Whew!! I finally got around to opening the box, literally just a couple hours before I had to call MWC and decide if I was going to keep it. Talk about procrastination! When I came home yesterday after reading your messages, I was determined to open it as soon as I got home. Thank you for the encouragement and motivation. It felt good opening it and watching the jump start dvd. It only took me about 20 seconds to start crying hearing what the program could do for me/us. For some reason, I felt quite anxious while watching it and my fingernails paid the price. The testimonials were very encouraging, and after watching the dvd twice, I read the guidebook. Unfortunately, I did not have time to watch session 1, 3 or 12, but am looking forward to it.
Now it is figuring out where do I go from here. How do you maintain the initial motivation, relief and elation to continue doing what you need to do to get better? Having read your messages, it seems a number of you either took a long time to start it, or to work it properly, or had to restart it months/years later. I guess I have to make it part of my daily routine, but I fear the journey may be so long, I may tire of it and give up without giving an earnest effort. I need to and want to do this now, but if I fail this time, I don't know how I would be able to forgive myself. I have so many regrets in my life from giving up on things or not even trying them, and I don't want this to be the next regret.
I really want to thank you Susan, as well as Mike, Roger, Pam, Char-lee, newrunner and imosolin, for all your input, encouragement, and resolve. I would appreciate hearing from you about how you succeeded in working and keeping going with the program. How is the peer support network. Is there anything else I can do/use to keep at it?
Thanks again. Mark
p.s. Roger, did you start and continue with it? How is it going?

The first time I sent for the program, I immediately sent it back! I have ordered it again and have listened to a couple of tapes but have stalled out...again! I am afraid that I will get worse or it won't work for me. How can I get past this???

Plunge through the program! I think we all feel the same way. Instead of being afraid of getting worse maybe look in your mind's eye at you in 15 weeks feeling better. How does that feel? There are always two sides to every story (or story waiting to happen). The way I see it, there is only one way and that is up and forward. Good luck and hope to see you in the November group!

mark167,
motavation for me continues to be the ongoing changes that are taking place within me.I cannot believe how much better I feel just by knowing that I can stop what-if thinking,worrying and not letting negative thoughts ruin my day.Someone said to me today when I told them about this program,that anxiety and depression are self induced.They looked at me as though surely I couldn't be so stupid as to not realize this.I WAS THAT STUPID!15 years of doctors and the closest they ever got to helping me was to tell me I had all the answers.This program will really open your eyes to your own behaviors and thoughts and teach you skills to move forward happy in life.If that's not enough motivation I can't possibly see what else would be.Don't be afraid to become a happier person.

mark167 and lmhdswb,

It is soooo exciting to hear that you have started the program. You should be VERY proud of yourself. Try not to anticipate or think about the future. Take each day, one at a time as far as the program goes. Do what you can. It is great because you can go at your own pace. beanpod and char-lee have great suggestions. When I took the program there wasn't any peer support. Use that as a source for motivation. You can discuss each lesson and ask questions. If you can schedule a time each day or a specific time each week to complete the work book, it will help you stay motivated and moving along in the program. Be sure to WRITE your schedule down!! Try to listen to the cd's as often as possible. Over and over, if it helps. As you see the power or control that you do have over your own thinking and choices, you will want to continue the program. You have started on a new journey in your lives! Don't beat yourself up for not doing this sooner. You are now going through the program- better now than never. After three years, I am still experiencing growth and positive things in my life that I never thought I could accomplish. Believe in yourself and keep putting more positives into your life.
Many of us are here if you need encouragement. It would help if after each lesson, WRITE down when you want to complete the next lesson. Then write down 1 to 3 obstacles that could stop you from reaching your goal. Next write down the Actions you will do to overcome each obstacle. It is ok if you don't complete the lesson by the date you wrote. IT is just a way to help keep you motivated and see where you want to go.
There is a mentoring program where you have someone call you once a week for 15 weeks to help you get through the program (It is expensive but worth it if it fits into your budget).
I hope these help. Oh, and have you celebrated your success of starting the program. At the very least pat yourselves on your backs and tell yourself that you did a great job. Keep moving forward!!!