Toolbox: Drop Your Armor

Of all the tools in my toolbox, ‘drop your armor’ is definitely the hardest to master. But it’s also the key to real freedom.

‘Drop your armor’ is essentially letting the beast have its way.

It’s taking the emotional punches, letting the beast pound away on me, not defending myself, just trusting that I can outlast it. I actually refer to it as ‘emotional detox.’ When it happens, I shake uncontrollably, my heart races, I feel dizzy…but eventually come through to the other side, to understanding that it’s only anxiety.

If it sounds difficult, that’s because it is. The first time I let it happen, I was too exhausted to fight. All I could do was muster up the courage to endure. But sometimes all you need is 20 seconds of insane courage and it can change your whole life.

Even once you know how to do this, it’s still hard, because while you have control over your thoughts, your subconscious still isn’t ready to change. It becomes part of who you are....or were. But the more you practice, the more you begin to change your mindset, release bad habits.

It will feel miserable, horrible, and awful for a certain amount of time and then you realize–I can do this. Your body feels what your mind thinks. You can manage the feelings, and it will not harm you physically. It will only feel uncomfortable.

The longer you’ve had anxiety, the longer it takes to trust yourself, and this tool. Give it time. Don’t feel bad or upset if you think you can’t handle it. Simply trying to drop your armor is big, and it’s the most important step in gaining confidence in your healing process.

When it feels bad, remember that it’s a sign you’re doing it right. You’re going through the fire, and when you come out the other side–and you will come out the other side–you will shine like never before. All the other tools in the toolbox will gain strength from the courage that brought you to this point.

Don’t fight the beast, let it come, and you will defeat it.

I believe in you.

–Brian