What, me anxious?

I like to think of myself as a self-aware kind of guy—attuned to my emotions, noticing them as they arose, acknowledging them, and letting them pass. But this past year, with the death and destruction of Hurricane Helene in western North Carolina, followed by the election of an ignorant, vengeful, narcissistic wannabe dictator, my mind has often been crowded with a free-floating assortment of fears.

Thank goodness for my daily meditation practice, biweekly therapy sessions, and hikes with close friends. Speaking fears aloud—with my therapist, hiking buddies, and my wife Shonnie—has helped me gain perspective. I’ve also taken action where I can—leading my faith community’s (Jubilee’s) Social Justice Team, supporting people who are standing up for democracy, and sharing supportive information through blogging and social media. And Shonnie and I began watching lighthearted shows like Ted Lasso and Friends most evenings for some much-needed laughter.

But a few weeks ago, I stumbled on Arthur Brooks’ article in The Atlantic, How to Turn Anxiety Into Adventure. Brooks—Harvard professor and behavioral scientist—defines anxiety as a chronic, low-grade fear response that protected our hunter-gatherer ancestors but now often misfires in modern life. He offers strategies to reframe it.

A few that stood out to me:

1. See anxiety as “unfocused fear.” Clarify it so it becomes episodic, not constant.
2. Name and journal your worries. Write down sources, worst/best outcomes, probabilities.
3. Reframe it as opportunity. Anxiety can sharpen focus and push you toward growth.
4. Accept, don’t suppress. Resisting anxiety makes it worse.
5. Lean on relationships and community. Perspective and connection reduce its power.

Since I was already using #5, I tried #1 and #2—starting my own anxiety journal. The top source I uncovered? Donald Trump’s ongoing drive toward authoritarianism.

Here’s how I broke it down:

• Worst case: chaos, violence, and a slide into permanent authoritarianism.
• Best case: Trump implodes, MAGA splinters, and fades away.
• Most likely: their missteps erode support, and elections restore balance.

I’ve also used my journal to process fears about aging and other concerns. So, am I free of anxiety? No, I’ve begun accepting some anxiety as part of the human condition. But I do feel calmer, clearer, and less consumed by it.

So, if anxiety is currently an issue for you, here are my suggestions:

1. When possible, take action to address the cause of your anxiety.
2. Share your concerns with trusted friends and family members.
3. Start an anxiety journal to get your fears out of your head and onto paper and update it regularly.

You may also want to check out Brooks’ articles in The Atlantic or his blog: reelikklemind.com.

Oh, and one more thing: ditch the doomscrolling.