Stress Center Peer Support

I've been away from the boards for a little while, but just posting to say that everything is going good. I'm fortunate enough to have a job, food on my table and a roof over my head. It's been a constant uphill battle, but I've overcome. I've grown a lot thru the stress and I wouldn't change it for the world. It's been almost 2 years since dad passed away and mom is doing really good in her new apartment. She's in a seniors complex and that means I get a good night sleep knowing she's doing well and is making new friends. I'm living one day at a time and I don't rush my days anymore. I've learned that rushing my days means rushing the good times too. Life to me isn't supposed to be one big rush. It's supposed to be enjoyed one day at a time. It isn't about wondering what's going to happen tomorrow or next week. It's about enjoying the here and now.

I got my Christmas shopping done and now I get to kick back and relax. I started that earlier. I still haven't figured out how to stop the anxiety when I walk in a mall that's wall to wall frustrated people looking for the perfect gift.

I know that at anytime, the anxiety can kick in, but I don't focus on that anymore. If it kicks in, I know how to deal with it (except for the mall thing). I know what to do. I know that sometimes it'll pass in a few minutes and other times it will take longer. The main thing is that I know what to do. (except for the mall thing)

I wake up earlier in the morning before work so I'm not rushed. I sit and have breakfast and I enjoy that time. Nothing's worse than being rushed. I go to work and I focus on my work and my breathing. I have some fun too.

I'm working on my overall health too. I started WW 2 weeks ago. I'm down 11.3 pounds. I have a little ways to go, but I'm not going to rush that either. I KNOW that 2013 will be a good year, but I have a few weeks left to enjoy this year.

Somedays I wake up grumpy, but I remind myself of all of this and my focus changes. Sometimes my alarm goes off and I don't feel like getting out of bed (there's a dent in the snooze bar) but I remind myself that it's a new day full of possibilties. It may sound corny, but that's the way I think now.

Time to head off to bed now. I'm tired.

Good night !

Wow, sounds like you're doing super well!!! You definitely have a lot to be proud of. I think I've realized that recovering from anxiety doesn't mean that anxiety is eliminated from your life but that you choose to react to it differently. Your new, positive way of thinking will take you SO far. Congratulations!

hi manomusic,
so good to see a familar face. don't see that often on here. I am glad you are doing good. I am too. I have accepted losing my job and not sure if I will go back to work only time will tell. with the mall you did go that was a plus some people always avoid, that is good to keep doing and knowing anxiety won't kill you and it will pass.
I sitll avoid some things and i know better but can't find the courage to face it head on. hope to some day though. I won't let myself think the worst. I have realised that is the problem always thinking the worst. hope you have a good Christmas. I too have got all my shopping done and wrapped and under the tree. feels good.