One More Step

SeaRunner · Post by **SeaRunner** » Thu May 27, 2010 6:16 pm

Like many of you, I've suffered from anxiety, panic, and depression for many years. And again, like all of you, I've had enough. I'm ready to be free of these burdens and am not going to let them take the joy out of my life. I've made much progress in my recovery but I still have a long ways to go.

So many times I've had setbacks where I feel overwhelmed and paralyzed as to what to do next. When that happens, I know I need to make a plan and take some action. It doesn't have to be extraordinary, just something that keeps me moving the the right direction. So I thought it would be useful and empowering to have a place where we can share a goal for the day and perhaps share how things went and what we learned.

I realize that each of us is in a different place in our recovery and so what is easy for one person may be very difficult for another. This isn't a place for judgment. So if your whether goal is to walk to the end of your driveway or to fly to Europe, each is equally valid. Want to join me?

Jamie

SeaRunner · Post by **SeaRunner** » Thu May 27, 2010 6:21 pm

I'll start:

Tomorrow I need to get in a full day of work but my "safe people" (my parents) are going out of town in the early afternoon. So my solution is to go into work several hours early so I can finish my day before they leave.

I know that I will be very tired in the early morning and that it will likely lead to anxiety and perhaps panic. But I'm going to try anyway. It never hurts to try; if things don't work out, then I'll try something else. I'll let you all know how it goes.

Jamie

SeaRunner · Post by **SeaRunner** » Fri May 28, 2010 9:29 am

So, as often is the case, things didn't work out quite to plan. I got very little sleep but was still able to get up and get into work. I was fairly edgy and ultimately began to panic about three hours after arriving. After trying to calm down for some time, I ultimately chose to pack up and head home.

While I didn't get all my hours in, I'm still proud of the fact that I tried and got something accomplished. I realize now that things don't have to be perfect to be good. I'm viewing this not as a setback but as another time that I've taken a risk and survived. So I'll keep on taking risks and things will get better.

Now I need a new goal!

Hot Rod · Post by **Hot Rod** » Fri May 28, 2010 12:15 pm

Yes, Jamie... I do want to join you. And kudos to you for being able to see the anxiety and panic for what it is... a signal that forward action needs to be taken.

I, too, have struggled for several years. And am SICK OF IT. Oddly enough, after having gone through the program about 5 times now I STILL have not developed a daily relaxation routine. Did for awhile, when I really really needed it, then got better and felt like I didn't need it anymore. This thinking has bitten me in the butt several times.

My goal for today: relax
short and sweet and simple. Just... let go and accept myself and however I am feeling.

BTW, GOOD JOB on getting in to work. It would have been easy to just not go. But, you went.

samcat · Post by **samcat** » Fri May 28, 2010 1:43 pm

My goal: My 17 year old cat has stopped eating. She has chronic renal failure and there is no cure. The vet thinks she has an infection and has given her an antiobiotic injection Wednesday afternoon. Up until this, I was doing pretty well, but I am scared that this may be the end for her. My goal is to handle this situation with less fear and be more reality based, to be able to have a peaceful attitude no matter what happens.

Good idea about writing out our goals on the forum Jamie. Sometimes it helps to see them in black and white

manofmusic · Post by **manofmusic** » Fri May 28, 2010 3:09 pm

Hey SeaRunner ! Long time no hear from ! Welcome back. I thought you ran yourself off the face of the Earth.....suit and all. LOL

Putting this stuff down makes it real. So.....

I'm in.

I find that my attacks and what I eat go hand in hand. I will from this day on, watch the caffeine, sodium, general junk food, sugar, etc etc and focus on what my body needs to run at it's best. Who knows, maybe this time next year, I'll be wearing shorts and a suit jacket and running in marathons.

I guess this means I need to stick with it now. I'm accountable.

Welcome back Jamie !

SeaRunner · Post by **SeaRunner** » Fri May 28, 2010 3:38 pm

Hot Rod -

That's a great goal and one I need to follow myself. I've also let my relaxation routine fall to the wayside. So I'll add it to my list as well. BTW, thanks for the kudos. We need all the positive reinforcement we can get!

Samcat -

I'm so sorry to hear about your cat. I sympathize with you as I lost my cat to heart disease last year. My prayers are with you. I hope you are able to enjoy the time you have left with your cat and that his/her passing is peaceful. I know that you can get through this.

ManOfMusic -

Good to be back. I've been out running around looking for a dry-cleaner for my suit, LOL! That's excellent that you've made the connection between your diet and your anxiety and are taking the initiative to correct it. Making a diet change is tough stuff so you picked a real challenge but I have faith you can pull it off.

SeaRunner · Post by **SeaRunner** » Fri May 28, 2010 3:44 pm

My new goal is for tomorrow. Both me and my partner's bicycles need some maintenance. That means driving to the shop where we bought them, which is outside my comfort zone. It also means that I'll need to stay there until they are done with the work. If we go in early, chances are that they can get things done quickly. So I plan to get up an hour before they open, get the bikes in right as they open the doors, and try to stay calm while the do the maintenance work.

If I get anxious, I'll use my coping skills. If the weather is nice, maybe I'll walk around the shopping center to burn off some steam. I can also waste some time looking at all the accessories I'd like to buy but can't afford, LOL! I know I can do this. I've done it before and I can do it again. And nothing is going to happen to me other than some potential discomfort. I'll report back as to how it all goes down tomorrow. Good luck, all!

Jamie

samcat · Post by **samcat** » Sat May 29, 2010 4:59 am

Jamie,

Thanks for your good wishes for Samantha. I am going to try to do what Carolyn recommends and exercise my emotional muscle. I am going to try to focus on the positive, take the absolute best care of her and give her plenty of TLC and if the vet is wrong and she doesn't start eating, then do the right thing for her. Of course, my husband and I will be with her all the way.

I am so sorry about your kitty. So you know this is a tough spot, but just part of life--like lesson 4 says, it isn't all good.

Hope you did well at the bike shop! You're right, all you might have is some anxiety and that isn't anything new to us. As the guy says in the Sam Obitz book, "So what?"

MOM, I am off all caffeine and sugar and it does help with the jittery feelings. Will you still be as funny though?

manofmusic · Post by **manofmusic** » Sat May 29, 2010 5:19 am

ok. Woke up this morning with a massive headache. I sat down, drank water (it's pretty humid around here) and after 20 minutes or so, I was fine. Now all I need to do is wait for the junk food headaches to begin.

samcat......most of the time truth is funnier than fiction. If my life is humourous, then I hope it helps ! LOL

I will spend today staying away from caffiene and sugar. I figure if I tackle only a couple of things at a time, it will be easier.

Actually, Jamie gave me an idea. I should buy a bike. They're actually widening a bunch of roads around here and putting in bike lanes. The way people drive around here, I should be in the hospitol in no time.

Today I will cut out the caffeine and sugar. I will also price bikes.