a few days ago i mentioned the confused feelings that often accompany adolescence.
we commonly hear the word angst associated with the teen years.
but angst is certainly not reserved for the younger set.
for instance, have you ever experienced any of the following?
- fearfulness
- insecurity
- frustration
- lack of clarity
- bewilderment
yes?
enter angst part 2.
the adult edition.
the term was first coined by soren kierkegaard in 1844 when he discussed our freedom to choose one alternative or another.
he defined angst as “dizziness of freedom.”
later existentialists expanded the definition: “a negative feeling arising from the experience of human freedom and responsibility.”
none of us really escape angst.
but how we deal with it is key.
when not recognized and handled effectively, our angst can manifest in unhealthy ways (of which disordered eating is one).
the good news is that angst actually has hope attached to it.
it’s the bravery that surfaces when, despite the barriers, we choose to fight for our place in the world.
it’s the fuel that propels us to overcome life’s roadblocks.
it’s the strength we suddenly find deep inside ourselves when we need it the most.
asking ourselves who we really are and exploring all that entails can be uncomfortable.
the journey of self-discovery is laden with conflicting emotions.
bucking the status quo, doing what is right for ourselves, takes a great deal of courage.
and we experience angst.
so what do we do with all of this pent-up emotion?
why not try looking at angst as our built-in benevolent guide?
angst makes us more aware of our choices, of our responsibilities, of ourselves.
we become more self-reflective when we begin listening to and unraveling the dichotomous feelings at war inside of us.
we recognize that freedom and responsibility must go hand-in-hand, but also that we can allow them to coexist peacefully.
we strive towards a true identity, an actualized self, an authentic essence.
“whoever has learned to be anxious in the right way has learned the ultimate.”
(soren kierkegaard)
things don’t just get better on their own.
we make them better through the actions we choose.
are you ready to team up with your angst?
what choice will you make (together) today?
