Over the past few months, I have been testing myself by doing some of the things I've avoided for so long. My biggest problem is being able to drive on the highway or long distances on local roads alone or with just my kids in the car. I've finally reached a point where I've decided it's now or never...so I drove to the mall with just my son in the car...for the first time...ever. On another trip to the mall, I drove home on the highway with both my kids in the car. I've driven places by myself I wouldn't normally go alone...one was a 17 mile trip to my doctor's office. So, little by little, I am making strides. I have a lot more confidence these days thanks to this program and thanks to the support I've received from the friends I've made here.

Congratulations Lovewolves,

That sounds like some significant strides you have made in your battle against this awful disorder. I comend you for facing your fears and getting right at them. I know you can continue attacking your fears and one day this will all be behind you.

Congrats!

Wonderful!!!! You have laid the foundation for continued growth. Your strength will be there for you each and every time you do something new or challenging. You are creating the memories you need to move you forward.

Right on! You are doing exactly the thing that gets you over the fear..It is VERY hard sometimes but what I do is-Make myself go SOMEWHERE in the car every day-if I get too freaked out, I give myself permission to turn around and go home (most of the time just telling myself that I CAN go home makes me OK with not going home) there are times that I have to turn around, but I promise myeself that I will try it again the same day (maybe in a few hours after relaxing) that way I was not defeated! There have been times where it has taken me 3 tries to get somewhere simple, and I have probably wasted alot of gas and time, but it has made me MUCH more confident and I havent turned around once in qutie a while now! Congrats! and keep it going!

Thanks so much for the encouragement. I do believe I'm going to beat this thing entirely. Every day I gain more and more confidence and feel relieved that I finally seem to have a handle on this problem. Only took me 25 years I hope that my progress inspires others to work the program and find their freedom too.

hi lovewolves!
congratulations!! i really admire your persevearance...stay strong and keep fighting

WOOHOO thats wonderful news! Congratulations Baby steps are the way to go...they tend to stick

Dear Ellen:

Sweetie, I am sooooooooooooooooooo happy & proud of you & for you. LOL, I was just reading your posting this morning, & I got the biggest smile on my face, a little power thrust of my fist in the air & I literally went YEAH ELLEN. lol, my hubby in the room goes WHAT? lol.

There is such liberating freedom when we face these fears dwn, 1 by 1. It's feels like looking thru the world w/ a new set of eyes.

ELLEN, I am so sincerely happy for you - HEY, I HEAR THAT "ROCKY ANTHEM" playing in your background!

LENORE

Lenore...you are soooo sweet. Thanks so much for responding...I am feeling better every day and actually looking forward to the next challenge...which btw is this weekend. I have to drive my son to a soccer tournament alone..it's a 30 min highway drive from my house and I have to take 3 highways to get there. I've never driven it alone, always with another adult. So this will be a big hurdle for me to jump. "gonna fly now......." Thank you so much for the support....luv you!
Ellen

That's so awesome Ellie. You're finding out what I'm finding out. Face the fear and do it anyways. Isn't it a freeing feeling? The more you do it, the easier it gets. Kathy and I went to Rockome Gardens, a place in Arcola, Illinois, that's in the heart of Amish country. It was so much fun. We went indoors to watch the bluegrass festival, something I wouldn't have dreamed possible just a few short months ago. It was very crowded. I just sat back, relaxed, and enjoyed what I'd been missing over the years. Ah, to be free. You hang in there girl, you're on your way to a more satisfying life. Jim

Hey Jim Thanks so much for the encouragement and support! I'm so proud of you..you too are making strides to overcome your anxiety. It is absolutely wonderful to feel like I can finally start doing things I've been avoiding. I'm taking one step at a time and plan to keep moving forward. Thanks again for being so kind...and I'll see you in chat
Ellen