Thanks for acknowledging me. That really is helpful.
I have to share this because it made me sad, then made my day.
I was making some copies in the workroom this morning and the boss came hurrying in with a stressed I-don't-know-what-to-do look. "There's a kid standing outside, won't come in the building, and his mom is yelling" I followed her gesturing arms and saw this little face through the door, working to hold back tears behind a look of terror. Mom was yelling about how he's going to be late and that he's going to be in trouble if he misses this appointment (6 year old). I, very calmly (good job me), asked mom where they were going then told her she could go have a seat and that I would get her son to where he was supposed to be. Mom left and the anxiety just came pouring out of this little boy "My mom's mad. I can't go in there. That lady will be mad I'm late. I'm gonna be in trouble. I didn't have breakfast. I'm gonna get sick for not eating. I forgot my papers..." all I said was "I get it buddy, but I know you'll be ok." He wrapped his little arms around me and said "I know. Thanks for saving me from the badness. I'll save you from the badness too."
I had a wicked panic attack this afternoon, and I just kept thinking "I'll be alright, I'm safe from the badness." It helped a lot. By the end of the day my new little friend was moved to my caseload. - And I went grocery shopping today and kept the 'badness' at bay.