#AD It’s absolutely no secret by now that I’ve suffered with Generalised Anxiety Disorder for a good 6 or so years. I’ve spoke about it on my blog multiple times and I always mention it on Twitter. I’m very open and honest about my journey, experience, goals and ambitions and most things I do, I take anxiety into consideration.
I’ve had therapy in the past and from that, I’ve learnt to accept that my GAD may always be a part of me. However, I’m learning more and more each day how to live with it and manage it, instead of fight it. Anxiety has taken a lot from me and limited my life in so many ways but gradually, I’m taking the control back.
I never want my anxiety to limit my life. I want to be able to experience things I want to experience without having anxiety pulling me back by the collar saying, “no, I don’t think so!” It might be a little harder for me than some other people but with support, love, self belief and coping mechanisms, I know I can do anything I set my mind to.
So today I wanted to write a little ‘Anti-Anxiety’ Bucket List. I’m not usually a huge fan of bucket lists and I’m not intending this to be a list that I’m going to actively tick off but more of a way of saying ‘f you’ to anxiety and making a note of some things (big and small) that I’d love to do in my life that I won’t let anxiety stop me doing. And While financing your bucket list may be a challenge, car title loans could be an easy way to get your travel expenses paid for!
If I don’t end up ticking these things off? So what. Circumstances change. But the idea isn’t that it’s all or nothing, it’s knowing that if it came to it, anxiety would’t stop me living my best life.
Moving out and having my own place
I’m not ashamed to still be living with my parents in my 20’s but I’d love to have my own place at some point in my life. I’d love to decorate it how I like, be the host for Christmas and of course have my own little office space for blogging. Moving out seems pretty daunting (probably for everyone, not just someone with anxiety) but it’s something I’d love to do.
Having a baby
Phew, that’s a big one isn’t it? I’m 26 and have no plans to have a baby any time soon. I’ve been with my boyfriend for around 4 years and we’ve discussed baby names that we like but that’s about as far as that conversation has gone. The thought of being pregnant and giving birth makes me break out in a sweat. And my anxiety makes my pregnancy fears even worse. But one day, I’d love to have a little family (preferably 2 boys!)
Do a driving experience at a race track
I love Motorsport (I wrote about a visit to Donington Formula 1 Museum here and my recent stay at the Brooklands Hotel here), I love watching the cars fly around a track and I’m in constant awe of these incredible pieces of machinery and the speeds they can get up to. I’m relatively close to both Brands Hatch and Silverstone and I’d love to do a driving experience around one of these tracks one day.
Travel alone
This one seems completely unrealistic to me right now but I’ve always loved the idea of going on holiday alone and I still stand by that now. It’s something I’d love to do in my life and I know it would be a huge challenge for my anxiety. I don’t even necessarily mean anywhere far and exotic, I’d just like the experience of being alone and navigating a different environment without the help and support of someone else.
Do something within the film / television industry
A pipe dream of mine has always been to be a voice for a character in an animation. I think that’d be so much fun and an amazing experience seeing your animation with your voice come to life. I’m not sure how I’d ever get into doing that but this is a bucket list, so anything goes. I’m a huge TV series fan as well, so being an extra on a show would be incredible.
I’d love to hear what you’d put on your own anti-anxiety bucket list (or just your regular bucket list if you don’t suffer from anxiety!) Share the wildest and biggest dreams and goals you have!
* This is a sponsored post
Wow this is super inspiring! Thank you for sharing your list.
You’re welcome x
Thanks for sharing 💕
You’re welcome x
I like your idea of an anti-anxiety bucket list, especially in an aspirational rather than prescriptive (half two) sense. Nice idea! I am quite anxious by temperament although I don’t feel particularly held back at this stage of my life by anxiety. But your post made me wonder if there might not be certain things that I still shy away from on account of my anxiety. Nothing comes immediately to mind but I want to give this more reflection. Thank you for your insights.
Thanks so much for your comment – I’ve only been suffering with anxiety for 7 years (only, ha!) but it is a mental illness, I’m not just an anxious person. So unfortunately it really does affect me in things like this! I’m glad to hear your anxiety doesn’t hold you back or you don’t feel like it does.
Id be happy just to solve a Rubix cube haha
Hahaha if you can solve a Rubik’s cube all on your own, why bother with a bucket list? You’re already a superior form of life
I like the idea of moving out and having my own place. I want to customize my own office, workplace, and house. But I will do that if I have money to be used. That’s why I am working smart towards my goals. Thank you for this post btw.
Hope you manage to achieve that one day! 😌
You have some fab things on your Anti-Anxiety Bucket List. Although I suffer a lot from anxiety it’s not something I’ve really thought about, as in a bucket list that is. I think with me, it’s just simple things like not freaking out about the thought of pitching to a brand or PR. Using the phone – at present, I cannot make phone calls, not even to my own Mum. I won’t answer the phone either. If someone else answers, then tells me who it is, I will then take the call but I am still extremely anxious. At 48 it’s a tad embarrassing – also when I think I used to be a receptionist years ago before moving on to do Salary/Payroll, I have to wonder how I’ve ended up like this. 🙂
Sarah 🌺 || Boxnip
Those things are definitely achievable, despite appearing really daunting at first.
How about with the phone, ask someone to call you at a specific time and answer it? So you know exactly who it is and that might ease you in to picking up the phone and be that first small step 😌
Your list is great. You can get rid of your anxiety. Invite you to read “Meditation can cure your anxiety” at http://www.awakenplus.com
I know this is totally not the point of this post but I found it really interesting that you said 2 boys! I find that most girls want girls, or at least a girl first. I hope you manage all of these things. The racetrack sounds amazing x
Sophie
http://www.glowsteady.co.uk
Haha! I’ve always wanted boys. Don’t know why. I have SO many boys names picked out that I love but like no girls too!
[…] reading and commenting on my friend Jenny‘s post, I instantly got inspired to write about my own anti-anxiety bucket list. It’s […]
Solo travel is the best thing I ever did for my anxiety! Its so nerve wracking to begin with but once, I started getting into the days and doing lots of different things, it felt so normal and less scary! X
Melanie || http://www.melaniewithanie.com
I think it’s amazing you did that! I’d love to read some tips type posts about it!
Mine is really simple. Go to the cinema on my own. I feel I often miss out because I won’t go places on my own.
I struggle going places on my own too. I haven’t been anywhere alone for about 5 years.
It’s frustrating how easy it is for some people but I’ve faith we will get there.
I agree with that one. Go cinema alone and eventually have children. I have a huge fear of needles and know that pregnancy can involve alot if things don’t run smoothly.
I moved out at 19 and it was horrendous. I was always skint and lost friends as I could no longer afford to go out.
So I joined the army, got married and now have 3 children. A few years ago my wife and I walked the 84 miles from Carlisle to Newcastle (Hadrians wall) for Breast cancer. Awesome experience.
My bucket list would feature lots of travelling and becoming a writer.
Loved your blog, thanks for sharing!
Wow that’s quite a sorry!
Thank you. The reason we did the Hadrians wall walk is because my wife was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015. It has given me anxiety but we are still trying to be strong.
Life is tough, just enjoy each day and do more of what you enjoy doing! 😍
Story! *
Ahh Jenny I love this post so much! I first moved out of home at 17 for uni and I was TERRIFIED. I loved the independence but having to get to grips with all the new ‘adulting’ tasks like setting up your electricity and internet was really overwhelming for me and my anxiety. But now I love having my own little space – and I’m sure when you get yours you’ll love it too! Also a racetrack experience sounds SO fun, I think my uncle did one as he’s really into F1 and he absolutely loved it. I hope you get the chance to try it (and do a blog post haha!)
Beth x
My uncle has one booked as well but hasn’t done it yet! I wish I’d have gone to Uni for that very reason. I’d be much better equipped for life right now if I did!
AH! I’m so writing my own bucket list for my anxiety because I need a kick up the bum to do things. I also want to do the speed track and traveling alone…it’s just whether I’ll let myself do it! You’ve got this, Jenny! <33
Daisy xoxo | TheDeeWhoLived
So have you lovely! It was really liberating writing this list 😌
Love your list 🙂 I’ve had panic attacks and anxiety for over 20 years now but I’m currently on a solo trip in Europe so it’s definitely an achievable goal. I hope you get to do it some day xx
Wow! That’s incredible and so inspirational!
I still live at home at 30 (I have lived in a flat before with an ex though and came back when we split up). I really don’t think people think before they joke or give you “banter” about the real reason you live at home. The truth is moving out seems absolutely overwhelming. Hoping to do it this year though as our offices are moving to White City and that is going to add significantly to my journey.
Totally agree, there’s loads of reasons why you’d live at home and none of them have anything to do with anyone 😌
Moving out does feel really daunting when you have anxiety. I ended up living alone after a relationship breakdown, and at first it felt like the scariest thing in the world. To make matters worse I ended up living miles away from friends and family as the place I’m from was too expensive for me to rent a place on my own. As I’d only just started driving I was too scared to even drive down the motorway to go and visit them. But over the weeks and months my confidence grew in such a big way, and it’s only from living alone I realised I really can do it! I can be completely independent and not rely on anyone, and it’s such an empowering feeling. if you do ever get the chance to move out, my advice is go for it. It’s scary at first but after a while it’s second nature and you grow to love it. Even just going round the supermarket and picking out your own shopping, paying bills and everything else is satisfying when you’re by yourself.I found that buying myself lots of pretty homewares and making my home a space I genuinely loved spending time in really helped xxx
http://www.aworldofwellness.co.uk
Wow that’s an amazing story. If anything happened with my boyfriend and I, I’d still be living with my parents so I wouldn’t be alone thankfully so that sounds like a huge life change for you! But I’m glad it worked out for the best 😌
You’ve outlined some great goals to work toward and I truly hope that you achieve them all.
http://littlemissmelanie.com
Thank you 😌
These are great goals! I never considered the idea of being a voice in an animated film, but I think that would be so much fun!
Britt | http://alternativelyspeaking.ca
It really would!
So great that you’ve got goals to help you progress – I hope you achieve them all x
Thank you 😌
I hope in time you can achieve everything you want xx
Thank you 😌
Thanks for sharing. I’ve not been diagnosed with GAD but I know I have it.was diagnosed with anxiety before and didn’t trust doctors after they never helped and misdiagnosised me as a child. I don’t really have a list like this. I struggle sometimes. I know anxiety has held me back and I’m not open enough about it. I can’t seem to talk about it and when I do I wonder if people realise how hard it can be. I’m ok at the moment but get blips occasionally.
I think people online definitely realise how hard it is – it’s more common than you’d think. Opening up and being honest really helped me
This is an excellent list. Much luck to you achieving your goals.
Thank you 😌
[…] JennyInNeverland […]
Love this post and I truly hope that you get to tick each one off over time. Voicing an animated character is such an awesome goal! Like you, I hope to travel alone sometime. At the moment I just don’t have the confidence. We’ll get there one day I’m sure!
http://www.missblogsabit.com
I do hope so! 😌
Such a great post and so many ways to change your view of the world. Travelling alone is the best thing I have ever done to combat anxiety, I hope you get to experience it in this lifetime
Char || http://www.memoirsmusings.com
Wow really? That’s amazing!
I lived with my parents until I was about 25. Mostly because I’m obsessed with them. So there’s no shame in that! But living alone is also AMAZING. You can surround your whole space with your vibes and the things you love.
This is a beautiful list.
Definitely no shame in it 😌
Such a great list. It is funny how people experience anxiety differently but remember you got this😊💪. Travel alone is sounds like fun and more adventurous so you should try it. Great post
Thank you 😌
Thank you for sharing this and being so honest! My anxiety skyrockets when travelling and on flights, and like you, I’d like kids but pregnancy sounds too scary for the next few years
With travel, it’s usually the anticipation that’s worse! Once I’m going or there, I’m much less anxious!
What a great way to challenge yourself! I traveled alone and LOVED It. It was on my bucket list too and I eventually did it last New Year’s Day (2018) I went to Portland alone and navigated the city by myself. I blogged about it along the way which made me feel like I had a little friend with me 🙂 I hope you do this one day! You won’t regret it.
Wow! That’s amazing and well done for doing it! 😌
I posted a while ago at how traveling alone was a big step in managing my anxiety. I’d fully recommend it. My first solo trip was to Australia, a long way to go but having a common language was a big help. Perhaps a trip to an English speaking location would be a less anxiety inducing / good start 🙂
Fingers crossed you tick all the others off your list too!
That’s a really good idea! I don’t fancy Australia (too hot, too many bugs haha!) but a English speaking country would definitely be a good place to start!
Haha that’s true. Although I didn’t find Sydney too bad (or I was completely oblivious to all the bugs).
Hopefully you can make it happen somewhere less bug-infested though 🙂
Wow, what an amazing post, so inspiring. Your bucket list has inspired me to create a small one of my own.
Thank you and that’s amazing!
Wow, what an amazing read! It is a great list.
I love that you put getting into film and TV on your bucket list – totally relate because that’s one of my dreams! Your blog is a great way to start with short stories and poems – go for it 🙂
I’m not really into writing short stories or poems (I’ve tried writing fiction before – not for me!) but hopefully getting into TV is in my future!
I hope that you manage to accomplish all of these things. Anxiety is horrible but it’s great to see that you’re so open about it!
This is such a great bucket list, and I love that you included the driving experience day in this. I really do hope you get to do many of the things on this list (:
Alys / withlovealys.com
Thank you! I’m seriously considering doing one this year, it’s so scary though!
I feel the same way about a few of these areas. I also live at home too. However I find travelling on my own easier than travelling with others. I hope you get to tick a few things off this bucketlist soon!
Wow really?! That’s so interesting! Maybe you should write a post about that!
This is a fab bucket list Jenny, I was diagnosed with GAD two years ago but its not something I share on my blog – or with many people in general. I love that you’re so open about it! It really is inspiring.
Kayla ♥︎ http://www.kaylajayne.co.uk
If you ever want a chat about it, drop me an email. It can be awful and so lonely so I’m always here to chat 😌
You are a real inspiration. I love this post and I love the bucket list too. I look forward to following your journey on your blog over time and reading how you tick off your list. Thank you for sharing x
Thank you 😌
This is a great bucket list! Sometimes with anxiety, it’s good to push yourself and come out of your comfort zone and try something new (like travelling alone). I’ve always dreamed of doing a race track experience too! Making goals or bucket lists can be a great motivational tool. We made one as a family this year and it has given us some amazing clear goals. I hope you get to tick some of these items off your list when you’re ready to! 🙂
Ashley
https://lellalee.com
Thank you 😌 my anxiety always feel 10x better after I’ve done something a little scary or out of my comfort zone.
oh i love this! what a creative way to do a bucket list! I also would love travel by myself one day, it sounds seriously daunting but i honestly think it would be life changing for me. really loved this, i think it’s great that you’re giving a big ol’ F U to anxiety because it’s really a pain in the ass! excited to see where you continue to go in your journey with anxiety! x
mich / simplymich.com
Same here, it’d be SO life changing but it’s just gaining the courage to actually do it!
I always adore your posts! What an amazing list, travelling alone is on mine too, it would feel like such a great accomplishment, wouldn’t it? I’m sure you’ll achieve these goals in your life!
Kate | http://www.katelovesx.co.uk/
It really would! So scary but so life changing I reckon!
It’s nice to hear of another anxiety sufferer who has a list like this! I never officially called mine anything, but I definitely have a list of things in my head that I want to achieve. We share the desire to move out; I’m only 20, but I really value quiet environments, especially while working, and that’s super difficult when you live in a big family. I also want to learn to drive, which I guess is /kind of/ similar to the driving experience one, but less extreme. I imagine a driving experience on a proper racetrack would be awesome, though! I love that you’ve gone all out with this list, too; the one about wanting to be a voice on TV/Film. I can totally imagine you as a disney character!
Thankfully I got my driving licence before my anxiety started so I don’t have to go through that haha! But I totally agree with the quiet environment thing!
Ah, lucky! I’m hoping that saving up for it will give me the willpower needed to just go for it, but we’ll see.
This is such a great list Jenny – I hope you get to cross these off your list one day and make a new one too! I also want to travel on my own one day and it’s such a daunting thing to imagine currently but one day I hope to beat that fear. Sending you all the love and positive vibes xx
I hope you get to do it too! I’m sure you will 😌
I love this! Anxiety can keep us from doing so many things in our lives. I think the idea of your bucket list is amazing! I would love to conquer my fear of heights and could see something like this as a great motivational tool. Thanks!!
Thank you! Totally agree 😌
What an amazing list!! Loved reading this post and everyone’s positive comments! I was looking through going I’d love to do some of those and then stopped and realised I actually had in some way or other! The one that really struck me was holidaying alone! Great dream! Then realised I sort of have already done that, I applied for a job abroad on a whim and somehow got all the way through to a face to face interview, so they paid for me to fly to the Netherlands (never been before that) and once my interview was concluded I took myself off for a walk into the city! All on my own. It was only a few hours but it was great! Definitely a great way to say F-you anxiety! 😁😁 Best of luck with everything on your list, you can do it! Xxx
Wow! That sounds amazing and would be an absolute dream. Plus I really want to visit the Netherlands! We’ve definitely achieved more than what we give ourselves credit for 😌
This is wonderful! I also suffer with GAD and know how difficult it can be to do even the smallest things sometimes. Best of luck with everything 🙂
Thank you 😌 Sorry to hear that you suffer too, it’s really awful sometimes isn’t it.
Such a great list! I really hope you manage to get all of these ticked off one day, I know how difficult it can be with anxiety. It can completely stop you in your tracks for such a long time but it’s so good to have goals like this in mind!
Tiffany x http://www.foodandotherloves.co.uk
It really can and the longer it does that, the longer it can take to get back into the swing of “normal” life. That’s what my problem was, unfortunately!
Great post Jenny. My stepson has Gad and I’ve seen how crippling it can be for him and how much effort it takes to carry out tasks that the rest of us don’t think twice about. Love how you’re not putting pressure on yourself or setting timescales. Public speaking is a massive barrier for me. I’ve found that social media and blogging has given me the confidence to say what I want to say! x
Oh gosh the thought of public speaking makes me clam up. I hate even talking in front of a group of like 4 people!
Love this idea! I think I might make one too.
Go for it! 😌
Isn’t it strange how anxiety affects us all differently, I’ve done several on your list without too much holding me back yet I still haven’t got my driving licence because I just can’t see myself as a good driver :/ I am determined to give it a go but then my anxiety flares up and I retreat back
It really is! Before my anxiety started I could drive no problem but I’ve recently started to get back into it again but I’m still extremely anxious! I’m sure you could get your license and wouldn’t be a bad driver 😌
I think being a passenger is probably more stressful 🤣 that’s what my approach is to trying to just get started again
Through years I’ve learned that the best cure for anxiety is to do the things that create anxiety. An anti-anxiety bucket list is an awesome idea. My anxiety is trigged by small new and social things. I can easily move to a new country but I am terrifyed of going to a new restaurant/store/doctor or ordering something for me at the caffè. Thanks for the idea, I am definitely writing a list on my phone ad try to do as much of these as I can 🙂
Funny how anxiety manifests in different ways. Thank you for the comment 😌
Wow to all of this. Really really wow! I did a paraglide when I was 16 and it’s probably still the biggest thing I’ve done to date and even now I think ‘I can’t believe I did that!’ I also went to Australia for two months when I was 22 and again it’s something I think of and am proud of still. Now I can’t even fathom going anywhere because I’ve gotten so (maybe too) settled with the lads (with my husband too but more that I’m so used to having the kids with me everywhere I go), but I am seriously thinking of going to Britain for some bookish events this year. I probably won’t have a clue and will start panicking before I’m even on the plane but I’m dreaming of it anyhoo. Please please please contact someone from Disney at least and show them all your amazing posts and find out if there’s any chance you could get a part in something and best of luck on it all. Great great aspirations X
I thought you already lived in Britain?! 🙈 Going to Australia for 2 months is amazing!
I live in Ireland ( am definitely UKish in bookish tendencies though, Ireland’s all literary fiction and drama!) I must say if I hadn’t had my parents and brothers and sister to come home to from Aussieland, I’d have moved there! Was amazing!
I’m in the same boat as you when it comes to living with my parents but moving out isn’t an option right now x
http://www.ofbeautyandnothingness.co.uk
Same here but I don’t think there’s any shame in it!
What a fabulous list. Mine is limited now I have health issues, but I’d love to snowboard again (after 10 hip surgeries it’s my ultimate goal) in Banff. Buy a van and travel that’s another huge one, and walk unaided, these are my biggest dreams
I hope you get to snowboard again! I’ve been skiing but never tried snowboarding 😌
Snowboarding is immense fun, I’m not even especially good at it, it’s just a fun way to play in snow x
This is such a great list! I’d love to do something within the TV industry!
Love, Amie ❤
The Curvaceous Vegan
It’d be amazing would it! 😌
Great post! These are really inspiring things! I’m the same about moving out – 26 and no chance of it happening any time soon (although that’s not necessarily anxiety, more finance!). I’d like to meet more people/fall in love – I’m really bad with social situations now so I’d like to be able to come out on top with some of them. Best of luck with these – hope some become possible soon.
Oh yes, my situation is definitely finance as well, don’t worry! Social situations can be tricky – take it one small step at a time 😌
I loved reading this post with my cup of tea this morning lovely. I think this is such a wonderfully well-written positive blog post, I really hope that you get to voice a character in an animation one day, sending you all of the luck in the world. Thank you for sharing darling! 🌸💜
With love, Alisha Valerie x | http://www.alishavalerie.com
Awh thanks so much lovely! It’d be amazing, a pipe dream but maybe one day! 😌
great list!
Thank you 😌
🙂