We live in a fast-paced and anxiety-filled world that oftentimes seems to shift beneath our feet. Thus we are sometimes affected by fears or anxiety impacting our life. For as long as I could remember I had struggled with anxiety. After I left university, I made friends with a Moroccan woman at work. One day she invited me to 1 her and her family back home. I wanted to, but I would have to travel there2 and I knew we would be in a very rural area. How would I cope with my3?
Then one day it4 to me that I had a life to live. I could choose to let anxiety5me or I could go to Morocco and6something different. I was 23 years old and had never been out of the UK alone. The journey to Morocco 7something inside me. I managed to cope with my anxiety. The sense of8was overwhelming and still to this day when I get afraid of going somewhere alone, I remember how 9 it felt when I arrived in Morocco.
Upon arrival I was so10for the generous welcome I received. My friend's family had arranged a welcome party. The people were so loving toward me. As a moment of11felt in a faraway village, this reminded me that I was "good enough", which helped to12my anxiety.
Waking up the next day, in the morning light, I saw the area where we were. I was 13 by how rural it was – and the realization that these people had very few14.
In the days afterwards, I traveled around Morocco. We went to Marrakesh and 15the Atlas mountains. We had the most amazing food – lots of fresh fruits and vegetables.
At the end of my16something inside me had changed. I realized I had not felt anxious for nearly two weeks.
Experiencing a different culture far away from home helped me to realize what is important in life, what really17, and with that my anxiety18. When I returned home I was much more active in 19 my anxiety. Working with people, helping them20their anxiety, is how I can share the love I found in Morocco.
