Hi everyone, I havn't written in a while, but have been reading posts at times still and I'm very thankful for this forum. I finished the program about a year ago and have been doing so much better- the skills definetly work. I realize though how easy it is for me to fall into some of my old habits-- like doing too much. Now that i'm not agoraphobic anymore, I want to do everything! and I find myself worn out, what got me to anxiety in the first place. I think for a while I felt like I had to prove to myself that I could go places and wasn't making decisions based on fear, that I have pushed myself too hard. I now know I can cope in public, in stressful situations and use my skills, it's weird but i think I've used that to say-- I can still be a super- achiever, do too much, now I can get through because i have the skills, so it's ok. I have had so much activity in the past month-- classes for my kids, shopping and errands, visiting friends, birthday parties,babysitting my friends kids, etc- all good stuff that i'm not afraid to do anymore but it's been too much. As Lucinda says, what am i getting out of this behaviour that makes me not want to change? It's hard for me to rest,to not be busy and accomplishing things. I am so good at taking care of everyone ... but ME. I think I need to get my tapes out again and be reminded of some things. And practice slowing down even if it's uncomfortable.

I let some anxious body and brain symptoms scare me a bit this weekend and I feel that i need to be compassionate to myself and get back on track. I spent Sat. night with my friends, she had a baby at home and it was an amazing , wonderful experience, but Stressful and I barely slept, lots of adreniline in my body, I think and I overreacted to it and made it worse and have been kind of focused on my feelings since then. Anyway, i will practise my skills and i think i need to remember that i have to take care of myself anf I can't do so much all the time. So, I'm going to commit to myself here that i will listen to a tape each day this week, i will write out thought replacements and I will do my relaxation tape at least once each day. Does anyone have any advice or similar struggle?

One thing I have come to know is that If i don't feel good, i either need to do something different or think something different. And that's a life-long process. Have a good day and thianks for listening.

I think you have the right idea on going back through the tapes.It's a good idea.I've been out for a few months and I'm going to go back through.I've seen some of my bad habits come back a little and some good rededication will probably do some good.I really don't have any advice for you except that to tell you that you are not alone.I view this as a good thing.You could of just kept going and got worse but you recognized and realized what you needed to do.Give yourself credit for that.I wish you the best and take care.

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Tim

I probably confessed this before...I went through the program three times...not bec. I'm stupid...bec. I know a good thing when I feel it! I won't bore you with details but you are on the right track...go through the program again (but not a different tape EVERY day!--jeesss, talk about overdoing it Remember it takes lots of replacements to make a new habit.

You are great students! Carolyn

Thank you! The tape that seems to help me the most is Positive Self Talk, so I'm going to listen to that this week, but I won't put any pressure on myself about how many times!!

Mint Flower,
It was good for me to read your post today. I've been out of the program for almost 2 years, but also come to read posts on the forum regularly because I find them so comforting. I have experienced what you talked about but find myself now with the opposite problem. I have so much energy to run off and because I find myself unemployed I'm having a hard time keeping busy enough. Can anyone help in finding that delicate balance between doing enough and not over-doing?
Thanks, Overcomer