Hello everyone. I suppose you could say I'm easing my way into the program. I listened to Session 1 a few days ago with my mom and have done the relaxation cd a few times. [I always fall asleep when I do the relaxation cd. Is that ok? Or should I try harder to keep myself awake?]
I am going back to school today... I have been home on Thanksgiving break from college. This semester has been the hardest semester of my life. Not school/class wise, but socially/emotionally mostly. It's been so hard to literally have a bad day, everyday since August. I've been down before, but never like this. I'm ready to be over this! Looking back on my life I realize, too, that I have been so afraid of so many things (well, people mainly) and it has held me back a lot. I don't want to be like that anymore! I really hope and pray that this program will help me get back at least to my old self again before this HORRIBLE 4 month stint, if not BETTER than before!
I'm worried about staying committed. There are other things that I have started all hyped up about, and in a few days/weeks it just fades and I stop doing it. I CAN'T let that happen with this program! I need change TOO bad!
I wonder... is there any type of accountability group on here? I would love it if I had someone to check in with each day or every couple of days to make sure I'm doing my very best on this program.

Also, does anyone have any extra tips for the program? What works, what doesn't work? Anything you've found to make the routine easier and most doable?

Well, I think that is it! THANKS!!

Hi Meg.
So glad to meet you and so glad you found this program. It is wonderful that the relaxation cd is relaxing you enough that you fall asleep, I think that is fantastic. Feel blessed. It is doing it's job, you are definitely relaxing. I have listened to it alot at bedtime to help me fall asleep.
Hang in there, this program is wonderful, and do not give up. This program will help you so much and in so many ways. It teaches us the life coping skills, we all need. Make it a priority, but customize it to fit into your lifestyle. And yes it is ok, to ease into it, do it at your pace, but just keep doing it, don't stop. It will change your life, only for the better. It's not an overnight fix, and its not easy. It takes time, committment and work. But it is worth it all, I assure you. Listen anytime you need a friend, just send me a private message ok. I will be glad to listen to your challenges and progress as you go thru this program. That is what we are here for to help each other.
Your New Friend
Angla

Keep it simple, Meg. Keep in mind that everything we do is only in this moment, a day at a time, if you will.......also, the falling asleep thing?, I still do,at times, when I meditate. Especially if I am laying down. Go figure! It took me quite a bit of practice in meditating before I could understand the benefits of it. I'm glad I didn't give in to my anxiousness.
How about a big note on your bathroom mirror reminding you to stay in today, along with a list of your program goals for today?
Steve

Hi, my family has been doing the program for about three and a half weeks and it is very well laid out. Just make a commitment to yourself to feal better and follow through. Sign the contract that came with the program if that helps. My nine year old has been unable to go to school for two months because of his social anxiety. We went today and after a rough start it went surprisingly well. With some effort and practice it will work. I'm sure you can find all the support you could ever want here