This last 2 weeks of work have been excellent opprtunities to use the skills I've been learning.
First of all, my anxiety in the morning is awful, but I pull myself out of bed and go into work anyway.I've had so many, many panics at work that it's just ridiculous! BUT, I keep telling myself, You'll get through this, it's ok to be anxious,so what if I have symptoms, I'LL LIVE.I don't have to run anymore, there is nothing to run from! I refuse to be a victim to my emotions.
I'm not going to be the exception to this condition. Gosh, LOL, I can go on, and on, and on, and on, and on...Well,you get the idea.LOl
This is kinda funny. There is a girl at my job who does not like me at all. Why? I don't know. I've never done anything to her.It's like Lucinda says, Some people just aren't going to like you no matter what you do.I've been nothing but nice to this person who does not like me.Then, I thought to myself, why in the heck am I trying so hard?
So, I just stopped..This person is NOT worth the effort. It seems like this girlis trying so, so, hard to make me angry.She purposely bumps into me, ( she does not say excuse me)
ignores me when I talk to her, and keeps sending me these looks that could kill.At first this really bugged me.Then I thought, this is HER problem,I am not going to let her get to me, there are other people here who do like me and I like them, I'm just going to my work and ignore her.THANK GOD for Lucinda!! Taking the less effected attitude really, really does work. Ok, here's the funny part...The more I stay less effected, ( and it shows)the more angry and upset this girl gets with me. I will NOT give her the satisfaction. I walk out of there with my my head held high!!!! WOW!

Hi Sky,

You are doing great! Isn't it wonderful to see the light at the end of the tunnel? We have to keep going no matter what.

Just to let you know....I had a similar situation at work. There were two girls there who gave me the cold shoulder from day one. When I walked by, they would obviously stop talking. And if looks could kill...I'd be long gone. It got so bad at one point that I wanted to quit. They would start up conversation with me and then no matter what I would say, they would have some uncomfortable comment. It was awful! They seemed to do anything they could to make my job more difficult. I eventually stopped trying to make them like me - it was not going to make any difference.

Well....this went on for about three years. I just held my head up high and went about my business. I have no idea what the turning point was but all of a sudden they started warming up to me - it was very strange. This continued for the four years to come and it actually got to the point where I started going out socially with them on occasion. We are now casual friends and I had often debated whether I should confront them and ask them why they treated me like they did. But then a new person came into the office and they started the same treatment with her. So you see.....it really was THEIR problem and had nothing to do with me or the new girl. Of course this new girl is getting extra attention from me because I know what this all feels like .

So you are right not to take it personally and to raise your head high - you are a worthwhile person and it is this girl who has a strange problem. Isn't it kind of fun to NOT let her affect you??

Thanks for your post - it is very inspiring. Sue



[This message has been edited by Sue (edited 03-12-2001).]

Way to go, Sky! Sounds like you are doing well. Its great to read that you are looking at anxiety-causing situations as practice opportunities. How we perceive events really makes a difference in how we respond. And just think -- that girl at your place of work is missing out on meeting a warm, sensitive, creative, analytical, etc. person!!!! She just doesn't know what she's missing!

Thank you guys for the responses!!!
Sue, you're right,we have to learn how to not to situations/people personally. It really is their problem.
I can relate to what you went through at your job. It seems like when you're new people aren't real crazy about you and they have a tendency to pick on the new kid.I'm glad they are nicer to you now.I'll bet they feel stupid now about their prejudgement of you.
Yes!!! It's a lot of fun stay less effected! I see and feel the rewards of it!!!
It's a great feeling!!
Moutaingirl, Thank you!! I think you're right about our perception of anxiety/panic.
My therapist even says that you can always, always change your perception at any time.
I really think that's the trick in beating this condition.
You've become such a pal to me...Thank you for the kind words. You and the people here are such an inspiration to me..I truly thank you all from the bottom of my heart.