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Emily Male's avatar

It's all such a learning process , and getting those basics strong first! Breathing exercises help me so much, I can very easily lose my breath throughout the day if I'm feeling anxious...

I love the sound of all your soft, cosy supports and plushie! Big fan of a soft toy too 🧸🙏💛

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Terje Äkke's avatar

I think that self-compassion might be more crucial than we usually realize. In eagerness to do well we are bound to stumble and fail and then it’s important to be kind to oneself, to pick oneself up and keep going.

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Emily Male's avatar

It is so crucial ... And it took me the longest time to figure that out !!! I think that's why I place so much value on gentle living as well as slow ! 💕🙏

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Sekar Langit's avatar

You described my inner struggle when anxiety muddled up my thought process. Breathing is my go-to self-check. As for the self-care toolkit, I practise the basics, on board with your saying that it should be exercised well and right before adding more items. I'm a tactile person so grounding activities include grounding (no pun intended :D ) and touching fleece and blankets, and my emotional support plushie <3

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Shreya's avatar

I adore the sensitivity and gentleness with which you've written this Emily. As a Highly Sensitive Person and neurodivergent introvert, your reflections about managing anxiety and overwhelm spoke to me on a fundamental level. I am going to journal about this, now... Much love💙

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Emily Male's avatar

Thank you so much Shreya, that honestly means so much to me! I hope your journaling session went well. I really think talking about our experiences and finding ways to truly sooth our spirits and create safe, calm and gentle spaces is such a powerful way of living with and understanding anxiety. Thank you so much for sharing.

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Hanna Mezei's avatar

I really love your Slow Sunday Letters! It is a warm hug and a useful writing at the same time ❤️

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Emily Male's avatar

Thank you Hanna 😊 that's so lovely to hear ! You've made my day 💕

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Claire Amritavani Brown's avatar

I've also lived with anxiety and totally understand where you're coming from. Sounds like slow living has helped you turn a corner. 😊

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Emily Male's avatar

Yes, it really has. I feel like I need that slow, peaceful and calm energy, and slow and gentle living helps me really create a life that I feel at ease in.

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James Kinsley's avatar

Your honesty and openness are admirable.

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Emily Male's avatar

Thank you James. I'm trying ! It helps me 'own' it and not be ashamed of my struggles. 🙏

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Jenny Warwick's avatar

I think society has put so much pressure on to be ‘perfect’ that we all stumble sometimes. I find it very hard to step away from feeling responsible from everyone’s problems, particularly grown up children, and trying to solve them. Which makes me anxious and worried. Definitely going to put my support box in place, thank you for sharing your thoughts 🙏

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Emily Male's avatar

Oh Jenny, I know exactly what you mean and there is an enormous amount for pressure to be perfect. I also think there is an impatience in society when times are hard, we feel pressure to get better or make it better, as quickly as possible and sometimes (most of the time!) it takes so much more time and work. I hope you enjoy creating your own self care toolkit. I'm certain it will help 🙏

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