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Excitement versus Nervousness

The feelings of excitement and nervousness can often be mistaken for one another. Both emotions manifest in similar physical sensations—racing heart, sweaty palms, a surge of adrenaline. However, while they may feel alike, there is a crucial distinction between the two. Overstanding this difference can be transformative, allowing you to reframe anxiety into excitement and use that energy to your advantage.

Excitement is often associated with a feeling of energy and anticipation, typically related to something positive that's about to happen. It can be thrilling and provide a rush of adrenaline, but it's a feeling that's generally welcomed and sought after. Think of those moments in life when you felt a burst of joy, like just before graduating, getting married, or starting a new adventure. The “butterflies” in your stomach flutter, your heart races, and you might even feel a bit on edge, but deep down, there’s a sense of eagerness and enthusiasm driving these sensations.

Nervousness, on the other hand, is often linked to unease or anxiety. It is usually accompanied by feelings of uncertainty and fear, often in response to situations perceived as threatening or risky. Nervousness can be a natural response to a new or challenging situation, but it is not typically a feeling that people seek out or enjoy.

The key to distinguishing between excitement and nervousness lies in the underlying emotion and context. Physically, they can feel almost identical—your heart pounds, your breath quickens, and your stomach flutters. But what you often fail to realize is that these physical sensations do not inherently mean anxiety or fear. Instead, they can be a sign of positive anticipation, of something wonderful about to unfold.

Many of you are so accustomed to experiencing anxiety in your daily lives that you often misinterpret these feelings when they occur in positive situations. Because your reference point is more frequently anxiety, you may automatically assume that any similar feeling is anxiety, even when it is actually excitement. Your brain has been trained to recognize these physical signals as "warning signs," and you seldom consider that they could indicate something good is about to happen.

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