Panic to Power
Find Your Power Pose
Finding Your Power: Overcoming Anxiety and Reclaiming Your Strength
At the age of 18, I experienced my first panic attack—a moment that left me feeling powerless. What started as a casual evening with a friend turned into a life-altering night. After just a few puffs of a joint, I began to black out, losing pieces of the night. By God’s grace, I made it home safely, but what followed was years of panic episodes, racing thoughts, and overwhelming “what if” fears that consumed me.
I felt isolated, lost, and disconnected from life. Even in a room full of people, I was drowning in silence, unsure of what was happening to me. Late one night, while flipping through television channels, I stumbled upon a broadcast featuring Lucinda Bassett of the Midwest Center for Stress & Anxiety. Her personal story mirrored my own, and her book, From Panic to Power, became a beacon of hope.
Lucinda’s words struck a deep chord: “Have you ever felt so afraid that your heart began to race, your head began to feel spacey, and everything around you appeared to be unreal?” For the first time, I felt truly seen. I began to realize that my anxiety, while overwhelming, was not insurmountable. It was not my weakness—it was an opportunity to find my strength.
Understanding Anxiety: The First Step to Power
Anxiety is not uncommon—it affects 40 million American adults annually, making it the most prevalent mental health challenge in the U.S. It’s an uneasiness about the future, fueled by overthinking and stress. For many, anxiety can feel like a loss of control, but this feeling can also be the catalyst to reclaim your power.
While anxiety once ruled my life, I’ve learned to channel it into empowerment. Through self-reflection, education, and faith, I discovered tools to take control of my mind, body, and spirit. These tools became the building blocks for reclaiming my power:
1. The Power of Thought
What you think, you become. Studies show that most illnesses are rooted in unhealthy thought patterns, with fear triggering over 1,400 physical and chemical responses in the body. Shifting your mindset is key to finding power over anxiety. Start by reframing negative thoughts. For example, instead of focusing on what could go wrong, envision what could go right. Cultivate gratitude and positivity, and watch how these small shifts lead to big changes.
2. The Power of Faith
Anxiety feeds on fear, but faith teaches us trust and courage. As a believer, I found strength in scriptures like Matthew 6:33: “Take no thought for the morrow, for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself.” Faith allowed me to let go of the fear of the unknown and embrace life as it unfolded. Trusting in something greater than yourself can be a powerful antidote to anxiety, empowering you to face challenges with courage.
3. The Power of Nutrition
The mind and body are deeply connected. Research reveals that deficiencies in magnesium, calcium, and B-complex vitamins can worsen anxiety. By nourishing your body with the right nutrients and reducing harmful substances like caffeine and refined sugar, you create a foundation for mental clarity and strength. Small changes to your diet can have a profound impact on your emotional resilience.
4. The Power of Stress Management
Stress is one of anxiety’s biggest triggers, but it doesn’t have to control you. Learning to manage stress is an act of reclaiming your power. Consider these three strategies:
• Confidence: Approach challenges with the belief that you are capable, and watch how much lighter life feels.
• Exercise: Physical movement releases endorphins, boosting your mood and calming your mind.
• Meditation: Reflect on empowering truths, whether from scripture or affirmations, to center yourself and regain control over your thoughts.
Reclaiming Your Power
Anxiety once left me feeling powerless, but it also showed me the depth of my inner strength. It taught me resilience, the importance of self-care, and the value of faith. Your anxiety doesn’t have to define you. It can be the spark that helps you uncover your true power.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, remember that you are not alone. Finding your power begins with understanding your challenges and choosing to face them head-on. By addressing anxiety holistically—mentally, spiritually, physically, and emotionally—you can transform fear into confidence and uncertainty into strength.
Your power is within you. It always has been. All it takes is a willingness to rediscover it, one step at a time.
Join the Conversation
Have you ever felt overwhelmed by anxiety or discovered strength you didn’t know you had? I’d love to hear your thoughts, experiences, and how you’ve found your power! Join the conversation by sharing your story in the comments below. Let’s empower one another to rise above fear and embrace the strength within!
