The Surprising Benefits of Anxiety or Confessions of a Super Girl Scout

I’ve always thought of my anxiety as something to be fixed, but recently I’ve been considering it in a different light. Instead of viewing it as a disorder, something abnormal, what if I see it as a gift? Well, a gift might be stretching it, but at least begin to frame it more positively.

I came up with a few ideas on why anxiety, at least my variety, is a good thing.

Always On Time. The thought of being even five minutes late sends me into a cold sweat. Heck, I have anxiety when other people are late. I admire and envy people who don’t seem to have a care in the world and they get there when they get there. But let’s be honest, those are not the people that will get you to your appointment on time. If I’m your ride you will get there with room to spare. You will probably have time to go eat lunch and do a little light shopping as well.

Minimalism to the Max. Clutter will send me over the edge. If you want to torture me, all you need to do is send me to Ross or any similarly overstuffed store and make me “browse.” Now if you want to clean out and declutter your home, I’m your girl. But be prepared for me to throw out most of your stuff. Your home will look great, but we will probably no longer be friends.

Organization is a priority. You know those surveys and tests that help you know what job suits you best? I’ve done dozens of them and I always get Administrative Assistant as my ideal job. (I think I keep hoping that one day it’s going to say I’m perfectly suited for World Explorer or something with a little more zing to it.) But for now, I’m your Scheduling Queen, Miss Attention to Detail, your Organizational Guru. I kind of like that title: Organizational Guru. Business cards to come.

Research, Research, Research. Nothing is done without reading three books, 38 reviews, and scouring the web. The downside to this is paralysis. There are too many options, or possible scenarios and outcomes. The upside? If you’re going on a trip with me, I can tell you weather conditions, the best clothing options for said weather, hotel rating, what they will be serving for breakfast, and how long it will take for all conceivable travel eventualities. Provided we stick to the schedule. And if you’re with me, there will be a schedule.

Calm Under Pressure. In the hours leading up to an event, the anxiety can be enough to make me sick. I mean literally, truly sick. As soon as I’m “on” the pressure disappears, my stomach settles, and everything falls into place. My friend Linda, who also deals with anxiety, says she has this trait as well. When others are freaking out, she is the calm one making sure everybody is taken care of. We may have worried ourselves sick with the possibility of an approaching storm, but when it hits, we will be your anchor.

Safety First. OSHA, FBI, CIA, none of them has anything on my anxiety. I’ve already pictured every possible horrible outcome and gone to great trouble to make sure it doesn’t occur. I can see danger coming from miles away. I like to sit with my back to the wall and I know where all the exits are. Stick with me. I’ll get you out safely. This is also where that calm under pressure comes in handy.

Perhaps, anxiety is not so bad after all. It’s not my enemy. It’s just a part of who I am. It keeps me organized, prepared, and ready for anything. Kind of like a Super Girl Scout.

Hmmm. Alicia Taylor, Organizational Guru by day and Super Girl Scout by night. Sounds a little racy but I’ll keep you posted on how the business cards turn out.

Stay Well, My Friends.

Alicia