Hello darkness my old friend

This week in the Pod we spoke about anxiety and how it can be the master of your world. It takes control and rules your world.

I (Stephen), too, suffer from anxiety issues that come from combat-related PTSD. I happen to know darkness very well, like best friends with it. So this darkness knows how to speak to me when times are rough. All great relationships are built on excellent communication, right?

I recently found out how to talk back to the darkness and let it know that I'm worthy of more than it has to offer. I'm a good person who has experienced several bad things, and these experiences have helped build an attitude of gratitude in my heart. They have made me a stronger person on the back end of them.

So middle finger to you darkness. I know you and am grateful for you as well. You helped me understand light and

good better than most.

Now I have no problem showing up daily centering myself on Jesus, the one true King. The battle is rough, and

I grow tired, but the fatigue is a reminder of my strength and will to fight. So come at me again tomorrow, and I will stand strong, ready to kick your ass daily!

A few practical steps I've found to help reduce anxiety, gain control, and get my life back:

• PAUSE: Take a moment to center and focus on your breath. 4 seconds in and 4 seconds out for 60 seconds

• EXERCISE: Get the energy out any way you can! Walk, run, crawl, dance, etc..

• GROUND: Find an object or exercise (see the breathing exercise); this brings you back to reality and helps you identify what is going on in the present moment and kick anxieties ass!

• GRATITUDE: Start your day by writing down 2 to 3 things you are grateful for; if you haven't done this before, start simple. Frequently in my journal, I'm grateful for the weather outside or having a roof over my head.

• JOURNAL: Get your thoughts out on paper so you can see your story. This makes it tangible and helps you discern if you are telling an accurate story or a made-up one. Then journal on the feelings this story stirs up.

IDENTIFY FEELINGS: Now that you've journaled your feelings, and are aware of them, identify the WHY behind them. Feelings are a thermometer to the deeper story within our story!

• JIU-JITUS: If you're a vet suffering from PTSD, practice Jiu-Jitsu