Chapter 1: Understanding Anxiety

Anxiety is a common experience that many of us face. It often strikes at the most inconvenient moments — like just before a public speaking engagement.

I vividly recall my first encounter with this fear. My heart raced so loudly that I was convinced everyone could hear it. My hands were clammy, and my throat felt as though it had gone dry. My thoughts spiraled into a chaotic "what if" scenario.

What if I embarrass myself?

What if I stumble?

The room was silent, filled with expectant faces waiting for me to begin. I took a deep breath, in and out.

“Do one thing every day that scares you.” — Eleanor Roosevelt.

Public speaking became that daily challenge for me. The anxiety was palpable, almost primal; my body reacted involuntarily, muscles tensed, and breathing became shallow. It felt as if I were driving a car that had lost control — utterly suffocating.

During my initial speech, I thought I might faint from sheer anxiety. My legs trembled, my voice faltered, and the space felt overwhelmingly vast and noisy. Yet, I managed to get through it.

However, my second attempt was even more daunting. The fear of repeating that previous experience lingered in my mind.

Anxiety not only disrupts the body; it clouds your thoughts as well. You begin to obsess over the worst possible outcomes, like navigating a maze while blindfolded, aware of a lurking danger but unable to see it. You just sense its presence.

Each speech became a personal battle — me against my own mind. Yet, just like any maze, there is always a way out if you keep pushing forward.

Then, a subtle change occurred. It wasn't a dramatic transformation, nor was it a miraculous solution. I simply found myself on stage once more, facing another audience, and I made a pivotal decision. I chose to embrace my fear rather than fight it.

“Feel the fear and do it anyway.” — Susan Jeffers.

Have you noticed how anxiety can make you forget to breathe? It constricts your chest and holds your lungs captive. So, I began to reclaim my breath, turning it into a powerful tool.

One deep breath in.

One deep breath out.

It may sound simple, even cliché, but during moments of panic, breathing becomes crucial. It serves as a lifeline that anchors you in the present, reminding you that the future — the very thing that frightens you — has not yet arrived. All you have is this moment.

And in this moment? You are enough.

Over time, I reshaped the narrative in my mind. Instead of thinking, “I’m going to fail,” I told myself, “I’ve succeeded before; I can do it again.” I began to view anxiety not as an adversary, but as an indicator of my passion. Caring is not a flaw; it’s a source of strength.

This journey was no easy feat, and it remains a struggle. Anxiety and I have learned to coexist; sometimes it takes the lead, and at other times, I do. But I've stopped fearing it.

I’ve stumbled and fumbled my words along the way. Yet, I’ve come to realize that perfection is an illusion. Audiences don’t remember flawless performances; they remember sincerity and heart.

The more I accepted my imperfections, the more I connected with my audience and, more importantly, with myself.

Anxiety hasn’t vanished from my life — it still lurks, ready to surface. But I’ve understood that it doesn’t define who I am. It’s part of me, but it’s not the entire story.

“We suffer more in imagination than in reality.” — Seneca.

So, if you’re grappling with your own fears, here’s my advice: Breathe. Acknowledge it. Then, take the plunge into whatever frightens you. Do it repeatedly.

The only way to conquer this struggle is to keep showing up.

Every single day.

One. Breath. At. A. Time.

Chapter 2: Embracing the Fear

"The Mindset Of A Warrior: How To Win The War In Your Mind and Find Peace" explores the internal battles we face and offers insights on overcoming mental hurdles.

"How to Win the Battle of Your Mind" delves into strategies for managing anxiety and taking control of your thoughts.