Leo and the Worry Cloud

Jhulyana

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I can fill you in on how to handle anxiety. Below is a story of one woman’s battle with anxiety:

Leo often felt like a stormcloud shadowed him everywhere he went. This cloud murmured concerns: “What happens if I blank on my lines when it’s our turn to perform the school play?” “What if nobody likes my drawing?” These fears made his tummy clench and his hands sweat. Sometimes, the cloud was so large it made him want to crawl away.



One day, his teacher, Ms. Lily, saw he was having a hard time. She explained to Leo that we all have a “worry cloud” at times, but can learn how to make it smaller. And she taught him a breathing trick. “Take a deep breath in like you’re smelling a flower,” she told them, “and then breathe out like you’re blowing softly on a candle.” Leo tried it. He visualized his worry cloud becoming a little bit smaller with every breath.



Ms. Lily also advised Leo to speak through his fears. He mentioned the school play to her. She quizzed him on his lines and reminded him that being nervous was a good thing. Though the worry cloud might whisper, he didn’t have to let it win, she said. He may decide to focus instead on his practice and the fun of being in the play.



Each day, Leo did his breathing and his lines. The worry cloud didn’t vanish altogether, but it diminished sharply and grew much more quiet. Leo’s heart still fluttered a bit on play day, but he took a deep breath, smiled, and walked out onto the stage — ready to impress. He discovered that if he confronted his fears, he would discover his own sunshine.
 
This heartwarming story of "Leo and the Worry Cloud" serves as a gentle reminder that while anxiety can feel like a shadow, we can manage it by using mindful breathing techniques—like "smelling a flower and blowing out a candle"—and by finding the courage to speak our fears out loud.
 
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