When Life Feels Out of Control: Finding Peace in the Middle of Anxiety
We all experience anxiety at times, but what can we do about it?
Understanding anxiety and what is causing us to feel anxious is important to getting a handle on it. Anxiety is rooted in fear. A few examples include fear of current conditions, fear of the future, and fear of “what-if “scenarios. The question to ask yourself is, “What am I feeling anxious about?” Anxiety can be rooted in a desire to control a situation that seems out of control or something that is beyond our ability to control. Is it reasonable to expect yourself to control a situation that is not controllable? In other words, if something is not under your control, should you be anxious about it?
Barriers to Building Self-Esteem—and God’s Pathway to Freedom
Self-esteem is often misunderstood in both Christian and clinical spaces. Some view it as prideful or self-focused, while others chase it through performance, approval, or perfection. In counseling, we often discover that impaired self-esteem is not about a lack of effort—it is about believing things that are not true.
False beliefs shape how we see ourselves, how we relate to others, and how we experience God. These beliefs carry consequences. The good news is that Scripture offers not vague encouragement, but specific solutions—and those solutions produce measurable change.
I Feel Anxious--- And I Don’t Know Why
If you scored a few 1s, 2s, or 3s, it’s something to take note of. If you see a pattern or feel like your anxiety is disrupting your daily life, working with a therapist can help bring clarity and relief. At Light the Way, we apply resources and expert knowledge from places like Amen Clinics to understand how anxiety affects both your mind and body. A region in the brain often linked to anxiety is the Basal Ganglia—this area can become overactive when you're feeling worried, tense, or fearing the worst. While you don’t need to be a brain expert, it’s helpful to know there are natural, science-backed methods to calm this part of your brain.
Performance Anxiety
Imagine standing outside a meeting room, heart pounding, palms sweating, and fear creeping in just as you’re about to give an important presentation. You know the material inside and out, yet anxiety takes over. This is performance anxiety—a fear that can impact work, sports, or artistic performances. From shaky voices to racing heartbeats, the symptoms can be overwhelming. However, with the right coping strategies, such as breathing exercises, meditation, and reframing negative thoughts, you can regain control and confidence. Don’t let fear hold you back—discover how to overcome performance anxiety and step into your full potential.