I'm going to help you diffuse your anxiety because I know you've got some.
I know you're scared,
Maybe constantly scared.
Maybe your orientation to time is always the future,
Always looking ahead,
Always planning,
Always problem solving before the problem exists.
I get it.
I get it,
Me too.
In uncertain times,
To feel safer,
We can try and create some control,
Hyper-vigilance can look like always looking around that corner for the next oncoming blow or threat.
Anxiety is terrifying,
Especially if we have a history of being hurt.
So you're not unreasonable for having this anxiety or hyper-vigilance.
You're not unreasonable,
There's nothing wrong with you.
And I want to offer you another tool you can use to soothe yourself in times of uncertainty.
Instead of control or hyper-vigilance,
I want to offer you this reminder.
You do not have to be prepared.
You are prepared.
You do not have to be prepared.
You are prepared.
You have already studied for this exam.
Your life has prepared you for this moment.
You have all the skills you need to solve any problem if and when it arises.
Your life has prepared you for what may come your way.
You know that,
Feel it,
Feel it in your body as I remind you.
I don't think you could become more prepared than you already are to deal with whatever may be in your future.
You do not need to get prepared for it.
You are prepared.
Trust yourself.
Trust in your ability to meet whatever lay ahead of you.
To face it with the strength and resilience that you have already demonstrated time and time again.
Remember.
Remember everything you have survived so far.
Remember every challenge you have overcome.
Remember how far you have grown,
How much your life has changed in the last year,
In the last two,
In the last five,
In the last ten.
Look where you have taken yourself,
Dear one.
You being here right now shows me the curiosity and compassion you have.
The strength and resilience you have.
The skill you have to learn and grow and build.
No.
It's not about doing things perfectly.
It's about having the ability to make mistakes and then repair,
To try and fail and try again.
I know you can do that.
I trust you so much that I know I could ask you any question,
Come to you with any problem,
And you would know what to do.
You would have an answer,
Even if that answer is,
I don't know.
You would say that truthfully,
With integrity.
But I trust,
I trust in you to lead your life.
Can you say that to yourself?
I trust myself.
I trust that I can cope and deal with this.
I trust that even if I find this to be so hard,
I trust that I will find my way.
You don't have to be prepared.
You are prepared.
I could quiz you on anything right now and you'd know how to answer.
You have studied so thoroughly,
Dear one.
You are going to ace whatever comes your way.
You've got this.
I'm not trying to convince you.
I'm reminding you.
Feel this in your body.
Feel what it's like to trust yourself.
To trust in your ability.
Breathe in.
Release.
Breathe in.
Release.
If you ever need to remind yourself again throughout your day,
Place a palm on your heart and simply say,
I trust myself.
I am prepared.
Let this feeling of trust build.
Feel it in your body get brighter and warmer and travel as it fills you up.
Soothing you.
Calming you with confidence.
Enjoy this.
Beautiful.
Slowly,
Slowly cracking open the eyes and coming back to this space together.
My name is Epiphany Mason and it was a privilege to support you today and I look forward to supporting you again.
