For anyone who's ever suffered from anxiety, you might realise how scary it can be to be locked in your own mind. Back in 2019 that's exactly where I was. 

On the outside I was a piano teacher, I was happily married with a kid, I had a house a car, what more could I want? 

On the inside I'd failed... I was a rubbish piano teacher (I was so anxious, I couldn't play in front of people), I was a rubbish wife (When I was anxious/particularly stressed, I'd withdraw from everything, emotionally, physically and everything else), I was a rubbish mum... (I didn't cope with sleep deprivation, I was always hoping his grandparents would take him), I was barely contributing to the house: No housework, no bills being paid. I was just existing.

Things actually started to change this month 4 years ago, when I had a wake up call in hospital - either be operated on or change your life forever... I'm terrified of hospitals and promptly discharged myself, promising to change my life.
(Podcast episode: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jen-griffiths/episodes/Episode-19-The-Wake-Up-Call-e28j4ua)

I lost some weight, and the next month I discovered MIB. Some of the people I met that day I'm still very good friends with, but it took me until lockdown (and joining Tropic, the lady who I'd met through that first MIB meeting) to find the resources and help to get me out of that feeling of anxious despair. 

Fast forward to 2023, I'm the Tropic Pianist Gamer. I'm known for my unique style of leggings (and occasional popsy dresses) I'm known locally for being a cool alternative piano tutor, I'm an author and a pocdaster. I found my passions, and learnt not to care what anyone else thought. 

It was the undoing of over twenty years of anxiety caused by constant bullying through childhood and into adulthood. 

They say the best revenge to your bullies is being a success. I got there in 2023. 

My life mottos are "Never Give Up" and "There's Always a Light at the End of the Tunnel" 

If you're stuck, ask for help, the first step is the most important one. It took me until late 2020 to work that one out. I was 34 at the time..