There are anxious people in my life. This wouldn’t be a problem, except that I’m also a naturally anxious person who has worked very very hard to be less anxious, and I’m also a naturally empathetic person who easily absorbs emotions coming from others– including anxiety. When I’m with anxious people, no matter how much I adore them, it’s a struggle to keep myself from feeling their anxiety.

I’ve decided that what I need is a deflector shield. If I’m around another anxious person, I need to become Super Anxiety Deflector Girl!

POW! A fearful comment bounces off my helmet.

PEW PEW PEW! My gauntleted arm is thrown up to deflect a barrage of worries.

BA-ZAP! Nervous energy is neutralized by my energy shield.

I have no idea if this mindset will work, but the idea certainly tickles me.