Anxiety is paralyzing, it takes the focus off the present and places it firmly on the "what ifs", fear and even a sense of hopelessness about the future.  Mega downer, huh?  What is right in front of our faces, what is happening now is where the richness of life lives.  The past only exists in our mind, it can not be changed, though we do have control over how we view our personal history and how much power we give it, but that is another blog for another time.  The future is just that, the future, it has not happened yet.  That is where anxiety dwells and saps joy.

So back to the present.  Right here, right now.  Stop, pause, take a deep breath.  Now, ask the question, 'how do I feel?'  Some possible answers; overwhelmed, agitated, unfocused. drowning, powerless.  That is anxiety talking.  Worry about the future.  Stop, take a breath, really pay attention, feel the air coming in through your nose, feel your chest rise and the sensation of fullness in your lungs, all the way to the bottom of your chest.  Pause, count, one...two...three.  Now, exhale, slowly, feel the air leaving gently, your chest and your belly falling.  Now again, In, Pause, Hold, Out.  Again and repeat.  Ask that question again, 'how do I feel'?  Pay attention to not only the emotions, but the sensations in your body. Tummy agitated, muscles tense, heat pounding?  That is ok, it is your body asking for attention.  Breath In, pause, hold, out.  Notice muscles relaxing, heart slowing, thoughts slowing down.  

Now, the big key.  Ask yourself another question, really the most important question.  Right now in this minute, in this moment, am I ok?  Almost always the answer will be yes.  Yes, I am safe, yes, I have a roof over my head, yes, I have food, clothing and water.  Yes, I have people who care about me.  Yes, I have people that love me.  Check your senses, what do I hear?  What do I smell, what am I touching, what do I see?  What is that taste in my mouth!  Don't judge, just experience.  Colors, sensations, feelings, sounds, tastes, let the present exist.  Here, now.  This is where the richness of life dwells.  This is what is real.  Breath, take it in.  Love life.  Live here, now.  You may even wonder what the big brouhaha was to begin with, the future will take care of itself.  Make the best of now.