Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Philippians 4:8
(def.) Agency: a thing or person that acts to produce a particular result:
Oxford Language Dictionary
What lowers anxiety? Being able to do something- to take an action of some type. If we can do something, we have agency, that is, a thing or person that acts to produce a particular result. We have agency when we take actions on our behalf or on the behalf of others. We can have an impact. We can exert some measure of control.
As I have said numerous times, the more control we feel, the lower the anxiety present in our minds. Therefore, in situations where we feel threatened or fearful, concentrating on the things we CAN do is much superior to recounting the things we CANNOT do.
It is easy for all of us to fall into the limiting thinking of helplessness- recounting all the things that we cannot do at the time. Indeed, in many situations, there are things that we truly cannot do. However, if we are open to looking for the things that we can actually do to better or alleviate our situation, we can have more control over our emotions and anxiety.
I recently spoke with a young couple who are mired in a difficult financial situation. They are living in an apartment that is in a neighborhood that they feel is bad for their children. They often feel defeated by what they have not done well- poor spending habits in the past for example. They feel that they cannot get ahead.
As we talked, it became apparent that this couple does have a lot going for them, but they often fail to see it. There indeed are some things that they CAN do that will help them get to their goal. They simply needed encouragement, and a look at things that they CAN do.
Prayer: Lord, help us to see the CANS more than the CANNOTS, Amen
Reflections of a Counselor 