Have you ever felt like anxiety just appears out of nowhere—tight chest, racing thoughts, a sense that something is off, but you can’t quite name it?
We often treat anxiety like something to fix, silence, or push away. But what if that anxiety isn’t necessarily a problem?
What if your anxiety is a signal—an internal alert system pointing you toward something deeper?
At May Tree Counseling, we believe anxiety deserves more than fear or avoidance. It deserves to be understood.
Anxiety Isn’t Just a Symptom—It’s a Messenger
In his book The Voice of the Heart, Dr. Chip Dodd introduces a powerful truth: our emotions are essential messengers. They tell us what matters. And anxiety, often mislabeled as a flaw or disorder, is no exception.
Anxiety may be alerting you to:
- A need you’ve been ignoring
- A boundary that’s been crossed
- A place in your life that feels uncertain, unsafe, or out of alignment
Rather than asking, “How do I get rid of this?” we can learn to ask, “What is this trying to tell me?”
Why We Struggle to Hear the Message
Culturally, we’re taught to avoid discomfort. We stay busy, stay distracted, and stay numb. But when we mute anxiety without understanding it, we also mute the wisdom underneath it.
You might find yourself:
- Over-functioning to avoid feeling
- Experiencing sleep issues or burnout
- Snapping at people you care about
- Feeling disconnected from your own values
These reactions are signals too. They tell us it’s time to pause—and listen.
Four Steps to Listening to Anxiety with Compassion
1. Pause and Breathe
When anxiety arises, pause and take a breath. One deep breath can begin to calm your nervous system and make space for curiosity. Three deep breaths can reset your vagus nerve–the neurobiological highway connecting the body and brain, helping us translate sensations into feelings and emotions into physical responses..
2. Name What You Feel
Is it anger–what are you passionate to be different? Fear–what feels scary? Hurt–can you identify the wound? Use gentle language and avoid judging your emotions as “bad.”
3. Ask What It Needs
What might this anxiety be trying to protect you from or push you toward? Does it need rest, reassurance, or clarity?
4. Respond with Care
Sometimes the response is a simple boundary. Other times, it’s reaching out to a friend or making a meaningful change. The key: treat yourself like someone worth listening to.
What Listening Can Look Like
Maria, a new mom, felt constant anxiety at night. Once she paused to explore the feeling, she realized she wasn’t afraid of something going wrong—she was feeling alone and unsupported. Naming that led her to ask for help and start therapy.
Jason, an overworked manager, felt anxious every Sunday evening. That “Sunday dread” was signaling a deeper misalignment with his work life. He didn’t quit immediately, but he began to shift priorities and reconnect with himself.
When Anxiety Is a Signal of Something Deeper
Not all anxiety is clinical. Sometimes, it’s chronic stress. Other times, it’s old trauma. But in many cases, anxiety is a signal that your soul is trying to get your attention.
You may be experiencing:
- Grief that hasn’t been acknowledged
- A need for rest or play
- A desire for connection
- A boundary you’ve never felt safe to set
This doesn’t make you broken. It makes you aware.
Tools to Start Right Now
- Try this: Close your eyes and ask, “What am I feeling right now? Where in my body do I feel this? What does it want me to know?”
- Journaling Prompt: “If my anxiety had a voice, what would it say to me?”
- Resource: The Compass of Core Feelings →
- Book Recommendation: The Voice of the Heart by Chip Dodd
Gentle Support for the Journey
You don’t have to figure this out alone. If anxiety is showing up in your life again and again—and you’re ready to understand it instead of fight it—therapy may be the next right step.
At May Tree Counseling, we offer a safe space to explore what your emotions are really trying to say. When you’re ready, we’re here to walk with you.
Final Thought
What if anxiety isn’t the enemy… but an invitation?
When you begin to listen with compassion, everything can change.
Your body knows. Your emotions remember.
And deep inside—you already have the wisdom to come home to yourself.
If you’re curious about what counseling could look like for you, you’re invited to schedule a free 15-minute consultation. No pressure—just a chance to ask questions, share what’s on your heart, and see if we’re a good fit.
👉 Click here to book your free consultation.
Or call/text us at (615-639-0327) to get started.
