Hi all;
Today was a big day for me. I finished the obsessive scary thoughts lesson and am now on the medication/alchohol tape. Because of this lesson I sat down and made a list of things that I wanted to step out and do, inspite of the anxiety. I realized that it's time to do some of the things that go against my scary obsessive thoughts. For instance, I haven't been to a Chinese rest. since the whole SARS thing took off. So I'm going to go there one night this coming week. Also, I don't like going places alone and I now recognize that it's because when I'm alone I really hear those obessive scary thoughts and there's nothing to distract me. I used to love being in my own company. So, I am going to try to go someplaces by myself this coming week. Another biggie for me is flying! In fact, I have scared my children about flying as well. We have an airport near us and I went online and checked for the shortest round trip I could make. It looks like it's a 30 minute ride for me! The most important thing is that I've been a little bouncy lately with my thoughts and I still am digging my heels in and making these plans. So, keep me in your prayers that I will follow through and I'll keep ya all posted!
Blessings;
Psalm91

Replying to myself (lol) but that's good too! I did my first "stepping out" activity today. I went to our local Sams Club by myself. I had two panic attacks at Sams in the past and even though I kept going back, I always feel dizzy and spacey in there. So I picked Sams as my place to go by myself. I usually take my five kids with me and believe it or not, it helps me stay in the moment and distract me. So to go by myself was a good challenge. I had heart palpitations and my chest felt heavy but I went anyway and I can honestly say I thoroughly enjoyed myself!!! I used positive self-talk when I was waiting in line, etc. I chatted with people. It was great! When I was loading up the car in the parking lot I heard myself saying, "Wow, I am soooo over that!!!" What a victory. I don't think that place will ever bother me again. I listened to a MWC program tape on the way there and back as well. Hope this encourages others. Now, onto the Chinese restaurant!!!! (But first I have to put away all the stuff on the completely covered kitchen counters!!! lol)
Blessings;
Psalm91

Hi Psalm91,

You are so awesome! I am so proud to hear about your accomplishment.. You did great!

You definitely have encouraged me to face some of the fear I have and great idea on writing the places all down and deciding to complete each one.. Are you still in the program or have you finished already and just reviewing?

Good luck to you!

Amy;
Thanks for your kind words! I appreciate them!
I'm still in the program, lesson 11, and can't say enough good things about it. This truly was the missing link in my recovery. Thank God He sent it my way! How about you? Where are you at? Are you seeing benefits as well?
blessings;
Psalm91
Tricia

Congratulations, Tricia! You are doing so well. Sounds like you are really out there using the new tools you have learned.

I just wanted to tell you that I too had a problem with flying and decided to take a very short trip first before having to embark on a longer flight. (I was going to have to travel from San Antonio to Columbus, Ohio, and I was quite nervous) I had to go to a funeral right before that flight and decided to fly from Houston to New Orleans. 30 minutes tops! We barely hit our cruising altitude before we started our descent. It was a great way to face the fear and practice the positive self talk. You can do this! Take that short 30 minute flight and see how easy it is. Keep up the great work!

Mountaingirl;
Thanks soooo much for the encouragement! I feel a sense of nervous excitement when I think of actually flying! My husband wants to take our whole family on that 30 minute jaunt. I'm not sure if I should do it alone or have them with me. Maybe it would do them good to see me facing my fears but then again maybe they would feel more secure if I was already over them....I don't know....Praying about it. But I did order that book today, "This is your captain speaking..." and I want to fill my head with safe thoughts. The last time I flew was my honeymoon! We hit turbulence on the way home in a lightning storm....flashing off the wings...etc. Quite a memory! (lol) But I'm ready to do it! Deep in my gut I'm ready to go. I'll keep ya posted! Thanks again! I really feel the support of everyone here!
Blessings;
Psalm91

Went to the Chinese restaurant tonight and had a blast! Now, onto other things! This is becoming fun!
Psalm91