Heartbeat obsession and my story

Just want to say this is such a great response. Something that should be read twice to really absorb it all. Nice, Ellen!

 

I'm reading a novel where the writer said "Anxiety is fear about something that isn't real." It's like we've evolved this fear response to what we just imagine instead of real threats to our survival.

 

Here's one a boss of mine taught us many years ago:
FEAR as an acronym for:
False
Expectations
Appearing
Real

 

It is correct. Fear is a concern over something specific: a tiger in the bush, a gun pointed at you, or a rock falling on you from the roof. Anxiety is a general concern over unspecified danger. I call anxiety "a worry in search of a reason".

 

Thanks, everyone, for all the suggestions and stories. It’s just refreshing to be around people who have seen change and who can relate. I have a lot to sit through and figure out, but I am already trying to apply many of the things you all have suggested.

recent random observations:

I have noticed that my body tends to be tensed often to avoid the feeling of my heartbeat. I am trying to release that tension, since it is really a protection from my fear.

Sometimes when I’m working at something, I’m torn between wanting to push through and ignore the siren that my brain seems to be setting off (like heartbeat stuff), or choosing to slow down and do some slow breaths.