Well I'm going along my journey of recovery on the slow path - since my anxiety tends to be more situational and not an every-day occurrence.

We spent the weekend in beautiful Estes Park and Boulder and it was very cold, so we ended up at the Celestial Seasonings tea factory and signed up for the tour.

There was a lovely room where you can sample all kinds of teas and coffees while you wait for your tour to start.

We hadn't been eating very healthfully on our trip - a lot of cooked food, a lot of complex carbs, etc. You know how it goes on trips.

Well I was a bit crampy and constipated and I started to get a little anxious about being on the tour for so long.

When we went into the theater to watch the film, the tour guide came in and announced that once we were let into the factory WE COULD NOT EXIT or use a bathroom until the end of the tour, for 45 minutes up to an hour. She said if it was an emergency, she would have to escort you out.

She also said that we may go to the restroom during the film because after that we'd be in the factory!

That definitely started the wheels turning in my brain! I had a couple of mini panic attacks right there and then just thinking about it! ROFL!!!

During the 10 minute film I slipped out to use the facilities (for the third time, just to make sure) and came back, still a little anxious and panicky, but I used the methods to calm myself down.

So the tour started and I did GREAT. There was one moment in the beginning of the tour where we were around an overwhelming smell of lemongrass that I was feeling a little anxious because she was really going on and on but I did just fine.

And then in the mint room I was pretty much surrounded by the other tourists, I mean I was smack in the middle of everyone, breathing in strong mint and my eyes burning, but I stuck it out like a trooper and not one tinge of anxiety.

I was very proud if I do say so myself.

If I can do this, anyone can.

P.S. I forgot to mention that while the tour guide was talking about how we wouldn't be able to leave, and when the movie started playing, I was actually considering staying behind while my family went ahead on the tour. I'm glad I didn't follow through on that ridiculous plan, I would have ruined it for myself and everyone else!

That is EXCELLENT Shif!

I am VERY PROUD of you and all that you
accomplished. And some fun family memories to
add to the trip. What a great day! Did you take any pics? I hope so.
Bravo Homegirl

J~

Hey Jill,

Thank you!

DH took a ton of pics from our trip, we weren't allowed to take any inside the tea factory and he wasn't around with his camera when the sleepytime bear came to visit in the tea tasting room!

Suddenly I'm in the mood for some Sleepytime tea!

Dear Shifrah,
I am soooo proud of your accomplishments

You have every right to be proud of yourself, too!!! That sounded like a very fun trip!!! Some girls have all the fun...Tee Hee!!!

That is a song...I don't know if you have ever heard it or not

Have a great day!!! Love Ya Bunches...

I'm proud of you too, Shifrah. I can relate to that situation completely, lol.

Thanks Ms. T. Is that Cyndi Lauper you are referring to? Girls just wanna have fun.



Thanks Michele it's so much easier knowing there are others who understand what we are going through!

BTW, as we were leaving the factory, there was a girl who was being wheeled out in a wheel chair hyperventilating into a paper bag! She walked into a car that came to get her, I don't know if she came in with that wheelchair or not!

Good for you girl!! Much kudos to you for not giving in and not giving up!! I'm so happy for you!!!

....and btw, i also love cyndi lauper!!

Good for you! Even the little accomplishments mean the most. That's what we are all trying to get through the little accomplishments.

BTW:JILLZMIND I love your picture of the woman hugging Jesus!! Beautiful and on my bad days I will visualize your picture in my head to comfort me and know Jesus is holding me.