I'm into session 7, and don't feel like i'm doing as well as i should be. I am still very anxious when driving, or even being in a car. Am I expected too much too soon. I'm doing the homework, audio's, exercise, trying to eat right, but still feel down and out alot. As a matter of fact, the anxiety about driving has gotten worse since starting the program. Anyone else feel this way. And what happens if we get to session 15 and still don't feel good. Help me, please!!!

Hi Rhonda,

Please try to keep and open mind. You are into week 7. Did you miss the stuff on page 1-16? Slow your roll. Stop and smell each rose. Is it more important to stick to the regimen of doing each session each week or getting better with each moment, that then rolls into the day and meanders into the week and then to the next week? We live in a world of instant gratification that only leads to stress and more of it. Lower your own stress.

If the course is to teach you to handle stress, why are you placing such pressure on yourself to be performance oriented? Whatever it takes? Who cares, if it takes you a month to get through a week or 2 of material? Who is monitoring your progress? It is what you get out of it that helps you make good progress that matters. Well isn't it?

Here you are in week 7, and are still so negative when there is nothing but positive messages loaded in the work books, that help you become and overcomer, and you are just beating yourself up. Chill Out! If you keeping put yourself to the torture rack, for this stuff, you will surely not feel better at any time whether its week 15 or week 1000.

I don't tell you this stuff to make light of your particular disorder issue, just to change your approach toward following through with the course. The course has many pearls of wisdom in it, but if you rush through dear, you will miss out on the beauty of the program. Slow your roll. Don't worry, be happy. Don't you deserve to be happy? Say it loud. I DESERVE TO BE HAPPY! Again, and mean it! Again, and mean it!

We have so much pressure just getting from day to day, and yet, when it comes to saying and eating happy words of self encouragement, we deny ourselves the pleasure and joy that can bring us. Focus on the positive, and move forward at your own pace. It will be so much more rewarding and full filling. Now, leave your plate clean, but chew slow, enjoy every bite, and savor it. Then the next spoonful, and the next....

Close your eyes. Breathe in and out, and gain control over all you do. You are in control of what you think, what you eat, what you speak, and everything else about you.

I posted something very similar on another thread, that has to do with what we take in and how we should look at the experience as an analogy of us going through a shopping experience. I think you will be able to relate to that. Keep you eyes open, and shop for the best stuff that suits your taste.

http://bbs.stresscenter.com/ev...?r=93910727#93910727

Before you, is laid out a smorgasbord of stuff, it is your choice what you will buy, try and eat. But be open to new ways of looking at things, and see if, after you got a good tasting, it is to your liking, if not, just spit out and move on.

Don't worry, be happy!

Gman I LOVE your positive attitude just wanted to say thanks for the post
Tracie

Hi TracieE,

Thank you, I hope that it is a blessing to Rhonda as well. It is not a lot to do, but you do have to do. Before I rise, no matter how bad I feel, I thank the Lord for protecting and bring me to this glorious new day, and I praise Him for the new day. I then sit up and meditate and pray for all the friends and loved ones that are in my life and that includes people here. I am very close to the Lord and my prayers do not take me but a minute or 2. Then I rise.

The Lord has me doing a new dance too, before I step out. I have nerve damage and I can hardly walk, but I can do this. I shake and wiggle my legs as fast as I can before I make my move to step out as I sing the following, check this link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v...m1iA&feature=related

It has a beat that you can march to, and there I go marching off to start my day. I swear I do this everyday. My wife thinks I'm crazy, but she has seen a huge positive improvement in my attitude, so you can't argue with success. It works.

When your mind says you can't; you speak it out to your mind and body, yes I can, and then do. Speak it, hear it, believe it, then act on it. Just do it! Then march off into your day and keep that attitude going. When or if you hit a low point remember this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v...m1iA&feature=related

Keep on keeping on. The operative word in positive self talk is Speak. So speak it so you can hear it!

Maybe folks don't like this song, well, think of a snappy type marching song. Think of yourself as a soldier off to do battle against you main enemy, anxiety and depression. So act and march like a soldier. Private, I can't hear youuuuu!!! See if there is something you like and can learn fast here:

http://www.youtube.com/results...=marching+songs&aq=f

You get the picture. Make it fun and laugh at your anxieties, then you can capture and maintain that: Don't worry, be happy attitude.

Give it a try. What do have to lose? In no time you will be reflecting this new attitude and everything will be coming up roses.

Now go out, and just do it!

Don't hate me because I am ugly and the Lord loves anyway. Remember, He is a dog catcher. Don't worry, be happy, and it will flow right back to you.

G-man...Never say that you are ugly....We are made in the image of God....And, He created each and every one of us in His image....I think you are a wonderful human being, and you are a great inspiration to me!!!!!! Keep up the good work...

I, also, am very proud of the way that you humbled yourself to apologize to Lauren and Halley...I think that shows the love of God shining through you...It really made me warm on the inside...Another example of the bravery you manifested, except in this case; you went all out to allow everyone to see the real you....I really admire your humility, and all the ways you have inspired many on this forum....I am sure God is smiling down upon you. I want you to know that you have helped me to see things in
in a new light...And, I thank you from the depths of my heart!!!!! May God Continue to Bless You is My Prayer!!!!!

Hi Rhonda,

I am on lession 4 now. What you and I have to do is difficult. The biggest thing you can do is "stay in the moment", do not think of anything past or present. In the lesson, this saying is sooooo true: If you keep on doing what you have been, then you'll keep getting what you've got"!! That is so true!! Use the tapes and if you can, buy a sound machine. Maybe the ocean, bird singing, water babbling. Then breathe in....count to 4, then breathe out counting to 5. This will relax your mind. Also, learn to like yourself!!!!

Hope that helped.....Strikingly :-)