EP. 290 How Anxiety & Overwhelm Can Lead You To Avoid What Matters Most in Midlife

What if the biggest problem isn’t your anxiety—but what anxiety is convincing you not to do?If you’ve been putting off a conversation, avoiding a decision, or looking away from something that feels overwhelming, you’re not alone.In this episode, you’ll discover:Why avoidance is often anxiety’s attempt to protect you from feeling overwhelmedHow learning to stay steady with difficult emotions can help you face reality instead of looking awayThe hidden connection between anxiety, overwhelm, and the stress that avoidance can create over time Take 12 minutes to understand what anxiety may be convincing you not to do—and learn why awareness is the first step toward responding differently. You’re worth If you'd like to learn more about the Inner Challenge Master Class or bring it to your organization, I'd love to hear from you. Email me at; [email protected] us Fan Mail****About the Host: MJ Murray Vachon, LCSW, is a seasoned clinician, educator, and host of the podcast Creating Midlife Calm, recognized by Maria Shriver as a “Listen of the Week.” Over the past 40 years, MJ has led more than 50,000 therapy sessions and developed the Inner Challenge mental wellness program and the Inner Challenge Master Class, practical tools for emotional regulation, self-awareness, and resilience taught for more than 30 years in junior high schools and at the University of Notre Dame for freshman football players. Through her podcast, teaching, and coaching, MJ helps people build calmer lives, stronger relationships, and healthier communities.Creating Midlife Calm is a podcast designed to guide you through the challenges of midlife, tackling issues like anxiety, low self-esteem, feeling unworthy, procrastination, and isolation, while offering strategies for improving relationships, family support, emotional wellbeing, mental wellness, and parenting, with a focus on mindfulness, stress management, coping skills, and personal growth to stop rumination, overthinking, and increase confidence through self-care, emotional healing, and mental health support.