Hello,
Lately I've been more aware of the relationship between my thoughts and the feelings and behaviors I exhibit. For many of us lesson 3 of the program is the hardest to grasp. Yet it also serves as the backbone of this treatment program as well as any other method I've seen. If you fail to work on the thinking processes that lead you into anxiety then things will remain pretty much the same.
I originally worked the program 4 years ago with good success. At that time I took steps to overcome agoraphobia and became very well functioning again. At the beginning of this year I went through a tough time with my career life and ended up falling back into the snares of some negativity I've allowed to remain. Because I didn't deal with some beliefs I've internalized I had only accomplished scratching the surface with myself. I've come to realize that my genuine 'self' is enshrouded by a lot of negative stuff I digested and sold myself out on. It's been a long year for me working on my deeper issues but the more effort I've put forth working on my thoughts,replacing and letting go of useless beliefs I've noticed a definite improvement in my feelings and day to day functioning.
In terms of anxiety, I do still suffer from a generalized form of it. I tend to be a worrier, procrastinator and a perfectionist. But I have learned to step out of these thoughts and see them for what they are- only thoughts! It's amazing to realize that it is our thought processes that determine what we can or can't do. What is also becoming exciting for me is to realize that the same ability I have to choose my thoughts can also determine my direction as well. The more I practice with this the easier it is becoming.
It's amazing to become aware of just what it is you are thinking when you are feeling those anxiety symptoms. All it takes is one little thought and it can start a cascade of other thoughts that increase symptoms, etc. Recently, I was at work and walked outside in the brisk air. I felt chilled and when I got back inside I was dwelling on that 'chilled' feeling sensation. Then I thought "oh my gosh, what if I start shivering and it won't stop?" Then I dwelled on those feelings, expanding my focus on them, growing them. I spent the rest of the afternoon feeling stressed out by this invalid concern over what amounted to...nothing!
That's what these anxiety-thoughts are: Invalid, bad habits we get sucked into. For me I seem to get driven by more global concerns such as beliefs I can't function anywhere but in my home town. Because it'd be awful to not be home and have an anxiety attack then leaving is a no-no. Attacking these unconscious beliefs is part of my therapy, but one half of it.
the other half of my therapy has been to expose myself to feared events I imagine. Going and facing reality makes a huge difference because you then see the unreality of your thinking. It opens the door to greater change by gradually exposing oneself to a feared event, object, etc.
None of this has been easy by any means. Sometimes I was convinced I was really going nuts but then as I've come to realize this concern is just another thought it becomes easier to let it go and not be ruled by the fear. this is a matter of retraining ourselves. It takes time and if you become dedicated to your happiness and well-being then you will gradually find freedom and peace.
Power of Thinking
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Guest
Sparkus,
What a nice way to put things in perpective. Ive had the program a year and a half and still havent finished it yet. When i seem to be felling I seem to slack off the program, and then before you know it my thought process are runing away with me.Thank nyou so much for your posting, it gives all of us hope nthyings can turn around. Its really been a bad year for a lot of us in general, hopefully next year will be better. Good luck to you, or if I can be of some help fell free to email me, its on my profile. But for now Im going to focus on your posting for some relief,you know what you are talking about.
What a nice way to put things in perpective. Ive had the program a year and a half and still havent finished it yet. When i seem to be felling I seem to slack off the program, and then before you know it my thought process are runing away with me.Thank nyou so much for your posting, it gives all of us hope nthyings can turn around. Its really been a bad year for a lot of us in general, hopefully next year will be better. Good luck to you, or if I can be of some help fell free to email me, its on my profile. But for now Im going to focus on your posting for some relief,you know what you are talking about.
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Guest
sparkus,
Thank you for this posting. I needed it today. I am struggling with retraining myself to get away from monitoring my body all the time. This is the same as negative thinking. I want freedom from constant worry about my body and how I feel and if I can breathe. Thank you for this uplifting post!
Thank you for this posting. I needed it today. I am struggling with retraining myself to get away from monitoring my body all the time. This is the same as negative thinking. I want freedom from constant worry about my body and how I feel and if I can breathe. Thank you for this uplifting post!
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Guest