There is a fantastic children’s book series by Mo Willems about a precocious and mischievous pigeon. One of these is Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus. It starts with the titular instructions and then each subsequent page has the pigeon pleading with the reader to let it drive the bus. Even the smallest children enjoy the ridiculous read as it is easy to grasp that a pigeon should not be allowed to drive a bus.
I suggest that perhaps it is equally ridiculous to allow your anxiety to drive your brain. I know if I asked you to list 20 things you are worried about, it probably would not take long. In this world there is no end of reasons to be anxious. Anxiety, like it or not, is a part of normal brain functioning.
So why do we worry? Our brains are organized to keep us alive. The lowest portions of our brain are focused on keeping our hearts and lungs pumping. The middle portion of our brain is responsible for memory, emotions, and our anxiety circuits start here as well. I do not need to think about the pros and cons of removing my hand from a hot pan or running away from a bear; I need my brain to react before I have time to think about it. This is why, sometimes, we need anxiety to drive the bus.
When I am worried about my grade, I am compelled to do my best work. Once I have turned the assignment in my anxiety is not helpful anymore. It cannot affect the outcome and like a pigeon will probably drive my bus into chaos. If anxiety is hijacking your bus when it is unnecessary you may have a pigeon problem (or maybe an anxiety disorder).
Humans have developed the higher brain functions such as logic and analysis. The top of our brain has the ability to put the brakes on the anxiety circuits. I can reassure myself that there is no bear and that I have done all I can to get a good grade. If a pigeon is attempting to drive my brain, I can take back the wheel.
Anxiety can become a driving force in our lives. With chronic trauma or stress we may get used to letting it be in control. This might look like panic attacks, constant worry, or avoidance and isolation. We might even start to think we no longer know how to drive our own bus. It is time to remind yourself who has the license to drive (hint: not the pigeon).
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