Hi, all. Just a word of encouragement to all of you who are beginning to do things that make you anxious. I think the truest words Lucinda says are on Tape 8 - where she encourages us to start "getting out there - one small step at a time" and promises that "you won't believe how good it feels!" I have to say - she's right! I'm not "cured" yet and have a way to go - but I have taken some huge steps lately and I've realized this: if you take a small step, it not only makes you feel sooooo good, but the good feelings rub off onto everything you do. Let's say you go to the dentist - not only will you feel better about going to the dentist next time, but you'll also feel better about something else you try - driving, shopping, etc. It's all intertwined.

I started out slow - driving long distances by myself has been a huge issue for me. I started out by setting several driving goals for myself. For each one, it took between 3 and 7 times to make it to my goal - going a bit further each time. But - and this is important - no matter how far I got, I viewed it as an accomplishment and did NOT beat myself up - I praised myself. Well, I've reached each of those goals - which include driving over two major bridges,taking a 10-mile long ride along a windy, country road - and the one I'm most proud of - driving to the beach along Highway 1! Now, it's time to set new goals - and the good feelings from meeting my first goals will help me get there.

Also, I've made some decisions because of fear - but instead of beating myself up, I'm just going to turn them into goals. Example - my son's class just went on a field trip which was a 45-minute drive away and I didn't feel I could make the trip - especially with 4 screaming boys in my car. That used to devestate me - but this time, I just made it a goal to drive to that destination by myself, so that if the opportunity comes up again, I'll be ready.


This is hard, hard work, isn't it? But we're getting our lives back, one step at a time. And it feels great!

Good for you!! Thanks for the sharing this and it sounds like your having fun!! I agree taking baby steps will turn into big steps one step at a time.
Andrea

Yay! I love hearing inspiring positive messages like this--it keeps me going. I'm currently on Tape 4 and moving slowly but steadily along. I take intense notes when I first listen to the tapes, and then go through it again without writing anything--just allowing things to sink in.

It is definitely hard work..perhaps the hardest thing I've ever done--but it's also something I want more than anything in the world (recovery). It's worth every bit of work I put in.