Hello friends! I just wanted to share my experience with all of you. Last night I went to church. Church is the place that I ALWAYS feel anxiety and ALWAYS have an anxiety attack. I don't know what it is but I am so afraid of fainting. Weird huh? Anyway just like Lucinda says I faced my fear as I do every week, but this time I wrote in my little negative journal a positive statement right before I left. And all the way there I was thinking nothing but positive thoughts. When I got there I was anxious but I kept on with the positive thinking and self talk. When ever those ugly feelings crept up on me I would immediately think of something positive like, "wow that lady looks nice, or the walls look so nice and clean, the plants and the holy water waterfall remind me of the relaxation cd." I was doing this the whole time and believe it or not I avoided an anxiety attack. I was so happy and proud of myself when we left. I wanted to reward myself but I didn't know how. I asked my husband to go on a walk with me but he didn't want to and I didn't want to go alone in the dark. Then I started thinking that this good feeling was going to leave me soon and the anxiety was going to return. Negative thinking again. I woke up feeling anxious which always happens, but I am sticking with the positive thinking. Why cant i just enjoy the moment without worrying about when the anxiety will return? I really need to work on not setting myself up. This is really hard for me. Can anyone relate?

Great job on your success! Yes, positive thinking really does work. We can not always be free of anxiety, but the attitude of acceptance helps. And it is hard not to worry about the anxiety coming back, but tell yourself "Hey, maybe it will come back, but I will enjoy every moment I don't have it!"