Take Things 10 Seconds at a Time – Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt
One of the greatest quotes that have helped me through my anxiety is a quote in the TV Series Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt.
If you aren’t familiar with that sitcom, it’s about a woman named Kimmy Schmidt. She spent years of her life in an underground bunker thinking the world was going to end at any moment.
This show is not realistic in how she overcomes difficult events, but Kimmy has some profound perspectives on life including this quote that resonated with me the most:
“Do you think you can handle this for 10 more seconds? I learned a long time ago that a person can stand just about anything for 10 seconds, then you just start on a new 10 seconds. All you have to do is take it 10 seconds at a time.”
When I’m in the middle of a panic attack, when my emotions seem to be all over the place, when I feel like I’m falling apart, I just think about that quote.
I remember that even though things feel unbearable at the moment and I feel like I can’t go on…it IS possible for me to handle anything for 10 seconds.
I try not to think about surviving the rest of the hour, or the rest of the day. I just think about getting through the next 10 seconds.
When those 10 seconds have passed, I start on a new 10 seconds.
There are a lot of things in life that I don’t have much control over. Things happen. When bad, unexpected situations arise, it’s easy for me to instantly react with fear, panic, and anxiety.
But breaking things down, taking a breath, and letting those anxious moments pass slowly has helped me calm down many times.
Try to apply this quote to events in your own life. Remember that you’re so much stronger than you think.
Even in seemingly terrible situations, or the worst circumstances, remind yourself that you CAN get through anything…10 seconds at a time.
If you’re interested in watching the show, you can find the TV series on Netflix, or you can find the DVDs on Amazon.
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Tags: thoughts
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6 Comments
This is so true! Good to remember! I haven’t seen the series, I’ll have to check that out, too!
This technique really helped me too when I had panic attacks. My anxiety is now less acute, but more generalised, I’ll have a click around hope to find some tips on that as well 🙂
That’s a great philosophy for life. I do believe it to be true!
Enjoy the journey!
I haven’t caught up with Kimmy Schmidt yet, but I absolutely love this idea! This is a great exercise for stress and anxiety, thank you.
Oh gosh. My heart goes out to anyone that suffers from panic attacks and anxiety disorders.
It’s been a game changer for me too! Sending lots of love and magic your way 💖