Hi everyone....I started this program about 7 weeks ago and at that time was just coming through a very agoraphobic time. I literally was very uncomfortable leaving my bedroom. This lasted for a two week period of time and then extended into being afraid to go to the grocery store, driving, getting into elevators, flying, etc. I am posting this forum to let everyone know that needs a little hope to push on. There is so much hope for each of us. A week ago I was about to battle all my fears due to the fact that I had to go away on travel for a new jobs training program. I honestly was not sure how I was going to do this. I could not imagine getting on a plane, much less leave my family, be in an intense training environment, etc. Up until the day I was to leave last Sunday morning I gave myself the permission to not go but, knew that this was a critical part in my progress. So,,,,I took each day by itself and focused on that leading up to the trip. I worked hard on not focusing beyond that. I knew that if I broke it up into pieces it would be easier to handle and it was. Last night, I returned from a six day trip. I had to fly on four separate airplanes due to non-direct flights, I had to use elevators no less than six times a day, and the training was very intense with testing etc.....As the last plane landed last night for my trip tears were streaming down my face because I knew I had pushed passed the fear and did it anyway. I write this to let you know....seven weeks ago I was in a place that I did not think I would ever see the light,,,my family was extremely worried and if you would have said I would accomplish what I have done I would not have beleived you.....The things that have helped me the most are.....Feeling the fear and doing it anyway (no matter how hard it is) and trust me sometimes I was crying so hard....Reading every book you can get your fingers on regarding positive thinking ( Dr. Vincent Peale, The Power of Positive Thinking) is wonderful, following the program and really working it, and being gentle and positive with yourself even with the littlest accomplishment. I also joined the coaching program which has been wonderful. I has helped me push through the resistance and be held accountable. I know each day is different and all I need to focus on is today.....And the two steps forward and two steps back will certainly apply but, if I can encourage one person today....to stick with it and do the program....YOU CAN FEEL BETTER....I am a testimony of that!!! I wish you all a great day,,,I hope this helps someone out there that may be struggling today. Be hopeful,,,,,!!

That is a great accomplishment. Congratulations!

Your words are very inspiring. I am so happy for you. I will be to that point soon i hope!

CONGRATULATIONS!!! What an awesome testimonial...and true grit on your part, to push through! What an inspiration and thank you SO much for sharing!

You can surely be proud of this amazing accomplishment and I wish you continued successes with your life. Thankyou for sharring this story with us.
It lets us know we have so much to look forward to over the coming weeks!!

ENJOY, YOU'VE EARNED EVERY BIT OF IT!!!

that is soooooooooo awsome and yes a totally great inspiration for me so yes im glad u wrote it thanks gives me hope to do same thing someday soon,,, thks barbie 727

way to go formyboys! and thanks for sharing. it is inspirational indeed.

Hey formyboys,
did you try something and it didn't work out like you would have like, how do you make yourself try it again

This is great encouragement for me....Thank you for sharing this accomplishment. Congratulations.

Congratulations!!! You are have truely inspired me today. I admire your determination and perseverence. I am on week 5 and I have already cried and struggled so much. Quitting isn't an option because I refuse to live in fear and loneliness. I will not spend another 20 years with anxiety. I cried today when I read your post because I know how hard it is to face your fears. Bravo!!

God Bless,
Krissy

Hello formyboys

CONGRATULATIONS what a truely inspiring post. I am so happy for you and your success. Now that you have done it, there is nothing holding you back.

Keep pressing forward. You rock. Good luck and God Bless.

Thanks for all the responses....Deeg, yes, I have tried things and it did not turn out. There were times I was in an elevator and literally fell apart. But, what I have found and I know it sounds cliche is that if you avoid it will only get worse. So, my motivation has been to push through knowing that with that action comes some let up. Does it happen over night....no way. And, my post was not to say it was not extremely hard, it was. But, I am learning to take one thing at a time and stop the what if's....I can only handle an hour sometimes at a time and that is o.k. I kept thinking about so far in the future...when will I feel better, how long will this take, what if it never ends. This is a daily thing....and I know now that avoiding things simply makes it worse.....period. I did not want to beleive that. I wanted to work around that but, when my coach did not allow me the "cop out" not to go on this trip...I knew that only through walking through the fear would I find my way out. I still feel the anxious feelings, I still want to avoid, and I still get caught sometimes in the what ifs but, I move past that and keep going. My fear is that this post makes it sound easy when I know this is the hardest thing I have ever had to do but, that makes it even more powerful to know that WE can walk through it. Be kind to yourself....

Thank you for that testimony,It realy encorages me not to quit and give up.I have a fear of tight places like parking garages,if I pass by one the fear just comes all over me and I avoid parking in their.Does any one have this same fear.I just started and am on lesson 3.