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Summary

The website content is an abecedarian poem expressing the author's journey of overcoming anxiety, which has been likened to a burdensome presence in their life, and finding a new zest for life through techniques like deep breathing and, if necessary, medication.

Abstract

The poem titled "I feel lighter" is a personal reflection on the author's struggle with anxiety. It personifies anxiety as an unwanted companion that weighs heavily on them, influencing their thoughts and emotions. The author describes the anxiety's grip through a series of alphabetically ordered words and phrases, detailing the suffocating and exhausting nature of excessive worry and fear. The poem progresses to a turning point where the author decides to break free from this unhealthy relationship, reclaiming control over their life. They acknowledge the difficulty of adjusting to this change but ultimately find relief and a sense of liberation without the oppressive weight of anxiety. The author also mentions learning coping techniques and the availability of medication like Xanax as tools to maintain their mental health. The piece concludes with the author expressing gratitude to Lucy Dan 蛋小姐 for inspiring them to write in this poetic form and sharing their own journey towards a more vibrant life, which was once just a dream but is now a reality.

Opinions

  • The author views anxiety as an overbearing presence that negatively impacts their well-being, akin to a toxic friendship.
  • There is a recognition that the relationship with anxiety is unhealthy and that it is time to move on from it.
  • The author feels a sense of empowerment and relief after deciding to take control and remove anxiety's influence from their life.
  • Coping mechanisms, such as varying the depths of breathing, are seen as valuable tools in managing anxiety.
  • The author acknowledges that medication like Xanax can be beneficial in certain circumstances, such as for sleep assistance and maintaining distance from anxiety.
  • The poem conveys a journey of personal growth and the achievement of a more positive outlook on life, filled with newfound zestfulness.
  • The author expresses gratitude for the inspiration to write an abecedarian poem, suggesting a commitment to continued improvement and exploration of this poetic form.

I feel lighter

Now that the added weight has been taken off

Photo by Evie S. on Unsplash

Anxiety strapped across my back. That’s its way of Boldly taking a stance Calling itself my best friend while Dread seeps through my pores Excessive describes the degree of my worrying Feeling fatigued, stressed and afraid about the outcome of things that I can’t change Going somewhere but still standing in the same place asking myself How do I break free? It isn’t normal, that’s not how a best friend should treat me Joking around when I’m hurt and in need so I will ask nicely Kindly get off my back and leave Let me take control of my life, yet here you are attached to me like the melanin on my skin Move! Didn’t you hear me speak? Now is the time to go our separate ways Oh no you won’t be allowed to stay! Please go and don’t make a scene Quiet! I don’t want to hear it anymore (you talk too much) Rest assured you won’t be missed Sure, it’ll take some time to adjust to the change The absence of your weight already makes me feel great Unhealthy was the relationship we built and I have learned techniques like Varying the depths of my breathing. What will I be without you? Is that what I heard you say? Wishing you well as I continue this journey alone. I’ll be on my way Xanax is there if I need it to keep you away and to help me sleep You thought I’d never leave you and look at me, now filled with a new found Zestfulness for life which was once just a dream. Today it’s become a reality I can live in.

Thank you for reading and thanks to Lucy Dan 蛋小姐 (she/her/她) for inspiring me to write an abecedarian poem for the first time. In time, I’ll get better at it. Please read her wonderful piece below.

Poetry
Anxiety
Poetry On Medium
Mental Health
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