Anxiety and Creative Expression: Learning to Breathe Through the Fear
Facing the Fear of Creativity
I was asked to be a M.O.T.M. StoryTeller. I said yes… until the fear hit. I mean sweating, hyperventilating, blank mind—the whole nine yards. Anxiety and creative expression collided fast. I even considered faking my death to escape the commitment rather than just say, “Hey, I changed my mind.”
If you know me, you know I can be dramatic, but the fear was real. I refused to write a word until my next therapy session. Honestly, my mind felt like the Sahara—dry, blank, and full of panic.
When Anxiety and Creative Expression Clash
Who did I think I was? Saying yes to this project? This responsibility?! I once wrote a middle school poem, and suddenly I thought I was Maya Angelou or Toni Morrison! That’s what I get for bragging about how much I love to write. Someone believed me—and now here I am.
My name is Ja’Nelle. I’m anxious, but I’m here. So let’s see how this goes, shall we?
Raw Reflections: The Inner Dialogue
Breathe.
Why in the world did I say yes?
I have no idea what to write—and isn’t that what writers do? WRITE?!
Stop. Just breathe.
My style’s not like theirs. I write weird. I write how I speak—twangy, messy, real. And now people are going to read it. Breathe.
This journey is for healing. Not just for me. People are watching. Oh God. Breathe.
It’s hard. It’s tight in my chest. But breathe.
The first step is always shaky. But necessary. Take it.
Tips to Manage Anxiety and Reclaim Your Voice
M.O.T.M. WELLNESSMOMENT:
How do you reduce or eliminate your anxiety right now? Here are 9 methods that work:
- Take a deep breath.
- Accept that you’re anxious.
- Recognize when your brain is tricking you.
- Challenge your thoughts.
- Visualize calm settings.
- Be an observer, without judgment.
- Use positive self-talk.
- Focus on the present.
- Engage in meaningful activities.
Read more on these techniques at Psych Central.
Want Support for Your Anxiety and Creative Journey?
If you’ve ever talked yourself out of doing something that scared you, you’re not alone. Anxiety and creative expression often go hand in hand. But healing and growth start when we take that first breath—and then the next step.
Reach out to us at M.O.T.M. Vaultage®. We’d love to support you on your storytelling and wellness journey.
Written by: Ja’Nelle
Lead M.O.T.M. StoryTeller