Don't mistake the work of carrying anxiety in your body for progress on what you're worrying about.
Real, positive change doesn't require stress. Sometimes it comes along with it, but it's not mandatory & certainly not helpful.
Worry without the work doesn't help anyone.
Work without the worry helps—& does so by an order of magnitude more because when you're not stressed out, you can work longer and do better work.
A related tip for volunteering: Lean on your strengths & chill out to be more effective.
Doing what you're good at may feel like "cheating" because it's so easy, but you're giving better, faster results than they would otherwise get.
Making a difference doesn't have to be a strain. In fact, the less of a strain it is, the more likely you are to give.
Discardia 
Dinah,
The above is just what I need to hear. I’m back in school this week, in an online accelerated bachelors completion program. I also am a person with hoarding behavior issues, co-facilitate a weekly group, and work full time on a busy inpatient psych unit.
I’ll be pinning up my rif on your post in my bathroom, car, and on my computer.
Of course, I’m buying your ebook next thing.
Thanks,
MarCat
LikeLike
Hooray! That is fabulous to hear, MarCat! I will be thinking happy thoughts of your great self-care as you continue with work on many fronts!
LikeLike
What a great read in the middle of work week. I love this.
Thanks for the motivation.
Cheers,
Jessica
LikeLike