Once a year my husband and I like to travel to Mexico. In 2019, while trying to check out of our hotel and begin our journey home I was reminded of the old adage, "don't panic." Seems simple enough right? When you are used to living with anxiety, this isn't always that easy. While my husband was wrapping up check out, I ran to the bathroom one last time. I feel like it's important to mention, I visited this bathroom more than once during this trip. It's in the sports bar, it's loud in there, TV's and music going. The last time I used it, I noticed the lock seemed a little wonky, but I didn't really think anything of it. Ok, so back to the bathroom, I pop in, shut the door, and turn the lock and it made some kind of noise. At that moment, no bells are going off. I do my business and go to leave, and the door lock won't turn or open! Shit! OK don't panic, just jiggle it, shake it, it will open. Ok that doesn't work, I can feel the anxiety creeping in. I try shaking the door, I try using a card to shove in between the door jamb. Nothing is working.
Did I mention we were checking out? Our shuttle was expected any moment and I'm stuck in the bathroom. You're probably thinking just use your cell phone, well that's not so simple in foreign countries. I could have freaked out, had a panic attack, lost my cool, and ruined the last moments of my vacation. Instead, I kept my sense of humor about the whole thing. Screamed my lungs out and pounded on the door until someone heard me and came and bailed me out! My husband had come looking for me and there were a few people around trying to see what all the commotion was about. Bada bing, bada boom, they get the door open. The staff looks a little freaked out too, like what’s this lady going to do? I thought at that moment they probably were afraid and had anxiety over how I was going to react.
As I look back on this moment, I think what could have been this moment of fear, panic, and stress, for me and the staff instead became a funny moment and a silly vacation memory. For some people, this might seem like nothing, but I know that I could have chosen to let my fears take over that situation, but I didn’t. It reminds me we have a choice. I have a choice on how I am going to react or respond to a situation. Do I always choose to respond or react in a positive way? Nope, but I do try to give myself credit when I do respond in a way that is kind and gentle. I am reminded that I don’t have to panic, and I can be kind to myself either way, no matter how I react. When I do make a conscious decision to step out and away from old behavior, I stay in the moment. I give myself grace in stressful situations. Want to know more about how I learned to do this? Schedule a call with me.
