Hi. My name is Carol and I'm new to the program. I was doing fine -excited about the program. I went on a hike this morning and when I came home my mood just turned very hopeless. I sat around all day which led to even more depression. My mind went crazy reminding me of every bad decision I've made in my life. Guilt overwhelmed me. I'm sad and can't snap out of it. What am I doing wrong? Or what am I NOT doing that could help the situation?

Carol,

Baby steps and one week of Lucinda at a time will
get you through this. Make sure you are doing the relaxation tape and the workbooks.

Ginger808 - Don't get discouraged, be patient. What session are you on? Session three gets you started in replacing some of those negative thoughts that come up. Start journaling these thoughts and try to replace them. The hopelessness comes from thinking that what you do won't make a difference. It's not true - your distorted thinking is telling you this. We all have some setbacks so don't let this discourage you. I've gone thru the program three times now and I'm glad I had the patience to do this. My setbacks are now fewer and farther in between. The program brings up the fact that we need to deal and not dwell. It shows you how to do this, and if you keep up with the workbook assignments you'll see a big improvement. It doesn't happen over night and does take effort.

Ginger - I just noticed you were on session 1. I have a feeling you will begin to feel a lot better when you've completed session three. Hang in there- it does get better.

Just started the program. I don't seem to have the blue cards Lucinda talks about in DVD nor do I have a "Workbook." Is the Workbook the same as Guidebook?

The Guidebook is the Workbook. You should have gotten one small card for each session. If you didn't receive them try calling the center. They are small laminated index size cards for daily use so that you can carry them around with you.

Ginger,

It's normal when you start the program to feel the way you do...you are beginning to think about all of the things that got you to where you are. You have already lived it through and they are just memories now. It is time to confront and deal with them. They are not so big and ominous. You can do it! All of us who have done the program began right where you are today. It gets easier each week. Don't quit. We have all made mistakes and done things we wish we hadn't....we all feel the pain and the guilt and grief of our past. It will pass. This program brings you to the precious present moment and in my experience there is no better place! Stay with us on the journey to freedom...it becomes quite enjoyable!!

God bless.

Dianelynn

Thanks to all of you who responded. I did journal my feelings on the day I was so depressed, and I began to realize that every thought that was going through my mind was a negative thought. That was a revelation for me. I knew I was a negative person, but when I actually put it down on paper it became real! Now I'm prepared to move on to Session 2.