I'm sure some of you might be sick of hearing it but I never get sick of telling it.

Something clicked 2 weeks ago even though I felt 100% better from the first 2 weeks of starting the program. I have a lot more happy days now thats for sure.

Last week I drove myself to the dentist w/o a panic attack on the way...just enjoyed the ride tried not to think about things (don't like drs much of any kind) THEN I was so proud of myself on the way home because I did so good I called a few people (big phone fear) and I was just so darn proud of myself. THEN that night I made plans to go to my MIL's house...drove there all by myself and even when I missed my turn I didn't freak out. I just kept going until I could find a place to turn around. My heart pounded a little but nothing I couldn't handle. AND on the way home I actually took the highway instead of the back roads.

Since the program Im able to talk to people I don't know or hardly know with more ease. Don't particularly care much anymore what they think of me or if I make a mistake. I'm more opt to go out and do things. I love just going with the flow now rather than being uptight and on schedule with everything. Money issues don't bother me much anymore I let my fiance handle that. Big test will be Easter for me. I am having everyone over my house and I usually start freaking out because I want everything to be perfect about a week before hand. I'll let you know how it goes.

I can't wait for the rest of my lessons!

Tammy

Hi TL7!
I too didn't know this folder existed. How wonderful to be able to relish the triumphs of this challenging recovery experience. Your triumphs sound fantastic! CONGRATULATIONS. It's nice to get that notch on the anxiety belt when you realize you can now do things that were once challenging. I'm so happy for you. You sound like you took on many things that used to make you anxious and are now doing them. What an exciting life to be learning from. I liked what someone said the other day on one of the posts....someone asked, "When will i feel like myself again?" The response was, "You won't. You will feel 100X better than that." You're post here is reflective of someone well on their way. Congrats again!
-peacewithin

You know whats funny? I'm the one who said that!

Thank you for your kind words...makes me happy all over again! I feel like I can go out and conquer the world

Hi TL7!
Thats hilarious! I didn't know it was you (obviously). It's funny how everything is so connected, isn't it? Congrats again and keep up the joy. We all need to overexaggerate the joy of feeling good. I have had some down periods recently, but reading the triumph folder gets the spirits up for sure. Keep on posting. I'll be checking to see how things are going....
-peacewithin

Don't let those down periods get you down. I had some over the weekend..just call me miss moody. But, like you, coming on here especially this board lifted me right up Its amazing how someone elses mood can change yours in a heartbeat.

There was an email going around about how smiles are contageous...maybe ill look for it and post it. Really makes you think.

Have a great day!

I am very happy to report that I, too, am doing MUCH BETTER! I just completed Lesson 15 and all of the evaluations over the weekend. Much better scores compared to Lesson 1.

I went out and got a new job--one that's out in the world. I am working at a fabric store. Started out part-time, but will be starting full-time on Wednesday. It's wonderful! I have been a self-employed seamstress, working at home for the last fifteen years. I'm still doing that, but I needed to get back out with PEOPLE! Sitting and sewing gives me too much time to think. Also, with my new job, I get benefits--paid holidays, vacations, sick leave, medical insurance, etc. etc. Life is looking up in so many ways!

I feel better than I think I ever have. I've always had anxiety--as long as I can remember. I have suffered with depression for a long time, too. Oh, yes, that's the other accomplishment! I have been taking Paxil CR since July, 2003. I am now off of that totally.

Gotta get some sewing done. Wanted to share my joy.

Hi DRG!
CONGRATULATIONS! Wow, you must feel wonderful. I am on Lesson 6 and know there's a lot of peaks and valleys ahead as I face the challenge of facing the anxiety. However, so far so good. I am very thankful to hear of someone who is now living a life better than before. What inspiration!
Good luck at your new job!

TL7,
Thanks for your words of encouragement. I am trying not to let any of my moods get me down. Afterall, the manuer makes things grow.
That was my tactful attempt at describing what image comes to mind with regards to a bad mood. I think my spelling was off, but you get the idea.

CONGRATULATIONS DRG!!!!!! I hope you don't mind I sent you an email...not regarding this though

Peace~~ Hey no problem and I love the way you look at it. Just might have to use that line once or twice

Tammy

Congratulation to both of you!!!! I can't wait to start reporitng my progress!!!!!!
It's great that you quit medication... how how r u feeling w/o paxil cr???

have a wonderful & peaceful day,

gab

Thanks! Still doing well. I survived my first week of full-time. It's different being on my feet for 7-9 hours straight. Good exercise, though. My weight has gone down six pounds in the last month. Got 15 more to go to get to my goal.

TL7--just found your e-mail. Will send you an answer shortly.

GabbyVeg--Doing okay without the Paxil CR. I have had some very strange side effects from quitting it, though. My blood pressure and pulse shot up for about four days. (Scared the heck out of me). Had dizzy spells and times when I would get up too fast from a sitting position and just fall over. Lots of twitching, mostly in my face. The pharmacist that I talked to said that this is all normal after getting off of the drug, and that I should be fine by Saturday.

Take care, everybody!