Hi - I just thought I would post a word of encouragement to all of you out there who are working on avoidances and limitations. I have my good days and my bad days in terms of going out in public, but I feel like I'm making some progress. It really does take time and slow baby steps. It also helps to remember "Don't let a bad day scare you."

This past week I went to a staff meeting at work for the first time since coming back from medical leave. I was pretty nervous and my stomach was queasy through about half of the meeting, but I did manage to sit through it! Yesterday, I went to a furniture store with my husband. I felt slightly nervous but I managed to keep things under control and actually enjoyed the outing and was able to stop at a garden center, too.

Today hasn't been so great - I felt anxious about going to church because my stomach was more queasy this morning. I went anyway and sat through the service, but I felt a little tearful when I returned home because I felt all of those anxious feelings again. I just keep trying to remind myself that it is okay to feel the anxious feelings - and a tough day today doesn't mean tomorrow will be the same. I hope not - I have to meet a job candidate plus go to a meeting with my boss!

I view my symptoms as my body's way of telling me when its had enough. I do this because I know I am bad about gaging or anticipating my limits, sometimes.

For example, the other day, I received a call to do something I really didn't want to do, but had to do. Because I had a ton of other things to do, my body started feeling weird. Shallow breathing led to feelings of bewilderment and queasiness. So, I asked myself, "Self, do we really want to do this with everything else we have to do?" And my self replied, "Rather not." So, I called the friend back and made other arrangements. She was totally fine with it.

So, for me, I've turned the feelings into a positive for myself. I listen to myself and recognize I'm not a superhuman. I have my limits and I'm much happier when I don't exceed them.

Best,
Zair

Carolina
Congrats . . . kudos . . . way to go! Sounds like you did great at the staff meeting! Did you feel more empowered afterwards?

Thanks for the reminder that a bad day doesn't mean we have to have a bad week, or month, etc.

How did the meeting with your job candidate and your boss go?
Patti

Hi Patti - Thanks for the encouragement. The meeting with the job candidate went very well. I didn't feel anxious at all - I actually felt pretty normal so I'm taking that as a sign that I'm making progress. The meeting with my boss didn't take place because he had the flu. It reminded me that everyone has days when they don't feel well and have to cancel meetings and appointments - if I have to do so one day because I'm anxious it really isn't such a big deal!

Carolina,
You're welcome! And how great that you were so calm meeting with the job candidate! I'd say you are definitely growing! I really like your "it isn't such a big deal" attitude! I sense big growth in the wings for you, Carolina!
Thanks for sharing
Patti

Hi I have made it to lesson 8. I have a couple of quetions for a season ed member. I have a spacey feeling alot. It is usually worst in the morning . This has been very discourging to me .I never know how long it is going to last a day a week a month . Has anyone else had this I keep thinking may be this is a medical problem. Also inthe homework what does it mean to write down your goals? Is it stuff like exercise today go to store etc. Thanks Vicky