“Our fears are more numerous than our dangers,
and we suffer more in our imagination than in reality.”
Seneca
I have a pretty active imagination and most of the time that’s a good thing. I like to daydream and let my imagination run free and those are wonderful times that make me laugh and I’m happy. But there are times when my fears get the best of me and if I am not careful I can end up with a major anxiety attack.
I don’t know why I let fear take over. Maybe it partly comes from when I was a child and told all the bad things that could or would happen if I did or didn’t do something. My parents were the kind of people and that tended to see the dark clouds and not the sun. I guess they were trying to protect me from the bad things of life. Of course, bad stuff happens to everyone. No one gets a free pass to the good life.
Now that I am old my fears don’t usually beat me up. I am a survivor. I have learned that even in bad times there is good to be found though sometimes you have to search through the muck to find it.
Patricia's Place 
I can relate as I have a vivid imagination, as well. It’s great to imagine the good things but not to imagine the bad things I worry about things not within my control, which is wasted energy. I feel I have improved by replacing my anxious thoughts with good ones, even if they are trivial. I make myself focus on something I like, whether it’s something in nature, music, even clothing. I found writing also helps.
How timely is this as I’m unable to sleep, my mind going in anxious circles. I loved the Seneca quote and you sharing you’re a survivor, reminding me, I’m one too. Gratitude needs to be summoned since it will dispel the fear, fighting it tooth and nail.
Anxiety can hypnotize us into a paralyzed state blocking out that sun you wrote so beautifully about. Thanks Madam. I already feel much better. Susannah
Glad to hear that you are able to cope. Parents make their kids incapable of defending themselves on their own by protecting them from the world.
One way to combat fear is to imagine it in front of you, give it a form, speak to it and ask it to go away as it’s no more needed.
Alas, anxious children make anxious adults. sigh
And they need to be healed so that they can live a normal life as adults.
It’s hard. I’m one so I know. But we keep trying.
I understand. It’s a difficult journey on your own. Seek help. It works. I am testimony.
Help Thanks Wow, by Anne Lamott. Just now reread it. She always lightens my heart. Thanks.
I hear you. I lived in the dark times in my youth. I’m no longer living in those time. I’m ever thankful for that.
Aw on the cute kitty.
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So much energy wasted in imagining what might happen, sending us in a sweat and fear. Good post.
You said it Helene.
Yes! I have a very vivid imagination when it comes to how things can go wrong. Fortunately it prepares me but the really bad stuff rarely happens. Wasted anxiety.