I'm very very introvert as well. I feel that the reason that I even become more anxious in social setting because I am very concerned how I would look for others or I have an expectation towards myself to be in the certain way. I feel that the best thing is to let all of that go and tune into the portal of your heart to express yourself from the heart. Express your truth. And people can feel that energy. That heart energy. I know that it's hard to do because we're so wired to use our mind all the time. I also struggle a lot as well. But I believe, it's ok I'm learning and trying bit by bit over time.
Laying my hand on a tree, placing my feet on a sandy beach, rubbing the soft edges of sea glass or beach stones and yoga. When feasible, yoga in nature:) These things instantly calm me.
For my specific kind of anxiety I do jigsaw puzzles. I’ll often have a cup of tea and put on a podcast at the same time and it slows down my brain to focus on pattern fitting. I am of course very picky about the final image that I choose to puzzle
Thank you so much for putting your heart and soul into your work and newsletter, Lizzy. It means so much to hear things like this from you! I can’t always pop in to read these but when I do I find so much substance and warmth. It’s reassuring.
Hello beautiful soul! As I was reading you in my head popped up one thing that helps tuning to your soul - it’s called Bach’s flower essences. There are 38 essences and a Rescue combination, that is for emergency situations. I make and use this combinations on daily basis. These last few years were whirlwind of changes and the combinations really helped me stay calm and move through it all. 😊 I always enjoy reading and watching you. I’m headed to your latest video story in YouTube. If you want to talk to someone - I would be glad 😊
I think I could write a lot about the questions you're asking (a convo over coffee before Miami perhaps?). I've learned to start by acknowledging the anxious feelings, especially when they bubble up unexpectedly. I like to tell myself, "You've been here before." It's a sweet reminder that I've been through it and come to the other side many times, some of which have been my worst moments on this planet. Of course, there are many techniques to bring us into the moment and slow our racing hearts, but self-kindness is the most important thing, I think. It's also wonderful to just open up the conversation here; no doubt many people can relate (just look at these comments).
Wow I'm mega late to seeing this comment, haha! Thank you Meg, I love everything you say here. <3 Looking forward to coffees and anxiety chats very soon, haha! YES to Martha's book, I have it on pre-order already. I know I'll be devouring that in the New Year. 😊
Thank you for sharing your heart so openly. I deeply resonate with your feelings—kindred spirits as fellow introverts. One profound lesson that has shaped my year is learning to honour my own energy and stand in my truth. For so long, I found myself worn down by the expectations of others, telling me how I should be in social settings. But I asked myself, why is it necessary for me to be outgoing when that’s not my nature? I enjoy attending dinners, workshops, and events, but there’s no need to expect me to be overly chatty if it doesn’t feel right. Forcing myself to speak just to fit in led to moments where I’d say things that didn’t align with who I am.
This year, I embraced social gatherings with a quiet confidence, showing up as my true self—an introvert. And it’s been transformative. When others suggest I should behave differently, I gently stand my ground, offering the perspective that just as some people enjoy talking freely, I honour my own space. We don’t go around telling others to speak less, so why should I be told to speak more? Everyone's flow is unique, and that’s the beauty of it.
To nurture my soul and ease anxiety, I’ve found comfort in unplugging from social media, brewing a calming cup of tea, and watching something uplifting on YouTube. It’s like a reset for my mind. Scent also plays a big role in my relaxation. I love diffusing my favourite essential oil, allowing the fragrance to transport my senses to a place of calm and clarity. My Shakti mat has also been a wonderful tool for me—it’s incredible how much it helps me release tension and relax deeply.
I hope these little rituals inspire you to find moments of peace in your day. We are all on this journey, learning how to better support our true selves.
To quell my anxiety, I try to do "nature bathing" on a daily basis. Walking barefoot on a sandy beach, gardening without gloves, tree hugging (I get some strange looks there), listening to the birds & allowing myself to walk in the rain...
This past week I have signed up for Camp Create 2026 and already I feel the anxiety...
Am I good enough? I don't have great gear! How will the group feel about me as I'm very much an amateur photographer? I don't know anybody that will be there.
But I will strive to overcome the anxiety to learn, listen & enjoy myself! It's a big thing for me to do this!
I'm very very introvert as well. I feel that the reason that I even become more anxious in social setting because I am very concerned how I would look for others or I have an expectation towards myself to be in the certain way. I feel that the best thing is to let all of that go and tune into the portal of your heart to express yourself from the heart. Express your truth. And people can feel that energy. That heart energy. I know that it's hard to do because we're so wired to use our mind all the time. I also struggle a lot as well. But I believe, it's ok I'm learning and trying bit by bit over time.
Laying my hand on a tree, placing my feet on a sandy beach, rubbing the soft edges of sea glass or beach stones and yoga. When feasible, yoga in nature:) These things instantly calm me.
For my specific kind of anxiety I do jigsaw puzzles. I’ll often have a cup of tea and put on a podcast at the same time and it slows down my brain to focus on pattern fitting. I am of course very picky about the final image that I choose to puzzle
Thank you so much for putting your heart and soul into your work and newsletter, Lizzy. It means so much to hear things like this from you! I can’t always pop in to read these but when I do I find so much substance and warmth. It’s reassuring.
I do Vipassana to relax and sooth my mind.
Hello beautiful soul! As I was reading you in my head popped up one thing that helps tuning to your soul - it’s called Bach’s flower essences. There are 38 essences and a Rescue combination, that is for emergency situations. I make and use this combinations on daily basis. These last few years were whirlwind of changes and the combinations really helped me stay calm and move through it all. 😊 I always enjoy reading and watching you. I’m headed to your latest video story in YouTube. If you want to talk to someone - I would be glad 😊
Thank you for sharing your journey with us.
I think I could write a lot about the questions you're asking (a convo over coffee before Miami perhaps?). I've learned to start by acknowledging the anxious feelings, especially when they bubble up unexpectedly. I like to tell myself, "You've been here before." It's a sweet reminder that I've been through it and come to the other side many times, some of which have been my worst moments on this planet. Of course, there are many techniques to bring us into the moment and slow our racing hearts, but self-kindness is the most important thing, I think. It's also wonderful to just open up the conversation here; no doubt many people can relate (just look at these comments).
I've also been keeping my eye for news on Martha Beck's next book, "Beyond Anxiety: Curiosity, Creativity, and Finding Your Life's Purpose." Looks like it's available for pre-order: https://www.amazon.ca/Beyond-Anxiety-Curiosity-Creativity-Finding/dp/0593656385.
xoxo
Wow I'm mega late to seeing this comment, haha! Thank you Meg, I love everything you say here. <3 Looking forward to coffees and anxiety chats very soon, haha! YES to Martha's book, I have it on pre-order already. I know I'll be devouring that in the New Year. 😊
Hi Lizzy
Thank you for sharing your heart so openly. I deeply resonate with your feelings—kindred spirits as fellow introverts. One profound lesson that has shaped my year is learning to honour my own energy and stand in my truth. For so long, I found myself worn down by the expectations of others, telling me how I should be in social settings. But I asked myself, why is it necessary for me to be outgoing when that’s not my nature? I enjoy attending dinners, workshops, and events, but there’s no need to expect me to be overly chatty if it doesn’t feel right. Forcing myself to speak just to fit in led to moments where I’d say things that didn’t align with who I am.
This year, I embraced social gatherings with a quiet confidence, showing up as my true self—an introvert. And it’s been transformative. When others suggest I should behave differently, I gently stand my ground, offering the perspective that just as some people enjoy talking freely, I honour my own space. We don’t go around telling others to speak less, so why should I be told to speak more? Everyone's flow is unique, and that’s the beauty of it.
To nurture my soul and ease anxiety, I’ve found comfort in unplugging from social media, brewing a calming cup of tea, and watching something uplifting on YouTube. It’s like a reset for my mind. Scent also plays a big role in my relaxation. I love diffusing my favourite essential oil, allowing the fragrance to transport my senses to a place of calm and clarity. My Shakti mat has also been a wonderful tool for me—it’s incredible how much it helps me release tension and relax deeply.
I hope these little rituals inspire you to find moments of peace in your day. We are all on this journey, learning how to better support our true selves.
To quell my anxiety, I try to do "nature bathing" on a daily basis. Walking barefoot on a sandy beach, gardening without gloves, tree hugging (I get some strange looks there), listening to the birds & allowing myself to walk in the rain...
This past week I have signed up for Camp Create 2026 and already I feel the anxiety...
Am I good enough? I don't have great gear! How will the group feel about me as I'm very much an amateur photographer? I don't know anybody that will be there.
But I will strive to overcome the anxiety to learn, listen & enjoy myself! It's a big thing for me to do this!