Anxiety – Feeling the Fear but Doing It Anyway

Anxiety is something I don’t always talk about, but it’s an important part of my story.

Throughout my 20s and 30s, I went through a couple of tough break-ups. When someone who was once your whole world suddenly flips a switch and becomes a completely different person, it can be incredibly challenging and confusing. Looking back, there were red flags that perhaps I couldn’t see at the time, even though others around me could.

You truly never know what is happening behind closed doors.

I guess I was a kind and soft person, and perhaps some people felt they could use that kindness to push their power onto me and make themselves feel good.

My Dad always raised me to be strong, to stand up for myself and to recognise when something isn’t worth holding onto. Those lessons have stayed with me.

There was one time in particular when a friend helped me see that what was happening to me wasn’t okay and that I needed to get help. I truly believe that if he hadn’t shown me what was really happening, I wouldn’t be here today. The danger was escalating, and I was allowing things to continue because I was genuinely afraid for my life.

No one should ever make you feel that way.

Men don’t treat women like that. People don’t treat people they love like that. It’s not okay.

There are certain people who become the little lights in our lives when we need them most, and those are the people I will always be incredibly grateful for.

I know I still carry anxiety from some of the things I’ve been through. I’ve done a lot of work on myself, both professionally and internally, and I’m much better now at building resilience and managing my anxiety. But every now and again, I still have to remind myself to slow down, breathe and check in with myself.

I’m sure many people reading this will have been through their own difficult times and understand what that feeling can be like.

If sharing my story can help even one person who is struggling, then it’s worth putting it out there.

For me, getting outdoors is one of the things that helps most. When I feel my anxiety rising, I head outside and exercise — especially at the beach, around lakes or amongst the trees. Nature helps ground me and brings me back to the present.

I also take magnesium glycinate, which I personally find helps me feel calmer and more relaxed. And I have a really good friend I can talk to regularly who helps keep me grounded. She is one of my lights.

I’ve learned something important along the way:

Your past experiences do not have to become your future.

You can heal. You can rebuild. You can become stronger. Sometimes you just need the right tools, the right support and the right people around you.

And please don’t ever stay with someone who breaks you.

You have one life to live. Fill it with people who lift you up, encourage you, believe in you and help drive you towards your goals.

And if you know someone who is struggling right now, be that light for them. ✨✨

You never know how much your kindness could change someone’s life.

Charz | 2026