22/01/2024
Recently, I have come across Danish philosopher Søren Kierkegaard’s 1844 work “The Concept of Anxiety”.
In it, Kierkegaard describes anguish (or anxiety) as a fundamental part of being human. That it is something we all feel when having to make difficult decisions in our life. We have both the freedom, but also the responsibility, of making such choices. In order to reach our true potential we must address this anxiety.
He argues that anxiety in itself is not a negative emotion but instead can be used to foster growth and explore the possibilities of freedom.
How we react to anxiety is crucial. Do we fall into despair and inaction? Despair meaning the absence of hope in life and belief in oneself which arises when anxiety is feared, avoided, or misinterpreted. Or do we see it as an opportunity where anxiety can be challenged and explored? A leap of faith if you will, which will lead to personal growth, confidence, and self-actualisation.
I found it very relatable as it has been how I have approached anxiety for most of my adult life. Instead of avoiding it, I have tended to lean into it when making decisions. This included moving to Australia on my own, quitting my comfortable job to grow my young business. Walking away from someone I loved because they weren’t respecting my boundaries. Buying my first home. Hiring employees and taking the business to the next level. Each time I was faced with a decision. Freedom AND responsibility. I had to live with the consequences. It was stressful. Some of these decisions created so much stress in me that I felt physical symptoms including pain and sleepless nights. I see this happening to my patients as well. In the end, I made the difficult decisions. And I can confidently say that in each one, leaning into my anxiety was the right choice. Inaction, while easier, would not have led to me growing and maturing as an individual and that is something that is very important to me. Because it’s not really about being right or wrong, winning or failing, it’s about growing and becoming a better person. And when you face your fear and challenge yourself, you can’t lose.
