Where is everyone? Don't all give up on this, I thought it was such a great idea!

Anyway, I know that the only way I'm going to do this is if I have people to check in with and be accountable to and get support from. So, I woke up this morning and did the relaxation tape. I'm listening to Lesson Tape 2 right now. I plan on doing the relaxation tape twice more today, and some kind of exercise, so I'll check in under this thread tonight to say how that went.

Good luck
Lori

Just wanted to add two things:

I'm also going to try to do some journal writing every day to keep track of my anxiety. I'll check in about that, too.

Also, my goal is to be able to travel alone to visit a graduate school in a month. They offered me a free trip, and I am determined to be recovered enough to take it

Lori,

I am just starting lesson 4, so I will wait for you to catch up. I would like to spend a couple of weeks on it anyway (this is my second time around with the program) I only did it half-assed last time...2 years ago.

Chantal

Hi everyone. I am here too. I have had the best weekend. I haven't felt this good in quite some time and I owe some of that to people involved in this forum. Thanks. ~Flutterby

Hi guys, I'm here too! I listened to most of tape 2 yesterday and plan to finish it today. I am really thankful to have some other people to work the program with.
Here's to a great week! Regards, Putas

Lori:
What a great goal! Has travel been a problem for you? It has been huge problem for me. I am working on it, also. Would you share more with us about this trip when you have time? I would be interested in knowing more about you travel phobias, how far you have to go to visit the school, mode of transport you'll be using, etc. Thanks!
Let's keep up the good work this week!

Just wanted to keep up on my progress.

Well, yesterday I listened to Lesson 2, and did the relaxation tape 3 times. I felt really good, too.

Today, I listened to the relaxation tape when I woke up, and then exercised. Yay! For me, exercise is definately my biggest problem with the program. I have a *huge* phobia about it--I go into a panic almost every time I work out--and that's tough because I know it's something I have to do. It's just difficult because there is just no way to keep your heart from beating faster when you exercise, and I automatically associate a faster heart beat with anxiety. Still, I exercised this morning, and got through the anxiety that followed, and now I feel pretty good. If any of you have exercise advice, please let me know.

I'll post again tonight. This is good, it makes me feel accountable. Good luck.

Hello All: I listened to my tape 2 for about twenty minutes today -- that's better than I usually do on Mondays. Mondays are very busy for me because I work all day and then I go to chorus practice -- I sing in a local choral group. So, now I am leaving work with a little time to exercise before practice. I don't feel that I worked the program perfectly today but a little is better than none...I think a little every day will add up. Lori, sounds like you are doing great -- keep it up!! Everybody have a peaceful evening. Regards, Putas

Although I've been through the program already, I just wanted to chime in with a "way to go -- hang in there gang" greeting! The program works and you will be so pleased and so proud of yourself once you complete all of the tapes. Good luck to all of you! I will enjoy reading about your progress over the course of the next few weeks!

I have not had a chance to listen to the tape yet. I left my tape player at work over the weekend and I cannot concentrate on it when I try to listen at work. I will do my best to get it done tomorrow. I have read the workbook though . It is really really nice to know that so many people are working on the same lesson. It's nice to know that this is here!! Thank you all!! ~Flutterby

Hi Mountaingirl: Thanks for encouraging the procrastinators!

Hi flutterby: It's not too late to get started this week! I have just listened to the tape once (Sunday/Monday)- I plan to listen to the whole tape again today. I have always been very perfectionistic about listening -- I feel I need to just listen and do nothing else. But this is not very realistic considering that I have a very full life. So, this morning I listened in my car on the way to work. I do not have a tape player in my car and I can't spend the money to get one right now. So, I just used my walkman. And it was fine. I have a twenty minute drive. So that's 40 minutes of listening I can do in the car. Also, Lori inspired me yesterday and I listened to my relaxation tape this morning (Thanks Lori!). I am pretty good about doing relaxation and exercising, but the more the better!
Hope everyone has a peaceful day!
Putas

Putas,
Thanks for the encouragement. I have still not found time to listen to the tape. Suppose I should be doing that instead of posting here...right? Oh well. I will try again tomorrow. Today was stressful and busy. Can't sleep right now so here I am. I will check back in tomorrow and hopefully have better news! ~Flutterby

Well, yesterday I listened to the inital portion of the tape (up until the group discussion). I didn't get around to doing the relaxation tape, though, but I'm planning on doing that today, and reading the workbook.

One other thing I found really helpful was using the little STOP! cards included with the program. At this point, when I get anxious, all of the skills I'm learning go right out the window and I stand around helplessly trying to figure out how to make it go away. The cards are wonderful for reminding me what I should be doing, and how to get through this as soon as possible.

In fact, after passing through an anxious episode using one of the cards, I found that I felt like "my old self" for the first time in weeks. It was great.

quote:

Originally posted by putas:
Hello All: I listened to my tape 2 for about twenty minutes today -- that's better than I usually do on Mondays. Mondays are very busy for me because I work all day and then I go to chorus practice -- I sing in a local choral group. So, now I am leaving work with a little time to exercise before practice. I don't feel that I worked the program perfectly today but a little is better than none...I think a little every day will add up. Lori, sounds like you are doing great -- keep it up!! Everybody have a peaceful evening. Regards, Putas

Hi Team Leader Putas...you are inspiring us so I thought I'd reply to you.

I am very busy and cannot get on the computer more than a few times a week at home. We don't have Internet access at work...and I am working a lot for at least the next few weeks...and always work long (nature of the job). I listen to the tapes in my car...my problem is the workbook and learning the coping skills, which is obviously the key to all of this. But, you know what? Just listening is keeping a some of the basics in my mind. Today was VERY stressful at work and I knew I wasn't coping well...awareness helps. It's over and I feel exhausted but very encouraged.

Hollyb

Hi Hollyb: Yes, I can understand being super busy so I think just listening to the tapes is great. Just hop on board with the workbook when you can. I am only able to post at work right now..and I also have a very busy job so I don't have much time during the workday to post. But, I am hoping to be able to post from home within the next couple of weeks and then I am going to try to to be better about giving and requesting feedback and encouragement. We are proposing a name change for the procrastinators club since procrastinator is quite negative, so please view that post and let us know what you think about the proposed name for the group, which is "The Carpe Diem Community". Take care, Putas