I’m 35, and have realized I have to live alongside my anxiety because it’ll always be there from time to time. There’s no “out”. Hence, I don’t like sayings that imply people are deficient for having anxious thoughts; accepting our imperfect selves is important.

I appreciate the sentiment here, but anyone suffering from anxiety or intrusive thoughts should remember that you are not your thoughts. It is really your words and actions that matter most, and you are not destined to follow your thoughts.

I like the saying that thoughts are like birds. You can’t stop them from landing on your head, but you can stop them from nesting in your hair!