How I Used to Clean My Way Out of Anxiety

We all have our go-to ways of avoiding truth—food, scrolling, shopping, gaming, even constant busyness. Those things aren’t the real problem; they’re the signal. Underneath is usually something we don’t want to face. Fear. Guilt. Shame. Grief.

Last week, we explored the phrase “Truth will always bypass resistance.” This week, I want to look at one of the sneakiest ways we resist truth—by avoiding it.

If you missed last week’s post, you can read it here: https://outofsmallthings.wixsite.com/blog/post/how-being-wrong-set-me-free

Before coaching, when I felt anxious, I didn’t sit with the emotion.

I cleaned.

I scrubbed baseboards, reorganized closets, and polished counters that were already clean. It gave me a sense of control and order—but it also kept me from listening.

Underneath the urge to clean was almost always a truth trying to get through. Maybe I was afraid of judgment after sharing something vulnerable. Maybe I was unsure of the next step I needed to take. And when my dad passed away, I can see now that I was definitely running from grief.

Truth doesn’t punish our avoidance. It patiently waits. But when we keep bypassing it, life starts sending louder signals—exhaustion, emptiness, frustration, that constant sense of I don’t know why I’m overwhelmed, but I am.

If truth sets us free, avoidance keeps us stuck. The more we resist, the longer we delay the peace and clarity we’re craving.

So the next time you notice yourself reaching for something to “take the edge off”—

or picking up a mop when your mind is in turmoil—

pause and ask:

“What truth might be trying to reach me right now?”

You might be surprised at how gently God answers when you finally stop running.

If you’re ready to face what’s underneath the overwhelm—the truth that keeps getting bypassed—I can help you do it safely, without shame.

We’ll create space to get honest, hear what God’s been trying to tell you, and uncover what’s really going on.

You can schedule a time to chat with me here whenever you’re ready.

Avoidance doesn’t mean you’re weak. It means something tender inside you is asking to be heard.

High five! ✋ 

Want more than a blog pep talk? Go from reading to doing 👉 https://www.outofsmallthings.com/workwithme

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