Finding Humor in the Struggles of Anxiety and Technology
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Chapter 1: The Hidden Source of Anxiety
Anxiety can often feel insurmountable, yet its root cause might be closer than we think.
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Section 1.1: The Weight of Connection
At times, I can’t shake the feeling that an invisible tether is pulling me back, and I’m not the one in control.
What’s driving this ongoing state of anxiety? It’s a small, rectangular device I’ve affectionately named Myrna — my smartphone.
Section 1.1.1: The Censorship of My Thoughts
It seems my phone is censoring my thoughts, making me feel like I have to apologize for my own musings.
Throughout the day, I go about my routine — sitting at my desk, occasionally gazing out the window, getting up to stretch, or heading to the kitchen for a snack. This is when that metaphorical leash kicks in, pulling me back to a state of heightened anxiety if I wander too far from my phone.
What’s behind this physiological and emotional rollercoaster? If I stray more than eight feet from Myrna, an automatic response kicks in, leaving me feeling anxious and disoriented until I’m back in her grasp.
Section 1.2: The Unseen Tether
The strangest part? There’s no visible connection. I’ve searched high and low for an attachment point, yet it remains elusive. I can’t even tell how much slack is in this invisible cord. The only certainty is that it’s never broken or frayed.
Ironically, being within Myrna’s range has saved me countless times. Just last week, while shopping, a random thought about the relationship between peas and corn surfaced. If Myrna hadn’t been in my cart, that thought would have vanished by the time I reached the bakery.
What if I missed an important text? Or accidentally muted notifications, leading someone to think I don’t care?
Chapter 2: The Gym Incident
In a recent trip to the gym, I left Myrna behind, thinking I’d be fine without her. As I started my stretching routine, anxiety crept in. What was I thinking?
Frantically, I asked around the gym about my missing device, only to find my husband holding it triumphantly. I embraced him, relieved to have my sanity restored.
In moments of anxiety, it’s easy to lose sight of what truly matters. But finding humor in these situations can lighten the load.
Jill Reid, the creator behind Pathway to Personal Growth, often explores life’s complexities through humor and relatable anecdotes. Her work encourages us to navigate the challenges we face in modern life.
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