When I first was really struggling with anxiety, I always heard something and I thought it was going to be me. Needless to say I was really affected by external triggers. I used to suck up everyone's problems into my own little body and think they were mine, like a vacuum. Today I was just thinking about a comment my mom made, and it now had me laughing so hard. She said that I was like "Velcro". Everything I heard stuck to me, and I held onto it! Very great analogy. Anyways, that is what I used to do... wasn't funny then, but now it is hilarious to me when I picture myself wearing a full blown velcro suit and walking around and feeling like a magnet with all these things being attracted to my suit.
Sunny

Great comparison! Did the anxious ideas make that terrible ripping sound once you finally pulled them away from you?
Julie

I am just so glad I am learning to stop taking on everything. It actually feels like I can be me. I don't need to be everyone else. What a load off of me.

Hehe, the thing about velcro is that it usually gets attached to something bigger than it can manage, like furniture. One minute you're walking, then the next minute you're being jolted back by some immobilized object, like the couch, or your pulling off the table cloth with your best candles and dining set crashing to the floor. Eek!

Hi sunny ,Jb andLena Lenore
I was thinking that maybe I have also have gotten caught in up in the velcro thing.By the way of some people.What I mean is that there are people that are toxic.If you have ever heard of that. I am always trying to help others if I can .I even at times forget my self or my family. So I have had to learn not to get caught in that againe.It`s probly part of my perfection story. I have to be careful not get to involved in the lives of others who want me to do every thing for them. Or drag me with them in the issues that they only can do for them selves. I have to be able to chosse who problem I can help and who`s I just can`t.that to me is a relief

Theresa,
I have definitely been there too! I did so much for everyone else, and I wanted them to do it back but often they didn't. I really struggled to say no (sounds like some people on the tapes). I really like how you carried my velcro analogy over to that!
Sunny