment, spinning our thoughts into worst-case scenarios that feel impossible to escape. But with time, perspective often reveals just how needless all that worrying really was. 

I’ve been there, and I know some of you have, too. It’s a feeling that eats away at you—the kind that makes every minute of waiting unbearable. Waiting for test results, the outcome of a job interview, or maybe even an offer on that dream home. And often, the waiting is worse than the news itself.

When you finally receive answers, even bad ones, there's relief in knowing you can start addressing the problem. There’s a path forward—steps you can take to resolve the issue. But the wait can feel like sitting on a ticking time bomb, where you have no control and nothing to do but stew in your own fears.

Why Anxiety Feels Overwhelming

Anxiety thrives in uncertainty. Our minds search desperately for resolution, clamoring for answers to questions that haven’t been asked yet. But here's the thing about anxiety—more often than not, it’s rooted in scenarios that live entirely in our heads. We stress over things that haven't happened (and may never happen), exhausting our energy over imagined outcomes.

This is where the cycle begins. The more energy we devote to worrying about what we can’t control, the bigger our fears grow. Every "what if?" feels like a crisis waiting to unfold.

But here's the truth I remind myself of constantly, and I think it’s one you’ll benefit from, too—most of what we worry about never comes to pass. And even when it does? We’re far more capable of handling it than we think.

Finding Calm in the Chaos

When those anxious spirals start, I’ve found that taking a moment to center myself makes all the difference. It’s going to sound ridiculously simple, but trust me, it works. Breathe with me for a moment.

• Breathe in deeply through your nose for 4 seconds.
• Hold for 4 seconds.
• Exhale slowly through your mouth for 4 seconds.

Now repeat that a few times.

Doesn’t it feel a little better already? Grounding yourself with controlled breathing interrupts your mind’s anxious chatter and signals to your body that it’s okay to relax. It’s a small thing, but in those overwhelming moments, those small things make a world of difference.

How to Cope with Uncertainty

No one enjoys waiting for answers, but we can choose how we respond to the anxiety it stirs. Next time you find yourself trapped in an anxious loop, try these self-help tips to regain some control over your mental state:

1. Focus on What You Can Control

When your mind drifts toward worst-case scenarios, gently bring it back to the present. Ask yourself, "What can I focus on right now?" Maybe it’s completing a task at work or taking a walk to clear your head. Redirecting your energy toward tangible actions can help.

2. Practice Breathing and Mindfulness

Grounding exercises like the one above can do wonders for calming your nerves. Combining controlled breathing with mindfulness (or even a quick guided meditation) can pull you out of your whirling thoughts and anchor you in the present.

3. Talk About It

Sometimes, simply saying your fears out loud—to a trusted friend, family member, or therapist—can make them feel less intimidating. Verbalizing them helps you separate rational concerns from the irrational stories anxiety tells you.

4. Challenge Anxious Thoughts

When an anxious thought appears in your mind, question it. Ask yourself, "What evidence do I actually have to support this worry?" Often, you'll realize your fear is based on assumptions rather than facts.

5. Remind Yourself That This Too Shall Pass

Whatever you're going through, try to remind yourself that it is temporary. No feeling lasts forever, and this phase of uncertainty will eventually end—likely with a much better outcome than your mind is predicting.

Looking Back with Clarity

When I think back to all those times I was consumed by anxiety, I realize now how much unnecessary energy it stole from me. Sure, it felt valid at the time. It always does. But with the benefit of hindsight, I can see how much better I would have felt if I’d just trusted that things would work out.

That’s not to say challenges won’t arise—they absolutely will. But when they do, I know now that I’ve got the tools to face them. And so do you.

Moving Forward

To anyone who’s been caught in an anxious loop, spiraling over a situation you feel powerless to control—I see you. I’ve been there. And I’m here to tell you that you’re stronger than your anxiety. You’re capable of handling so much more than you believe. Most of all, you’re not alone.

Take it one breath, one moment at a time. And remember, the future may hold answers you never even dreamed of—ones that bring hope instead of chaos. Until those answers come, be kind to yourself. You’re doing your best. And often, that’s more than enough.