035 : Walking Through & Overcoming Anxiety w/ Olivia Rodriguez
Walking Through & Overcoming Anxiety: A Conversation with Olivia Rodriguez
In today’s episode of The Refined Sisterhood podcast, Kait and I sit down with our dear friend Olivia Rodriguez to talk about something that so many of us face—anxiety. Whether it’s the weight of daily worries or the deeper struggles that sometimes seem overwhelming, anxiety can feel like a heavy burden. But what if there’s a way to walk through it and even overcome it? Olivia shares her personal story and practical wisdom on how to face anxiety with faith, hope, and God’s truth.
The Struggle with Anxiety
Anxiety isn’t something we can just “wish away.” It often feels like a storm in our minds, clouding our thoughts and making it difficult to move forward. In this episode, Olivia opens up about her own experience with anxiety, sharing how she struggled with it for years and how God began to reveal His peace and truth in the midst of it.
What we learned from this conversation is that anxiety doesn’t have to define us. We don’t have to live in fear or let worry control our lives. While overcoming anxiety is a process and may look different for each person, there are biblical truths and practical tools that can help us walk through it.
The Power of Surrendering to God
One of the first things Olivia talks about is the power of surrendering our anxiety to God. When we try to control everything on our own, we carry the weight of the world on our shoulders. But God calls us to cast our cares on Him because He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7). Surrendering isn’t always easy, but it’s the first step toward finding true peace in the midst of our struggles.
Olivia shares how she learned to release her anxieties to God through prayer, trusting that He was in control of everything. When we remember that God is sovereign and good, it helps us shift our perspective and find rest in His presence.
Practical Steps for Overcoming Anxiety
In addition to surrendering to God, Olivia offers some practical tips for managing anxiety. These steps aren’t a quick fix, but they can help us find tools to cope with anxiety as we grow in faith and trust in God’s promises:
Identify the Root Cause: Sometimes, anxiety is triggered by specific circumstances, but other times, it’s rooted in deeper fears or unmet needs. Take time to reflect on what’s causing your anxiety and bring it before God.
Practice Gratitude: Shifting our focus from what we’re worried about to what we’re grateful for can help us reframe our thoughts. Start a gratitude journal and list out the things you’re thankful for each day.
Prioritize Rest: Rest is a vital part of overcoming anxiety. Our minds and bodies need time to recharge. Olivia talks about how intentionally setting aside time for rest and self-care has made a huge difference in her ability to manage stress.
Surround Yourself with Support: Having a strong community of women who can pray for you and walk with you through anxiety is so important. Don’t try to go it alone—reach out to trusted friends, family, or a counselor for support.
Focus on God’s Truth: One of the most powerful weapons we have against anxiety is the Word of God. Memorizing Scripture and speaking God’s truth over our lives helps combat the lies and fears that fuel anxiety.
Finding Peace in the Midst of Anxiety
Ultimately, the goal isn’t to eliminate anxiety entirely (though that would be amazing!), but to find peace and healing in the midst of it. The Bible reminds us in Philippians 4:6-7 to bring our worries to God in prayer and experience the peace that transcends all understanding. God is near to us in our anxiety, and He promises to give us peace as we seek Him.
In this episode, Olivia shares how she’s learned to embrace God’s peace through the ups and downs of life, and how we can all experience that same peace, even when anxiety threatens to overwhelm us.
Closing Thoughts
Anxiety doesn’t have to control us. With God’s help, we can walk through it, grow in our faith, and find peace that surpasses understanding. If you’re struggling with anxiety, remember that you don’t have to face it alone. There is hope, healing, and freedom in Christ.
We’re so grateful for Olivia’s vulnerability and wisdom in sharing her story, and we pray that it encourages you wherever you are in your journey. Remember that God is with you, and He will never leave you nor forsake you. Keep pressing in, keep surrendering to Him, and trust that He is working all things together for your good.
With love,
Maddie & Kait