Stress Center Peer Support

Hi, Ive been experiencing anxiety since i was in elementary school, talking in front of people, cause i had a stutter & spoke too fast. Throughout my high school & college classes I had alot of anxiety when tallking in front of the class. So when a friend of mine introduced me to marijuana at the age of 17, it sooothed me enough where i was comfortable enough talking to people. I graduated college & havent found a career, so ive been subbing for the past 7 years. I would usually smoke the night before & feel good for my class the next day.
But I still have been suffering from anxiety talking to all people; Even my friends, I also lack a little bit of confidence, i guess Im not assertive enough. Anyways, I ordered the program last week & received it yesterday, & i love it. It has great tips for overcoming my anxiety, but i went cold turkey this week as well from marijuana after 14 years of smoking. Im now experiencing a high level of anxiety with all the physical symptoms when im subbing. The Cd's work well but i still have the nervousness, rapid heart beat & unassertive voice in the class. Can anyone give me any tips on how stay calm & not care if Im not as confident as most teachers out there?

Navarez77, welcome.
Pot is fairly benin as far as meds go. Give some thought to going to your Dr. and taking a adhd test. Sometimes worrying is more of a cause for the nervousness than the real thing.

Good luck and congrats on going straight.

R

First I want to echo what R posts. Know nothing about pot but imagine it might take a little adjustment without it. Be patient with yourself and slowly build up your confidence. Glad you like the program. Give it the time and attention it calls for. Good for you for subbing; praise yourself for it. Healthy diet, plenty exercise and daily meditation help me. You are on your way to build your confidence and well being.

We are here to support you. Wishing you the best.

Thanks tinamartin & sowhatif for your support & thoughts. Since ive been subbing Ive been meditating & exercising daily & i have to say ive slowed down my body's responces really well. I feel more confidence in front of the class & I even crack jokes with the kids. Today i even wanted to cry on the drive home because i felt pride for myself that i never had before. I feel like my life is barely beginning at the ripe age of 34. StressCenter is a great resource for people who feel trapped or hopeless. There is hope, it begins with wanting to change.

Iam also a teacher, i teach cosmetology / director of education.... i do not have confidence problem and i am very assertive! BUT HEY WE ALL HAVE OUR DIFFERENT ISSUES!! just think to yourself hey i know more than they do who cares if i stumble a little along the way no one is perfect !! This is an awesome program work it to its fullest and never give up you will get there best of luck !!!

It is a marvelous trip to discover ourselves, understand ourselves, end up liking, even loving ourselves. We can then give our best to others. It takes work, time, dedication, effort. It also takes acceptance that there will be ebb and flow. But we have our wonderful mind, our emotions and feelings that are our natural gifts.

We are not alone in our quest. My pillars are great thinkers and writers of the past whose search was no different than ours. The program can do much. We can do the rest.