One More Step

[Hot Rod]

Hey, Everyone! I've been away for a bit but, this time for a good reason.. I actually went on a little vacation! (gasp!) I didn't go far but that wasn't the point. I WENT somewhere, for 3 days and two nights. Which sometimes bothers me. I also had a massage, which, believe it or not, in the past has been problematic for me. My weird anxiety tells me that the massage will release some kinds of toxins in my body and will somehow make me feel weird afterwards and there I will be, all far away from home, feeling funky with nothing to do for it. So, I've always refrained. Not this time! And... its was soooo nice. Kinda wierd letting some strange guy rub all over me but it certainly was relaxing. Sure I had some anxiety while I was there but, on the whole, I did great! Now, where to find the money to go again?? lol

Has anyone watched the documentary on anxiety called, "Anxious" on the Discovery Health Channel? I missed it the first go 'round but just caught it this past weekend. I didn't learn anything new but it was certainly reassuring seeing other people out there struggling with the same thing. What I DID glean from it was the reminder that it is critical to get out there and face the fears.

Most days I feel that the stress of work and home are about all I can handle and I am so reluctant to add yet more strife and struggle. However, I do know that the only way to the other side is THROUGH the fear.

So, my goals for next week:
continue relaxation every day. It's starting to pay off
Do some type of driving exercise every week. I've noticed that the longer I put it off the more difficult it becomes

See you guys on the freeway! (well, at least for a couple of exits!)

[forever young 06]

hot rod great job any facing is a positive thing we have to keep trying I got out tonight with my hubby did some back roads didn;t do the parkway was actually running out of time I guess I am making excuses like you said the only way thru panic is straight thru you can not wish it away I have tried it or rationalize it explain it none of that works you have to learn to not be afriad of the panic I have a situtation where I may have to go to another town for a drug test it is causing me anxiety out of my safe zone I need to start now trying to drive to that town by myself it scares the heck out of me my anxiety has increased because of this I need to work thru this not back off I am tired of this controling my life it has been too many years it does feel better in some ways to stay in my own areas but then when something arises bang what do you do embarress your self that is the biggest fear what will they think of me hope all have a good week

[jillzmind]

Way to go HotRod Mama! You did alot. I am proud of you I think you faced some biggies, being away and letting a stranger touch you? I mean it wasn't even Sawyer ?! haha Good on ya for getting out there and kicking anxiety bootay!

Today was a good one it was the first time Rob and I have been to church together in almost a year! We took that late night drive to the parking lot but not to actual Sunday service. This morning we did. I drove there okay and on the way back I panicked a bit and had to skip going to the store so that annoyed me a bit but not enough to let it take away my excitment of church. And then why he was doing homework this afternoon I took another trip almost 11 miles round trip to check out AGAIN where this oral surgeons office is. I couldn't find it and I didn't panic and I even tried some streets that I hadn't been down in ages and it was nice to see them again. It was like seeing an old friend. Sunday's are really such excellent practice driving days since the roads are less busy and you don't feel rushed. It was nice to get out and I am proud that I went for it. It seems like I fail if I spend too much time talking about my plan or analyzing it to death. Like Nike's slogan says "Just Do it!"
It felt really good to be my own best friend today and get out there and give myself some extra TLC and patting on the back.
Kicked some anxiety butt today and it feels
awesome !!!!
J~

[forever young 06]

jillz I remember having the problem going to church too I didn't go for a year I started the imipramine and finally started feeling better and going back to town and then church I took the drive up there with my husband he is my safe person but I know that I need to learn to be my safe person.

I have a dilmea now where I may have to drive to a town 12 miles away one way for a drug test it is randam drawing I may get picked and I may not but that just increases my anxiety and then I start feeling anxious all the time if a person is not careful it will grow in to other areas I am proud of you your making progress it takes taking risk and the natural is wanting to make ourselves safe I guess the best thing for me to do is start working on that road I am going to my daughters for supper tonight today is my birthday don't want to ruin it just enjoy and let her spoil me but what I was thinking drive up that road a little ways and slowing increasing the distance till I get there yikes I don't want to face it but I need to wish me luck and happy practicing to all hope today is a good day gotta get ready for work

[Kay Pierson]

Wow that is great this post came at a good time we are leaving Monday July 5 dor 4 days about 200 miles away I love going to the amish community we have a great hotel booked I keep telling myself this is going to be so relaxing but aty the samt time I feel a little anxiety about going will let you no next week how things went.

[jillzmind]

I remembered about half way thru my day yesterday that no matter what I was going to shower shampoo and shine each day, whether I had somewhere to go or not. So I jumped outta the jammies and cleaned up and I felt soooo much better the rest of the night. I even did my makeup to go check mail haha..got a little carried away but it felt good.

J~

[forever young 06]

keep at it jillz, i need to take my own advice I want to start driving to a different town thought I would have gotten to monday nite but didn't I may just drive that way this afternoon after work it is so easy to do nothing stay in the same rut you see as long as I do that I am not anxious got to get motivated

[SeaRunner]

Hi all -

I realize I haven't posted in a while but I wanted to let you know I was still here. Things have been pretty rough for me lately and I didn't want to bring anyone down. But I suppose this is when I should be posting the most. I've got to keep positive!

I do want to congratulate you all on all the great achievements you have been making. There's a lot of progress going on here and it's so important to recognize it. This condition is relentless if left unattended so all our constant hard work is so important. Great job, all!

Jamie

[jillzmind]

You Rock Jamie !!! Never forget it
You have helped me many times with your
good sound advice. Thanks so very much for being here on the boards.

Jill~

[SeaRunner]

Thanks so much, Jill. I'm so glad we have this forum where we can reach out to other people. It's been a Godsend many times over. This community is made up of so many strong, creative, caring, and talented people. It's no wonder that we can do so much when we band together.

We all have the inner strength to overcome so many of the obstacles in our lives. But too often we don't realize it until someone else points it out to us. We tend to get overwhelmed by the moment and are not able to see things as a whole. It's so fortunate that this site offers us a place to share with each other. The encouragement, motivation, support, empathy, and sense of belonging are invaluable.

Jamie