Inside Out

Some of you may wonder if this post is about the Pixar movie Inside Out. Well, it could be because it’s a great movie and has taught us an important lesson. But, I don't want to start my first blog post by writing about a movie review, I prefer to do it a little later. If you have watched the movie, one of the most impressive aspects of Inside Out is the emphasis on intrapersonal communication which involves how we relate to and interact with ourselves. My inner voice has been telling me since a long time ago to communicate and share my feelings, life experiences and passions with others. That's why I have decided to create this blog to know me Inside Out.

I have always been a shy and an introspective person, spending time daydreaming and examining my own thoughts, behaviour and feelings. I think it’s good for our well-being to spend some time alone mirroring us, as long as we are having positive thoughts. It can turn out bad and affect our well-being if we do it in unhealthy forms. In the last couple of years, I had to cope with my emotions and do intrapersonal communication to remain calm in certain situations. Worry, fear and joy have been my three major emotions that have walked hand in hand with me. I had to do a self-examination which has helped me to have a better understanding of myself and grow as an individual. And you may wonder what the causes were of being unable to control my emotions. Well, I started having panic attacks two years ago. Then, I figured out by reading and talking to some friends that I was experiencing anxiety, I was worrying about my family, my health, the health of significant others and my performance at work. Being able to talk and share my problems has made me realise that there are many people around us who have felt anxious, at least one in their lives. I also read in an article, from the Guardian newspaper, that in the US, the typical age that General Anxiety Disorder (GAD) appears is 31 and that our 30s and 40s are an anxious period of our lives. In my case, I started having these bad feelings when I turned 30. It wasn't difficult for me to find the source of my anxiety triggers.

I was dreaming of living in another country when I finally moved to Czech Republic almost 5 years ago, leaving behind my comfort zone, my family and friends, and my job. It was a big decision at that time because I had a comfortable life and I had never lived in a foreign country before, but I knew that I wanted to pursue my dream, I wanted to open my wings and learn how to fly. I can say now that it was the best thing I have ever done. Coming from Spain, some people may already know that we have strong attachments with our families. I remembered thinking about the idea of moving abroad but never being able to make the next step because of the fear of the unknown and being separated from my loved ones. It’s true that the new technological era makes us stay connected and I’m very thankful for that. I couldn't imagine how hard it would have been without the Internet. However, the fact that I cannot predict the future and I don’t know what will happen tomorrow gives me anxiety. I’m glad to have nice people around me who have become part of my family here and have helped to overcome some of my fears. Thanks to my friends, colleagues, my therapist and my loving boyfriend who had the time to listen to me. Although I'm still fighting with some fears, I’m trying to be positive and to not worry too much about the future. It’s not always easy but I’m also in a happy moment of my life. I'm sharing my life with my partner, living in one of the most beautiful cities on earth, Prague, and working in an international environment which allows me to meet people from different parts of the world, enriches my life and makes it more meaningful. Something difficult to get in the place where I come from. It's important not to forget the things that makes us happy and full of joy when the fear invades us.

What are the best decisions you have ever made?

What emotions are you experiencing right now? Have you ever had anxiety before?

Please, share your experiences with me. I would be happy to read your answers.