hello peony:
I think that walking group sounds like a GREAT idea. The fact that it is a "drop in with no regular commitment" should make
it easier for you to attend knowing that there is less pressure on you to commitment on a long term basis. I think you
should do the walking thing because exercise makes us feel better too, it releases all those good feeling chemicals in
our bodies. Like adrenaline, cortisol, endorphins ? Hey, if walking is on Thursday, don't wait until NEXT week, go on
the walk tomorrow ! Spontaneous always works better for me than planning too far in advance. But of course you must
do what is comfortable for you and you must go on the walk when you are in a somewhat good mood and ready for
the challenge, not on a really crummy day where things are not going right.
I am working on Session 8 also and it is a Session that I can totaly relate to. I have learned that doing things
spontaneously really does work out sometimes for the better and it creates less anticipatory anxiety. But some things
still have to be planned in advance in order to get then taken care of. For example, I know that I have to go over to
my elderly mothers house to help her out the next two days. I am not having anticipatory anxiety about the visit
because I have learned to just "go with the flow" while I am over at her place. If she wants to go somewhere and do
something, we will. If she does not feel well, we will stay home. I am basically there to keep her company and to
help her run her errands. I also know that a week in advance I am going to attend the church service. I have lessened
my anticipatory anxiety over participating and attending the church activities by knowing that at any time I can
just leave if I want to and I would not have to feel badly about leaving if I had to. I drive myself to the church so I
always have my own transportation to come and go. If I want to ONLY attend the church service that is an option,
I DON'T have to participate in the bible class or go out to "brunch" if I don't want to. I don't have to give any long
winded excuses to the other folks if I don't want to attend, I just have to say " I cannot attend the bible class today",
or " I will not be able to join you for the "brunch" this morning".
The longer you work towards your recovery and the longer you work on the program, the more confidence you will
have on making those painting and planting decisions. I think you are doing great and are making so much progress !
Just coming here to share and to participate is a big step.
Wishing us a great summer and a Happy Mother's Day ( well, I am not a Mother myself, but I have my own mother
to celebrate with, plus I have a sister and a niece that are mothers ).
Lynda Lu