I first started using the program on my own about 3 years ago. The program had helped me for a while. I had anxiety and depression. In addition, I have been a suffer of IBS since I was a young girl (lactose intolerance was the first digestive problem I had to live with) and to be honest, in the beginning, it was difficult to accept. Eating out was such a hard thing for me to do, that every time I would eat out, I would just drink water. Cooking at home was expensive because I had to purchase wheat-free products, which were very pricey. Having IBS was one of the main problems in dealing with my anxiety and panic attacks, because I felt like I was always having to go to the bathroom, and I would not be able to survive without one close by. I would become so anxious with "what-if's". My anxiety became so bad that I refused to leave the house. As a result, I started developing social anxiety disorder.
I was still experiencing major problems after completion of the program, so I talked with my doctor. My physician wanted me to speak with a counselor, which had never helped me in the past. I needed additional support, so the next year I went through the coaching program. It was a bit expensive, but well worth it. And, I liked how I was being helped by someone who had "been in my shoes" in experiencing anxiety and depression. My biggest problems were social anxiety, low self-esteem, and panic attacks. Being a full time college student at the time, talking to new people was always frightening for me. I had a wonderful coach, and I finished the program. I use the coping skills that I learned every chance I get. I felt like I had finally started to uncover the "real me" that was underneath all of the anxiety and depression. I have enjoyed finding out more about myself, and it is much easier to start conversations with complete strangers than it was before! A few months after finishing the program it was discovered that a close family member had cancer. It was a very emotionally exhausting time, but using what I had learned in the program, I had a positive outlook and it never once crossed my mind with the what if thinking, like, "what if that were me? what if I HAVE cancer and I just don't know?!" Had it not been for Lesson 8 (What-if Thinking), I would have been a nervous wreck. My family member is now in remission, so I am very happy with that news. A few months later however, cancer had taken the life of my best friend. I was proud of myself that I had managed to control my depression during that time because I had lost a life long friend to such a painful, horrible cancer. Thanks in huge part to the program, I no longer live in the past, and if I do take a look back on my memories, I never think back to the "negative, depressive times". I look back on the happy memories that make me laugh and smile. Life decided to throw me another challenge. Recently I was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder. My family had taken notice of my changing mood swings, and it was affecting my relationships with everyone. My Doctor said it was BPD, and it was recommended that I see a Psychiatrist. I know this is a life-long disorder, but I am still going to carry the same determined, defiant, positive attitude as I did when completing the program.
I have learned and grown so much as a result of using this Program. I have learned that a huge part of life is about the choices we make. It is a long, winding road, with many turns, hills, bumps, and ruts. What makes this road more mysterious, is that we have no idea what may be around the corner, nor are we able to clearly see what lies up the road ahead of us. I chose to follow a path of acceptance of who I am as a person, on the inside, as well as out, and face the hurdles and realistic expectations of life. I wanted to help myself for the better. No matter how hard life seems, you have the choice to make a change, no matter how big or small, it will make a difference, one way or the other. If it is one lesson I take with me everyday, it is that no matter what happens in life, everything happens for a reason, and it's up to you to decide how to react. Life is full of accomplishments, and I do my best to celebrate every little one, every single day.