“To know and not to do is not yet to know.”
(Zen saying)

An easy way to identify a source of anxiety is to look at truths we know…but don’t consistently practice.
Take eating habits, for example. You probably know some basic truths about the need to consume less carbs and more protein. When you don’t practice doing so, however, your blood sugar is not the only casualty—your integrity takes a hit as well.

Spending habits are huge here, too. Whenever we violate our knowledge about paying ourselves first (and spend frivolously instead), it doesn’t just cost our wallets; it creates anxiety about our ability to manage ourselves.

Look at your relationship habits as well. You probably know some truths about being generous with compliments and stingy with critiques, but it’s the easiest thing in the world to do just the opposite (especially if you think your significant other does it to you). Problem is, when you violate what you know to be true, you don’t just damage your relationship with them; you damage your relationship with yourself.

Like the proverb above, when I claim to know something but fail to do it, I don’t really know it at all.

Peace begins with pause,