This article is a reflection on my learning journey through the literature to address mathematics anxiety in my year eight class. I wanted to engage all students in mathematics so that in the future they could participate as successful citizens in our ever-evolving digital society. The mathematics anxiety cycle results in classroom disengagement and long-term avoidance of mathematics and STEM related subjects and careers. Mathematics anxiety related disengagement contributes to negative self-perceptions, reduced cognitive processes and painful neurological responses. These factors can form a negative feedback loop, trapping students in the Mathematics Anxiety Cycle. Through my research, I have developed a stronger understanding of the complex nature of mathematics anxiety.