Theme of the Week: Anxiety
Brother,
Anxiety is a very common challenge amongst men. In 2024, the Canadian Men’s Health Foundation found that about 30% of men in Canada are experiencing moderate-to-high anxiety. Young men are at an even higher risk. It was reported that 57% of Canadian men aged 19-29 are experiencing moderate-to-high anxiety.
These numbers are significant. If you have ever experienced anxiety, remind yourself now that you are not alone.
When we worry or overthink, we are living in either the past or the future. Our thoughts are consumed with what went wrong yesterday, or what is going to happen tomorrow. Anxiety makes small obstacles seem bigger than they really are and falsifies outcomes of any given situation.
When we are living in the past or worrying about the future, we are not living in the present, or in other words, “the now.” And “the now” is all we have. When we are living outside of “the now,” we experience a lack of focus, emotional disconnection, strained relationships, missed opportunities, chronic mental fatigue, and an overall diminished ability to enjoy life.
Reclaiming your mind begins with recognizing that the only thin you can actually control is your mind.
During my cancer treatment, anxiety was always trying to creep its way in. I was constantly reminded of the what ifs, the risks, and the short- and long-term effects. Thoughts that no person should ever have to face, ran across my mind. But this was the most important fight of my life, and I refused to surrender my inner command. I refused to let inner chaos spill onto the people around me. I refused to let my suffering steal my strength. Without the added weight of constant anxiety, my body and mind could focus on healing. This was the only way for me. The experience would still be physically difficult, but I could not let it be compounded by unnecessary mental suffering.
To help myself release anxiety and calm down thoughts, I journaled, prayed, meditated, read, exercised, and recited positive affirmations almost every single day. I even listened to healing meditations while I slept. I returned again and again to a phrase that grounded me in all the unrelenting chaos: this too shall pass.
By letting go of what I could not change, which included the medications I had to take, the tests I had to endure, and the results I had to wait for, I freed my mind. You may still be asking how? It still may not be making sense...
I put in effort and engaged in activities that allowed me to live in “the now.” If you are truly living in the present moment, there are no thoughts, there is no anxiety, because there is only right now. “The now” and thoughts/anxiety cannot exist at the same time. If you think they can, you are not living in “the now.”
If you are wondering where I learned about “the now,” and want to learn more, I highly encourage you to read, The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle. It is a revolutionary tool to help end human suffering. The Power of Now is one of the most important books I have ever read in my life.
“You have power over your mind - not outside events.” While this was written by Marcus Aurelius thousands of years ago, it is a truth that has never been more relevant than today.
Even when the situation was terrifyingly complicated and out of control, I was okay, because I was living in “the now.”
As you start this week I just want you to try and find “the now.”
Stay strong, even when you are not. It's okay, you are not alone.
With love always,
Michael Argyrides
Founder - Path to Becoming
