Anxiety   Stress   Worry

Let’s talk about it in a fun environment.

Breaking The Grip of ANXIETY: (k-5)

Dan Kirk, The Juggler With The Yellow Shoes, is no stranger to worry, stress and anxiety. 

It is estimated that 40 million Americans age 18 and older struggle with or are affected by anxiety disorders. So how many millions of children are suffering? Anxiety issues don’t arise just when you become an adult. It all starts as a child. For Dan it all began in middle school.

It is estimated that 15 million American men and women suffer from Social Anxiety Disorder. Often the symptoms appear around the age of 13. Dan never knew he had an issue. He thought, “Everyone feels like this, right?” As an older adult, Dan found a book in a doctor’s office that intrigued him. It spoke all about Social Anxiety Disorder. And it seemed to be talking about him! 

It may seem hard to believe that Dan, a professional performer, suffers from SAD and other anxiety issues. When he’s onstage everything seems great. It does become great once he gets going but until then, he’s a wreck. And he hides it so well. 

Simply put, Dan was/is afraid of people. When Dan was in 5th grade he felt on top of the world? He was one of the fastest kids in the school. He was one of the smartest kids in the school. And he was one the best jump ropers in the school. Then his whole world changed when he started middle school. When Dan was in 6th grade he was not one of the fastest kids in the school. He was not one of the smartest kids in the school. And he didn’t tell anyone that he could jump rope. And after being embarrassed in front of class in 7th grade, things began to change. Anxiety, worry, and stress began to get a grip.

Dan went to the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point to become a chemist. Why? So he could work in a lab alone. That wasn’t God’s plan for him though. Hear more of his story in this assembly.

Back in 1994 Dan had a cover story appear in the national magazine “Guideposts”. His story talks about his road to becoming a performer. Being called by God, Dan knew he had to face his fears and try this juggling thing on a stage. 

This is Dan’s newest program! Fun juggling, the use of volunteers, audience participation, and some simple serious talk about what stress is, what worry is, and what anxiety is will be mixed throughout.