Stress Center Peer Support

I have recently been debating about starting my own business with home and garden party. I suffer with agoraphobia and of Gad and panic attacks, I have the program and have done it twice. I am really interested in doing this, but I am very nervous, especially about the traveling and the added responsibility and putting myself out there. I know it's a good opportunity and I need some extra money, but I am just so concerned about my condition and not being able to handle it and freaking out in front of everyone. I dont want my fears to make my decisions for me, but I am just a little skeptical about starting something like this at this time in my life. I have had to struggle with everyday things like going to the store and all that and it has been a lot worse in the the last year. I know it would be good for me, and I think it would probably benefit me in the long run, especially with the agoraphobia, just was hoping someone could give me some insight. Thanks.

Do you really like the products? Could you look at this as excitement like Lucinda says instead of nervousness or anxiety. It's a new year. Step out and try something new. Don't be afraid. We'll be here to encourage you if this is what you really want. Face your fears. You've hid in the house long enough. Listen to your relax tape every day. Post on here everyday. Read other forums about fears and overcoming. You can do this. You are strong and will get stronger as you step out in faith. God bless you in your new business.

I agree with Barb. And I sympathize. I recently agreed to become an independent consultant with Mary Kay. The excitement is weird, and somewhat uncomfortable--but even inviting people to my first party boosted my confidence and it has been an interesting learning experience.

Blue skies.

I would say give it a try.....you cant say you dont like it till you try. My advice to you is to host your first party with freinds that you know so that you dont feel the "pressure" and build up some confidence. Use your freinds as a jumping off point to get your feet wet so to speak.

I think its great that even in the face of your fear you are willing to give it a go....thats a huge success and you make sure you are giving yourself the praise you deserve.

Remember you are in control...you can handle this. Good luck to you and I wish you great success.

Dodger

Hi There,

Before I knew I had a disorder and ocd I endeavoured on an incredible path- I made a decision to go to school.. I went into major debt and I even walked through a very thick anicipatory anxiety wall and got my first job in the profession. My point is I was suffering bad in my head but it all worked out, I can appreciate it as a huge accomplishment.. looking back Im glad i did it..

Jump in sista! have faith in yourself, trust your decisions.. you have the tools- use them, re-start the program! if you can read from Panic to Power- its a great tool all around! and dont forget to positive what ifs- what if I do this and am extremely successful? what if I make the change and meet a great business partner and we become a good team? what if my business takes off? what if I learn a lot?

Make a long list. I also have posted a scripture I received today (I am not religious but enjoy these..)I think it suits you completely!

Today's Scripture

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

As a follower of Christ, you are a new creation! You have a new spirit, a new walk, a new life! Are there “old” things in your life that you are trying to get rid of? Maybe you have old behaviors or addictions that you want to change. Remember, the new has come. It’s a new year and it’s time to be the new you. Let this year be the year you break old habits and addictions. Let this be the year that you move forward into a new life of victory. And your new life includes all the spiritual blessings the Lord has promised in His Word. You have a promise of peace. Health. Protection. Provision. Be encouraged today and know that no matter what is happening in your life right now, you can embrace the new life God has prepared for you. Make the choice today to leave the old behind—leave behind old behavior, old thinking, old words. Embrace the new by faith and you’ll move forward into the life of blessing the Lord has in store for you.

A Prayer for Today

Heavenly Father, thank You for making me new. Help me to understand Your plan for me so that I can fully embrace Your promises. I choose today to leave behind the old life and ask that You empower me by Your spirit today. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

I hope this helps, his website is <A HREF="http://www.joelosteen.com" TARGET=_blank>www.joelosteen.com</A>

good luck and keep in touch!

p.s. I will type a small part of from Panic to Power below that is related to your problem:

page 100: 'FROM PANIC TO POWER'- Lucinda Basset:

"A man named Mark came into group once to talk about a job offer. it was a job he had always wanted, but he was hesistant to accept the offer.
'what are you waiting for' I asked him.
'I want to wait until I feel less anxious' he said.
' But you are not going to feel less anxious until you step through the wall of fear. Why dont you just take the job, let yourself experience all the feelings of anxiety and realize that you can do it anyway? push yourself through the wall and do whatever it is you want to do in spite of the feelings of fear and anxiety. Then you'll relize that you survived and it wasnt as bad as you thought. And you'll have such a feeling of accomplishment!'

Mark did it. He took the job and stepped through his wall of anticipatory anxiety. When he returned group the next week we asked him how it went.

'My first day was a challenge' he said. 'my heart pounded, I broke out in a sweat, I thought for sure I was goinbg to have a heart attack and didnt think I could make it until 5:00 but I did! each day got easier.'

Two months later, Mark had no more anxiety about his job. He was much stronger than before and he felt very proud of himself. He had learned that you cannot put the cart before the horse. You have to take the first step anxiety and all and then allow the fear to dissipate. It doesnt work the other way around."

I think this may help you and dont forget lesson 2- give yourself permission. I KNOW everyone and i mean EVERYONE has these feelings of anxiety, especially during change, IT IS NATURAL!

Wow, wonderful advice! I think I just needed a little push in the right direction. I know I should do it, but of course the fear is holding me back. But if I always let fear rule my decisions, I will never accomplish anything. Thanks for all your wonderful and encouraging insight and advice. Maybe I can actually do this!! And thanks so much Maggie for the scripture. That's exactly what I needed. Thanks a bunch..

Just wanted you to know that this might just be the affirmation you need. I too am a very anxious person, but one of the best things I ever did for myself was to join a Home Decorating Party Company. The parties were fun and I was praised for my creativity. Most of these companies also offer sales meetings which boost your confidence and teach you new skills in communication and self motivation. I say GO FOR IT! Another Barb

I don't know that I can be of much help other than I can tell you you're not alone. For years I have wanted to start my own nonprofit but I am so scared that with my condition I will have issues that will affect my ability to be successful. I think this is something we all deal with, but especially people who have elevated anxiety like us!

Keep praying and keep believing in yourself. God would not give us the ideas and the drive if it wasn't meant for us to do, don't you think?

blueskies and Barbara K and everyone,

if you want to keep on writing on this, i am definately interested. i am getting a mix of encouragement and discouragment from a close family member and it's tough. The encouragment has helped to keep me focused and Maeggie's positive questions were really helpful, too.