The time is NOW!

[TheTimeIsNow]

Hi everyone. This is my first time writing on here. I'm in my 3rd week now. I cannot believe the difference in me already! I got to a point about a month ago where I either was going to get better or I was going to get worse. I finally decided to buy this program. I don't really know what stopped me before from ordering it. I was so excited to get it and once I received it, I started right away. I noticed a difference in the first week. I told myself, I'm going to do exactly what the program tells me to do, even if it kills me!!!! I'm so tired of living afraid. My worst regret is that anxiety has stopped me from taking my kids to so many places. One of the worst panic attacks I had was when I was driving with my daughter in the car. She was about 5 yrs. old. I just remember her looking at me trying to figure out what was going on. I was on the phone with my husband and brother in law (who is a psycologist). I was such in a state of panic that my husband had to come pick me up. She is almost 9 now. I never wanted my kids to see me like that again, so of course I started avoiding going places with them alone. I actually got to the point where I didn't enjoy anything anymore. But I've made such progress in 3 weeks. I even took my kids to a birthday party BY MYSELF IN A DIFFERENT TOWN! I never thought I could do that again. I just kept giving myself permission to have anxiety. Of course I had anxiety, I've been dealing with anxiety and panic attacks as far back as I could remember. My biggest fear is that my panic attacks will come back if I go through a stressful period. But I decided to do the coaching. I start on Tuesday and am so excited and nervous. I keep picturing her making me do things that I don't want to do. But I'm going to be positive about it and take it one day at a time. I know I have to face my fears in order to conquer them. There' no time like the present! The time is NOW! Good luck to everyone. We're all in this together. So nice to have support!

[Paisleegreen]

Welcome the time is now--Glad to have you here. You are going to meet some nice people that have gone through the same thing. It will be nice for you to have a coach or counselor. Many of us have had Panic Attacks and are afraid to drive to another town or to the store, so you are not alone. Paislee

[clw14k@gmail.com]

Way to go!! You sound like you are doing fabulous! I have a very similar story to yours...I've been avoiding things for my kids for too long! All because of my fear of panic in any place outside of my comfort zone. I finally just had enough of myself and ordered the program, and I am very excited! I was able to drive my 8 year old to her gymnastics classes on the highway, a feat I have never done! I always find other ways to go but not anymore! I really wanted to participate in the coaching sessions , but financially I am unable: (, but thats okay, we have eachother for that added support that I feel I need! Lets keep in touch, great job to you and lets get better! Yeah us!!!

[TheTimeIsNow]

Thanks for all your support. I had another breakthrough today. I went to a picnic area on the water and brought my laptop. I made myself lay on the bench and listen to the relaxation CD. I had anxiety and scary thoughts while doing it but I made myself listen to the whole CD. I figured it's only 15 min. I felt so good after I got done. I actually got so emotional because I was ok! I was looking around and the world just looked so real to me. I think this program is my answer! I will do everything the program says to do, in the order it says to do it, even if I have scary thoughts. I have to get through this once and for all. I'm starting to enjoy life already! Thank you Lord!

[westlynne56]

This was such an awsome thread to read. You all seem determined to break your negative cycles and be free.

I, too, feel so much better this week. As I mentioned in another thread, I am stunned by the number of negative thoughts I harbor now that I'm writing them down. That little spiral notebook has been my lifesaver over the past few days. I've discovered that I have re-curring negative thoughts and know that's where I need to focus to break the cycle.

The program has taught me much, is like a comforting voice when I need it. But we should all remember, it's not the program that's changing us--we're doing it ourselves and that is a VERY good thing. Let's all give ourselves a collective high five.

Happy Saturday.

Lynne

[TheTimeIsNow]

Woo hoo! High five! I agree that we are doing the work ourselves, but how great is it to have a program that guides us in what to do step by step!
I also can't believe how many negative thoughts I have a day. The only problem is that I don't have enough time in the day to write them all down. I'd be writing all day. I'm guessing and hoping that our negative thoughts will get less and less.
Have a great rest of the weekend!

[clw14k@gmail.com]

Hello all!!! I am truely enjoying this thread, I hope to continue together thru each session! I am so proud of your break thru this weekend, great job! I also had a good experience with my anxiety. I went out with some neighbors for girls night out and I was good in the car, restaurant, bar... All places I usually am filled with fear! I am tracking my negative thoughts on my iPhone instead of a spiral noebook because I always have it on me, just a thought for you guys! Have a great end to our weekend and keep those positives going!! I am really enjoying this program. Thank you God for this!!!

[westlynne56]

Excellent suggestion, tracking on cell phone and congrats for getting out for some girlfriend time. I bet you felt like a million bucks after.

I went to a movie, The King's Speach, with my husband. Don't know why that was one of my fears, maybe because I have tinnitus and was afraid the sound would...I don't know...blow my eardrums out or something!

Anyway, I went, wore earplugs, thoroughally enjoyed the show--in fact loved it and felt...liberated afterwards.

Look forward to talking to you all in week 4.

Lynne

[TheTimeIsNow]

That is a great suggestion, to use the iphone. Unfortunately, I can't do that with my phone though.

I'm truly so happy for you guys for the girls night out and the movie! I know the feeling, how difficult it is. It seems so silly and one day we'll all look back and laugh, just like the recovered people do on the audio tapes. It's so exciting. I'm learning such great tools to teach my kids as well. I just listened to week 4 and am still very excited, even though there's a lot more work to do. It's all making sense.

One day at a time....

[clw14k@gmail.com]

Thanks for the uplifting words and congrats on the movie!! I also have some weird idea about movies too, so bravo! I am only on day 4 of session 3 so I hope I don't fall behind you guys! I'm trying really hard to use positive talk with my 2 kids as well. Seems so easy to say positive things, however I am having a liitle trouble noting all my negative thoughts... Trying hard though! Talk to you guys soon!! Let's have a wonderful week!