Well I finally did it! I faced one of my biggest fears and, as usual, it wasn't nearly as bad as I had anticipated. I had to defend my PhD dissertation in front of my committee members and any guests who chose to come. For several weeks I had been DREADING having to do a public presentation of my work. (I still struggle with a fear of public speaking! ) I felt myself trying to fall back into old, familiar, bad behaviors and had to constantly remind myself that I could to this.

Well on Thursday afternoon, I appeared in the designated room and made my presentation. I then answered questions and participated in a discussion that lasted an hour and forty-five minutes. And you know what? I didn't panic -- I wasn't even that nervous. When I walked out of that room, I had to laugh to myself because the event was so tame compared to how I had envisioned it in my mind. It just goes to show that those of us battling anxiety problems can catastrophize with the best of them!! But we can also overcome these problems and learn how to deal with normal "stressors" in a more positive way.

My experience has been wonderful. I walked away feeling that I can handle anything. Staying in the moment, learning to laugh at the scary "horror movies" we run through our minds, and learning to take life less seriously really can make a difference. We just have to allow ourselves to be human. And when we do that, we can enjoy life so much more.

Thanks for letting me share.

Pam (a new PhD)

Congratulations! That is so wonderful!

I'm in a PhD program, and I still have three years until I defend. I don't know anyone who has gone through it who hasn't been totally terrified. I'm so glad it went well for you!

Lori

Hi Contentess! The defense is a little daunting but it wasn't nearly as bad as I had envisioned it. I was told that the committee members would really be pleased to see me make it to that point in my program and that the defense would actually be a "collegial" event. Of course, I didn't believe it. But it was true. My committee members were really great and it turned out to be a relatively benign event.

What type of PhD program are you in -- if you don't mind me asking? It took me 8 years to finish the coursework, research, and the writing of the dissertation. Needless to say, I'm glad that's over with! Good luck to you!!

Wow! Congratulations, mountaingirl! That is awesome. The truth is you can handle anything. It is wonderful to hear success stories like yours.

that is great mountain girl you did it!!!! what is your phd in?

Thanks Don and LorisNewLife! I'm still enjoying the feeling three days later. I sing in a choir at my church and all morning my fellow choir members kept calling me "Doc." I've been grinning all day!

LorisNewLife -- My PhD is in History.

Have a great week!

What an accomplishment! I am so happy for you Mountaingirl!
Would throw you a party if I could. Hope you throw one for yourself or reward yourself greatly in some way. You definitely deserve it!

Thanks, Grateful! Yes, I have been throwing myself "little" parties -- meetings with friends to celebrate, etc. It is a really great feeling to have it all behind me. But the best part was realizing that I could do it and I didn't have to panic over the defense. Woooo Hooooo!!

Take care!

I love to hear stories like this, its so encouraging. You did fantastic! It absolutely wonderful.....hugs.....