🐯Hey there! If you're like me, a parent dealing with anxiety, you know how tough it can be. Seeing our kids battle the same anxious thoughts and feelings that we do can be heart-wrenching. We'd do anything to make them feel safe and secure. But let's face it, anxiety is a tricky beast, unique to each person, and it's not something that can just be 'fixed' with a snap of the fingers. Yet, there's a silver lining – we can guide our children to embrace their own quirks and discover their strengths, and we do this by leading by example.🐯
I've been on a personal journey these past few years, growing more self-aware about my anxiety and its ripple effect on those around me. Layered on top of this was the loss of my husband, my kids' dad, and the whirlwind of the COVID pandemic – it felt like the hits just wouldn't stop coming.
I found myself in a deep depression, wondering how I'd ever climb out. But, inspired by Lin-Manuel Miranda, I wrote my way out. That’s where the Paper Tiger Books come into play. I began writing my own story (and re-writing, and re-writing) and branched out with books for children.
So what’s with the name? I was reading Hardwiring Happiness by Dr. Rick Hanson, and he explained the anthropology behind a phenomenon called “paper tiger paranoia.” Our ancestors had two types of errors in judgment – imagining a tiger in the bushes when there wasn't one, leading to unnecessary anxiety, and failing to notice an actual tiger, which was far more dangerous. We're wired to make the first mistake repeatedly to avoid the second, even once.
Fear, in this sense, can be an ally, keeping us safe. However, often, the fears we face are much smaller than we perceive – they are “Paper Tigers.” These are false threats, appearing more daunting than they truly are. When we're in a safe environment with supportive people, we learn to confront these Paper Tigers, gaining the confidence to face our anxieties head-on.
That’s my hope and mission in this new endeavor, a passion side project I’m taking on as a single mom with two amazing kids, a full-time job I love, and an amazing life! I have big plans for publishing these books and offering related resources, gifts, and products beginning this year. My hope is these resources offer hope, inspiration, and a sense of belonging to those wrestling with anxiety.
Are you a parent dealing with anxiety? Comment below and let's share our experiences and support each other on this journey!
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