This is day 3 of session 1. I felt pretty good and hopeful the first day. Yesterday I started out good and slowly got worse throughout the day. It was scary for me to finally see that I have had some form of anxiety my entire life, Im 42. I thought it started 10 years ago with the first panic attack.
I never realized before that I had so many negative thoughts and "what if" moments. I just thought it was normal thinking...sheesh.
I think I felt overwhelmed and scared last night because I thought "If Ive been this way for this long, how long will it take to get better?" I could feel the panic just waiting to get in as soon as I thought " What if this doesnt work, Omg then what will I do?" Fortunately I was able to tell myself that so many people have already gotten their lives back using this program and they were no different than me. This "What If", negative, overreacting way of thinking is hard to catch. Its like it sneaks in there and you dont even realize you thought it, almost like it doesnt register it even was a thought if youre not looking for it.
Is this all normal???

HI,
Yes this is totally normal for so many starting the program...just take time to do the relaxation cd today. Go easy on yourself, do some deep breathing, take a walk, listen to some music, anything that makes you feel better. Leave the program alone for today...a day off is ok. This can be and is very overwhelming so better to just leave it for a bit. You will be fine, so don't beat yourself up. There are bumps in the road for everyone. I had several and am having one with session 8. I took a couple of days off.
That's the nice thing about this program..we can all work at a pace that is perfect for each person.
Sending positive happy thoughts and prayers.

(((((HUGS)))))
Deborah

I'm feeling very much the same way. I am on day 5 and it really is a roller coaster - sometimes I'm fine, sometimes I'm not. I find it difficult to find the negative thoughts too because they are, I guess, almost a part of the air I breathe.
I think taking a day off might be okay, but I also have this sense of urgency and need to try making myself better. I realize now I have been suffering from anxiety since I was a young child and I so desparately want to be freed from it. I've never come across a program like this and I want so much for it to work. I have a serious fear of failure, though. I really don't want to fail myself or others around me. Ah yes... the infamous "What if.. "

iwantitallnow thankyou for your post. I feel exactly the same way. I have that same sense of urgency and I have the same worry of failure. The big "what if" really sucks. By the way...I love your screen name...pretty much sums up how I feel

I guess it's a true test in patience and trust/faith that this will all workout. Belief that because others who experience the same thing in the beginning, have had success, so we can too.
I'm not sure if it was on the coaching video, or session 1 audio, but Lucinda says to just slow down... everything down. I keep trying to remind myself to do that.

A medical doctor came up with the theory that it takes 21 days to change a habit. This is actually mentioned in your homework in a later session. So, don't spend too much time worrying about how long it took you to get this negative. If you follow the CD's and do the homework, you will begin to undo this negative thinking and responding. Here is a website that cites Dr. Maltz and the 21 day technique. http://www.aristotle.co.nz/library/series.aspx?seriesId=61

I know you two are from the sept. peer group. I just wanted to say...You both are doing so good. Your recognizing things early on and that is a good thing. It's overwhelming at times...I know.
iwantitallnow...what you said is so important about slowing down. I did that the first week and was Amazed at how much it helped! Just talking slower and not so loud helped my anxiety alot!! It was good to see how much it helped that early on.
Little things like that will keep you inspired
to keep learning about the program.
Good-luck on your road to recovery

Thanks KarenLeigh, I really needed to hear that this morning. Its been a rough couple of days.

Yes, thank you karenleigh... little things like your words are enough to keep me inspired to keep going.

you know...you will see that the more you go thru the program, how much each other's feed back on the community really helps you.

I believe that is why this forum was made. Where we can feel empowered by each other and to gain strength from each other to fight this A&D.

You both have lifted my spirits this morning...knowing something I said may have helped you....See what I mean