"Acceptance was the first step. Loving my anxious self was the basis of making some changes that made my life easier. Anxiety is just one part of me, along with the fact that I'm a devoted friend and a good cook and I buy multiple copies of my favorite books because I love to give them away. I embrace my weird now. I'm not ashamed of who I am. When I started asking for help when I needed it, I learned there is nothing weak about doing that. I realize now that it is incredibly brave to admit when my anxiety is more than I can handle by myself. I still have anxiety sometimes, but I now have tools to help take my power back. I have compassion for myself when I'm having a hard time. I know that I can ride this difficult wave of emotion, and I'll be okay. I'm done pretending."