Just Start Somewhere - An Anxiety Story

Sometimes the hardest part is knowing where to begin.

Teri spends most of her time near the edge of things. She watches the other turtles swim and play, often thinking about joining them. By the time she feels ready, the moment has usually passed.

Her friend Louie understands. He stays close, gives her space and reminds her that she only needs to find one small place to start.

One afternoon, Teri notices a girl standing alone at the edge of the beach. The girl wants to join a group of children building in the sand, yet she cannot seem to take the next step. Teri recognises the feeling immediately.

With Louie nearby, Teri makes a choice. She moves towards the girl and says hello.

Together, they walk across the sand, approach the group and ask to join. The uncertainty is still there, but it no longer decides what happens next.

Just Start Somewhere is a gentle story about childhood anxiety, social uncertainty and the courage found in taking one manageable step. Through Teri, Louie and a quiet moment at the beach, children learn that they can feel nervous and still move forward. Confidence can grow through small actions, supportive friendships and repeated attempts.

The story also shows adults how calm, patient support can help a child experiencing anxiety. Louie stays close without pushing Teri or demanding an explanation. His steady presence gives her the space to move when she is ready.

Following the story is a practical parent and caregiver guide inspired by Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy. It explains common signs of anxiety in children, including avoidance, physical discomfort, repeated what if thoughts and shutting down. It also offers simple ways to support a child through validation, naming feelings, staying nearby and recognising effort.

Five illustrated coping tools give children and adults practical strategies they can use together:

- The Turtle's T.I.P.P. introduces body based calming strategies, including cool temperature, paced breathing and releasing muscle tension.

- Louie's 5-4-3-2-1 grounding exercise helps children use their senses to return their attention to the present moment.

- The Starfish S.T.O.P. skill teaches children to pause, breathe, notice what they are feeling and choose their next step.

- Teri's Radical Acceptance activity helps children acknowledge a difficult situation and stay with the present moment.

- The Wise Mind Pearl helps children balance strong feelings with calm thinking and ask, What is the kindest next step?

Written in clear, reassuring language and accompanied by warm ocean illustrations, Just Start Somewhere can support conversations at home, in classrooms and during counselling or wellbeing sessions. The strategies are presented in a simple form that children can understand, practise and remember.

This book may be helpful for children who experience:

- Anxiety or persistent worry

- Shyness or social uncertainty

- Difficulty joining groups or starting conversations

- Fear of making mistakes

- Avoidance when situations feel overwhelming

- Strong physical reactions to stress

- Trouble identifying what to do next

It can also help parents, carers, teachers, school counsellors and therapists introduce emotional regulation, grounding, acceptance and gradual steps towards difficult situations.

Teri's experience gives children a clear and achievable starting point:

You do not have to feel completely ready.

You can feel unsure and still take a step.

Sometimes, you simply need to start somewhere.