Is anyone else out there ending 14 starting 15. I am and I can say without a doubt that this program works. It wasn't easy and I'm sure I'll be reviewing different lessons from time to time, but I feel empowered now that I have the skills to recognize what was I doing to myself and how to correct it. I've learned so much about myself in the last few months. There are days when I try to remember back to how I used to be and I am amazed at the changes. I'll stop babbling now, just wondering if anyone else is coming to the "end" of the program and how you feel!!!

Cheryl, Congratulations for finishing the program! My husband and I just started the program again and we are on lesson 2. I know there is light at the end of the tunnel, but sometimes you just want to feel better now. We are very busy and it seems like it has made us more anxious to put one more thing on our 'to do' list. We are committed to the program now, but I feel anxious if I dont' do the program 'exactly' how they say. Of course I have to have things 'just right'. If you have any words of wisdom let me know. Again, I am very happy for you! Thanks. Dana

Welcome back, my words of wisdom would be to not be so hard on yourself. Don't get hung up on doing everything perfectly that just adds fuel to the fire. Some of the homework lessons just didn't apply so I didn't do them. Also know that you are in the right place to get help. There are so many wonderful people here who have gone through and deal with the same things. Its a long 15 weeks, but so worth the outcome..

Cherl,
First of all, congratulations! It's a wonderful, empowering feeling at the end to realize how far we have come, isn't it? Somehow I felt a little sad too (at first,but not for long) but a good sad because it's like we develop a sight unseen rapport with Lucinda and the others on the tapes. We can all relate to what each has been through and what it takes to overcome our individual anxiety and/or depression and panic attacks. It's also that an emotional something is coming to an end, a big part of our journey, but not the whole thing by any means.
I listen to the tapes frequently still for comfort and reinforcement of the skills and love the fact that they are within reach whenever I chose to listen. Great friends are always there for you in spirit, mind or body. My new skills are like friends to me also, when I need them they are there.

Cindylou,
Thanks for the encouraging words. I kind of feel like ok what do I do now?? What will I listen to in the car on the way to work? Well I go out and live the life I have and I review the program when I need to. I am getting married in November and I'm sure it will be some stress, but I am armed to counter act it that is for sure. I can't ever imagine going back to the "old me".

Cherl,
Keep listening to the tapes in the car if you want to , I do, and at home. Have one on right now. I pick out whatever I feel like listening to or maybe one that relates to the day or an event and enjoy! It's reinforcement, it's encouraging, it's hearing over and over how far we have come, it's just what I like. It took me a long time to develop all my negative habits,years, so I'm still working on STRENGTHENING the skills I have learned.
It feels so great, and I have had a couple of minor growth spurts, very minor, but the skills kick right in. I had a couple of days this week - had the flu- where some things got to me, but I KNEW that I could handle it and did NOT fear going back to the "old me". Hey I worked too hard to get here, and I'm sure you know exactly what how I feel.
Hugs and smiles to you. Keep that attitude!!!!!
Congratulations on your upcoming marriage!!!!!!
Oh yes the stress, lol - armed for battle!
Hugs to you.
Just a side note - it is actually recommended to go through the program a second time.

Again thanks for the kind and encouraging words. This is my first week off of the program and it is also PMS time so I am trying to keep that in check as well. Seems like turning 40 this year has sent me into a perimenopausal funk. But I have the skills to move on from it. Talk soon. Cheryl

Cherl,
Yes you do have the skills and it's such a great feeling! Remind yourself of that every day! We are strong, and now have more resources to tap into when the going gets tough. Keep us posted about the wedding. What an exciting time for you!
Hugs and good thoughts to you. Cindy

Cherl, from one vet of the program to another, congratulations! You did it and now you have the skills to move on like the rest of us vets have.

When I turned 40 I became allergic to everything that's green and blooms!! Spring is so much fun for me and I used to hate it, but now, I have the skills to enjoy life like it was before the age of 40 and I am doing just that.

Want a fresh flower? I have one here next to me and it's doing it's ever loving best to make me sneeze.

Take care and go tackle the world again.

Thank you both for the sentiments, they really mean alot. My family and fiance have noticed nothing but good things as a result of this program. I know there will be ups and downs but I am ready.

Thanks again....I hope I can be of help to someone out there, like you two were for me here~

Congrats, Cherl, on finishing the program and getting better. You deserve it. Wishing you the best for this year and the rest of your life.

I'm looking forward to March Madness. I always pull for Duke, but I enjoy watching the games in general, especially the sweet 16, the elite 8, and the final 4. My coach's son's team lost last night. Hopefully in another 2 or 3 years they will have another team to get into the playoffs.

Thanks Don for the encouraging words always, your posts have always been a positive light for me.....

Just to let you know, I got North Texas and Central Connecticut?? State in the basketball pool!!! Oh well maybe they'll surprise me and win a few games!!!!!!