A Story and an Invitation

It was December 6th, 2007. I sat alone in my car in the parking lot of a random church somewhere in the north end of Regina, SK. I had been invited to a show by an acquaintance who was playing in the headlining band that evening. My anxiety was high. In fact, it was a miracle that I’d made it this far. But the thought of walking through the door of that building—alone, into a room full of strangers where I would MAYBE hang out with this guy from a rock band, who I barely knew and who was undoubtedly way cooler than me—was almost completely debilitating. I wanted to go in. I knew I should go in. But I was terrified.

I called a friend, looking for the reassurance I needed just to get me to open my door and step outside. I don’t remember what she said, but whatever it was, it must have worked. Because somehow I mustered up the courage to walk into the venue that night. I was scared. It was awkward. I knew no one. But that night changed my life.

I had been living with an eating disorder for seven years. My life was an unqualified mess, laden with addictions, anxiety and depression. But that night, in the basement of this random church, I did something brave. I opened up. The lead guitarist from Kiros, Ryan—who had invited me to the show—sat and listened to me for hours. He asked me questions. He shared his story with me. He told me the reason that he had hope, and he gave me a picture of how I could too. He inspired me. And he challenged me.

I went home different that night. I knew something was about to change. For the past 7 years I had been living in utter slavery to my mental illness, and yet suddenly I could feel something phenomenal starting to happen inside of me. What had previously seemed impossible to me, suddenly became a possibility.

What followed was a season of miraculous healing. Over the next few months, I went head to head with the beast that had been taking refuge in my heart and mind for nearly a decade. Every day I was filled with new strength to face the challenges that presented themselves. And I wrote. I wrote a lot. I wrote every day! I wrote about everything. I wrote about my doubts and fears. I wrote about my food intake. I wrote about my emotions. I wrote about my new found faith. I wrote about the things I was reading in the Bible. I wrote about my hopes and dreams. It shaped my recovery.

Fast-forward almost a decade. I have been married to Ryan for six and a half years. I work in a church. I have travelled all over North America and even the globe sharing stories of how God brought me through the darkest times in my life. And I have never relapsed into my eating disorder.

My anxiety however… now that is another story. Though I have learned so much and grown exponentially through the years, I have always lived with fear. Fear and anxiety, for me, have been like that annoying piece of tape that gets stuck to the bottom of your shoe and just follows you everywhere. You can’t kick it off, no matter how hard you try.

About half a year ago, I went through an experience that shook me to the core. Though I won’t take the time to go into detail here, I will say that it left me in a state of post-traumatic stress and battling with the highest level of anxiety I have ever experienced. My fear became incapacitating. It permeated nearly every area of my life and sapped all of my energy. After nearly six months of panic attacks and nightmares, I was starting to believe that there was no hope. I would never be free of this new monster that had attached itself to my life.

And then, one week ago, God showed up again just like He had in that church basement all those years ago. But this time He spoke to my heart and challenged me to consider a shift in my perspective. And all of a sudden, what had previously seemed impossible to me, once again became a possibility! I could overcome fear. I could overcome anxiety. Just like I had overcome my eating disorder.

And so here I am, once again, writing. This blog is dedicated to my recovery. It’s a big commitment for me. And it’s a little bit scary. But I believe it will be a significant part of my journey. And who knows… maybe it will be a significant part of yours! So in this moment, I am choosing to be brave.

In 2007, when I began my journey to recover from my eating disorder, I committed to write every day. At that time, I was writing daily emails to Ryan, who had offered to hold me accountable. This time, I have decided to write a blog. It is my desire that as I share—in real time—the struggles and triumphs of my journey to overcome fear and anxiety, that those who find themselves reading these words will begin to experience small glimmers of hope. Beyond that, I would love for this to be a place where people can find encouragement and community, where experiences and ideas can be shared openly, and where courage is cultivated.

As I begin this venture, there are a few things I want to state up front. This blog is not…

  • a claim that I will never struggle again (I fully expect that I will)
  • about glorifying me or my triumphs (I give all glory to God)
  • a place to come for professional advice or care. I would love to hear your stories and share in your journey. But please know that I am just another regular person, walking through the mess just like you.

That being said, please consider this an open invitation into my life. I would be honored to have you join me in the mess and to journey daily through the ins and outs of my journey to overcome fear and anxiety. And through all of this, I hope that we will both leave here a little bit braver than we were before.

Published by Talasi Guerra

Talasi Guerra is a Christian communicator who is passionate about infusing Jesus into her everyday life and empowering others to do the same. Author of Joy Like a Mountain and The 7-Day Joy Challenge, she lives to communicate biblical principles in relevant ways that inspire, challenge, and awaken others to live out their God-given purpose. Connect with Talasi on Instagram: @talasiguerra.

29 thoughts on “A Story and an Invitation”

  1. Joline says:
    Reply

    As I read this I had tears in my eyes and my heart hurt for you Talasi….in many ways it was like I was reading about myself and my struggles with Anxiety. Thank you for sharing this, so many times we feel like we are the only ones. I have found that by talking about my struggles with Anxiety with others it has created a sense of empowerment! You are such a beautiful person inside and out and a true inspiration, thank you again for sharing this.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Talasi says:
      Reply

      Thanks for your openness, Joline! This kind of honesty and vulnerability mixed with hope is exactly what I hope to inspire in readers through Braver Than Before. I am so encouraged by all the feedback I have already received!

      Like

  2. Gil says:
    Reply

    I just want to do encourage you as you continue the fight. I have a family member who has been ill for 20 years. As a caregiver I am so thankful for the strength the Lord provides every day, every moment, and the richness it brings into my relationship with that person. My favourite verse: “He knoweth our frame and remembers that we are dust”.

    Liked by 1 person

  3. Nikki Oliver says:
    Reply

    Your story is an incredible encouragement to all of us, whether we are struggling with something huge or little. Your vulnerability creates ab amazing place for God to move through you and in you. I am so encouraged and moved by your honesty. It’s like Ryan said on Sunday fear vs trust, one blinds us from God and the other creates boldness and strength. Your boldness is an incredible testament to the work that God has already done in and through you. I feel blessed to have this space to encourage, learn and grow with you. Love you.

    Liked by 1 person

  5. Alicia says:
    Reply

    Thank you for being so willing to share this journey. I had no idea all that you have been through. I am overjoyed to see how God has brought you though it all and here you are, continuing on your journey. I have a specific memory of you that came up many time over the years, often weighing heavy on me and it always made me wonder where you were and how you were and hoped you were well. . My journey into motherhood brought my anxiety to the surface. Not sure if it was always there or not,. but it’s been a different road from what I always imagined motherhood would be for me. I am on my own healing path-I really look forward to following with you. ❤️ -Alicia

    Liked by 1 person

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  10. Azure Larson says:
    Reply

    I’ve never understood blogging. I’ve regrettably never taken the time to. I took some time tonight to read through yours and it brought me to this one. Your raw honesty about ‘why’ you are blogging has given me a little insight and I’m looking forward to following this from now on. Thank you for being so real, Talasi! I imagine it took a lot of courage to share this with the world. ❤

    Liked by 1 person

    • Talasi Guerra says:
      Reply

      Hey Azure, thank you so much for stopping by and taking the time to comment! Blogging may not be for everyone, but it has certainly been so helpful for me! These past few weeks have been such a prolific and positive experience and I am growing a ton through it! I have also been so blessed by all of the people who have related to and been encouraged by my journey. Over all, I am so glad I took this step! Thanks for reading 🙂

      Like

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  14. Nova says:
    Reply

    I just stumbled across your blog. I am going to read all your posts. And I am beginning from here.

    Because I love your story and this brave thing you did and is still doing.

    Liked by 1 person

  15. Nova says:
    Reply

    There are other blogs that I have found to be special. Yet yours is so real to me. I feel a connection Talasi.

    Google told me your name means corn flower. Hope you bring a smile to many more millions like a lovely flower.

    P.S. I am glad you found Ryan. Or maybe God made sure Ryan found you. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

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