Some of you may have noticed that I haven't been around as much as I used to be.

I have traveled from the darkest, scariest place that I never knew existed back to "normal" life. I have learned more about myself and the human spirit than I could have imagined (thanks, Lucinda).

Many of you are afraid. Many of you are on the way down or are stuck at the bottom. I have been there and I feel for you - I know what a terrible place it is.

I also know that it is not permanent, if you don't want it to be. Within each of us, there is the ability to overcome. Whether or not you find that ability is up to you. Nobody else can do it for you. You must decide to do it and then let nothing stop you. Fear, doubt, depression, these are your enemies. Recognize them for that and then fight them. When they start to creep into your mind and tell you that it will always be this way and that you can't change, recognize their assault and don't allow them to linger in your mind. It will be difficult at first, but like anything, the more you practice and work at it, the easier it will get.

My best wishes for each of you and I hope that you all overcome. IT CAN BE DONE!

-phoenix

Thank you Phoenix for those very encouraging words. I'm so happy for you I have missed you and your posts and it's so nice of you to take the time to help us along!

Thanks Phoenix for dropping by and encouraging.

It's really valuable.

I'm pretty much sorted too but still have times where anxiousness and all the physical symptoms kick in but these episodes do not last anywhere as long as they used to - just a day or so now- which is a huge positive.

Any tips you can pass on will be gratefully received I know...

Hearty congratulations on your achievements.

WAY TO GO! KEEP UP "THE WORK"
O/N #######::::::;;;;::::::>>>>

Very happy you have made a complete come back, Phoenix. We need to hear from folks like you to give us hope. I wish you the best. Keep truckin'.

Serene1- Thank you for your kind words. They mean more to me than you know. I miss you too, as well as the other people I met when I was here much more often than I am now. It's funny how life can capture you and take you so far a way from this terrible situation.

Radar- You are welcome and I hope that by dropping by that I can help to show that it can be done. As far as tips go, the best one I can think of is to believe that you can overcome this . You have to know that you can do it. Doubt will try and make you question if you can. Don't let doubt get a foothold. See that you are making progress and that with every step you take, you are one step closer to overcoming.

NOSEBENDER- Thank you and you do the same! You know, you climb a mountain the same way you walk down a hill - one step at a time. The only difference is that one goal is higher than the other. Which one you choose to go after is completely up to you.

Thanks Don53. I know you to be a good person and I think of you often. Keep going - you will make it; of this I am certain.

Phoenix

You are very correct in stating that it is within our own souls to rid ourselves of what we do not want.

I've been down there as well and I know exactly what your saying. Congratulations on your recovery.

Sander