Relief from anxiety - praying the rosary

Wowsers - what a week of major anxiety! I'm just now feeling like a normal human being again.
I've never experienced anything like this before. I was sensitive to everything! It was like having a migraine without the headache part of it. Every sound made my skin crawl. I was in panic over the idea of someone, mostly my husband or girls, getting too close to me. I didn't want to be touched, breathed on, or looked at. My heart was beating fast and I was on the verge of tears for 3 days.
I tried to fall asleep at night using breathing techniques, Reiki and meditation - nothing worked. The next day I was exhausted.

I decided on a new plan.

I'm going to pray the rosary.

First, a little history. I was brought up Roman Catholic. I went through a mild rebellion after University and sought out alternative ideas. Part of it was sheer interest and another part of me was angry about the fear-based ideas I learned in school. To this day I still worry the skies will darken, fires will burst up all around my house and the devil disguised as my loved ones will be clamoring at the door, begging to be let in.

I've made peace with Catholicism. I take what I need from it - whatever feels good.

I used to pray the rosary when I was a kid. I'd cozy up in bed and say as many Hail Marys and Our Fathers as I could before I fell asleep. One night, I was 14 years old at the time, I even committed to staying awake and praying the whole thing. To superpower the experience, I dedicated each prayer to someone I loved. Then something happened.

My rosary turned gold!

I freaked out!

I don't even think I told my parents. I figured no one would believe me anyway.

This rosary has remained in my bedside table over the years, often untouched. I pulled it out the other night and let the rhythm of the prayers ease my mind and relax me. I prayed for myself. Each prayer was a shower of love onto me. I saw love pour down on me as I prayed. I projected love onto past and future versions of myself. It was a wonderfully comforting and reassuring experience.

That night, I slept fantastically.

My anxiety has dissipated and I've been rockin' the rosary for the past 3 nights.

The other day I was on the road and pulled up behind a car.
The bumper sticker read: Pray the rosary.

I love how the Universe works!