AC #01: White Canvas
Hello, old and new reading friends! 👋🏼 Welcome to this space where we share too many references to Fight Club. You know, that movie where Brad Pitt alleges the first rule of Fight Anxiety Club is you don’t talk about the club.
But here, please do talk about it and subscribe.👇🏼
First things first: I’m Paulo, born and raised in Portugal (yes, Pasteis de Nata indeed and no, I’m not Spanish so no Paolo). I’m a millennial, a Software Engineer, a Product leader, and someone who teaches older students about the perks of the Internet. Oh, and I'm also an anxious person. There, the cat is out of the box. 📦
I realised I’ve been a nail-bitter over the past years, and I bet some of the triggers are yours’ too. We all face challenges from time to time that can be tough to deal with. Sometimes these problems can be mysterious and come out of nowhere, leaving us feeling a bit lost and unsure about what to do next. They can act as obstacles, getting in the way of our progress and affecting our mood and behaviour in different situations.
But don't worry, we'll get through it together and come out stronger on the other side!
Why Anxiety Club?
Anxiety can be a challenging hurdle to overcome, but remember, you're not alone. Seeking professional advice is crucial if you're struggling. In this space, we’ll try to keep it lighter.
I aim to provide an uncomplicated approach: one where the trigger is clearly labelled, vented, and then packaged; a place that gathers all anxieties, sharing tips and tricks you can start practising right away.
For example, writing and preparing content has always been a pleasant exercise for me. However, facing a blank canvas has always been daunting. Questions like 'Where to start from?' and 'What if I leave out important things?' often plague my mind.
I know, I know, rather than calling it a 'White Canvas,' I should call it by its name: Imposter Syndrome. We’ll tackle it at some point, friends. But for now, here's my statement:
This won’t stop me anymore.
Starting Anxiety Club is the tactic I’m using to think less and do more.
I have decided to start this space to get confessional on these causes and those I observe working daily with product teams or generally, interacting with humans.
What will I be rambling about?
In this space, my focus turns to anxiety and its various shades: career and personal growth, product management, and life in general. Rather than letting it linger in the shadows, I aim to grant it a tangible presence, a name, a cause, and a metaphorical box. Perhaps even a shipping address. 🛫
That’s why the soap is the logo of this space: it will serve as a metaphor for everything that we use to wash away the anxiety that we feel and never talk about. Either that or just another cheeky connection to Fight Club.
What can you expect from me?
In every article, I’ll share a clear trigger (e.g. changing jobs, public speaking, being laid off, saying “no”) and hopefully give you some tools. Ultimately, I want to normalize whatever feeling you’re experiencing and show you a way out of it.
I have a long list of anxieties (even this alone can be a cumbersome thing!) I want to write about. Maybe I’ll invite some others to co-write with me. Who knows what time will bring us with this fun thing?
My commitment is to write at least one piece of advice every week. The one you’re reading is already number #01. Also, I’ll leave the comment section open if you want to chat about it.
If you think this is for you, you know the drill. 👇🏼
Oh! I’ll also end my posts with a song. They may help you navigate the blues, they might cheer you up, who knows.
We landed on our feet on the other side of the fence, congratulations to us! Let’s see where this rocket takes us next time on issue #02.
Footnote: While the insights and advice shared in this article are based on personal experiences and observations, it is essential to recognize that everyone's journey with anxiety is unique. If you find yourself struggling with anxiety or any mental health issue, please seek professional guidance and support. The content provided here is not a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider or mental health professional regarding any questions or concerns you may have regarding your mental health.