Stress Center Peer Support

We know that we have all experienced problems and challenges this year, that is a given.

But what about goals met, blessings, etc?

Mine were:

1) I went through this program and did not quit!

2) I went to the dentist and lived through it! I actually had to have more work than I bargained for but it was okay, I didn't die, run out of there screaming or freak out! More importantly I didn't have to run to the bathroom 4-5 times during the procedure!

3) I met a goal of working out on a regular basis. There were a few "bumps" and down-time with it, but for the most part I was consistent!

4) I read through the entire Bible from start to finish. This morning I read my last verses and was so happy that I followed through with this. I've read different books and verses, done Bible studies, etc., but never actually read the Bible from start to finish. I plan on doing this next year in a different format following this plan: http://www.oneyearbibleonline....on=31&startmmdd=0101

5) I've learned how to *not* have a panic attack, or nip one in the bud while it's happening!

6) I'm driving long distance on the highway/freeway now without having a panic attack. I could never do this before - I couldn't drive for more than 10 minutes on a highway without having one!

7) I no longer get anxiety about going out socially. Well, I think about it, but I don't dwell and catastrophize about it. In fact, I've been a lot more social than I have been in years.

8) I have major control over my IBS issues. I am a lot more aware of what triggers it, what I can do to avoid or control it and also I'm taking initiative not to put myself in a situation that might exasperate it. I've also learned that by using the steps to stop a panic or anxiety attack, this greatly reduces the IBS symptoms!

9) I've learned that I do have a choice to do what I want to do and don't have to follow along and be anxious. I can choose not to participate in something, or do something on my terms and not be a follower. And if I'm in a situation that I can't get out of (like a family obligation, jury duty or something like that) I've learned that yes, I can live through it.

10) I'm still learning that challenges will come to me my whole life and I set my outcome, not the challenge. If I want to embrace the challenge, the better the outcome. If I want to resist and fight the challenge, the worse the outcome!

What about you guys? Would love to read 5-10 positive things, whether they were something fun you did, a challenge or goal you met or just a happy event that occurred this year for you.

Let's see......

1. Met some great people at work which I intend to stay in contact with long after I leave.

2. Met some great people here, too.

3. Completed my pre-reqs for nursing, which was difficult b/c my soon-to-be former employer tried every roadblock known to man to prevent me.

4. Finally saw the Grand Canyon, but had a major anxiety attack in the process. lol.

I'll think of more as time goes on.

Woodbridge

woodbridge that is some great stuff!

Some things I've learned:

1) Nobody's perfect. I'm not and I shouldn't expect others to be.

2) I love myself, but recognize that I have work to do to make things better, inside and out.

3) I don't have to put up with everything. If there is a person or situation that is too much work, or maybe too much mental work, it is okay to release that situation or person from my life. I don't mean marriage, because to me that is important, I mean things outside of my family and immediate life.

4) You can ask 2 people about an experience they both went through and you'll get 2 completely different perspectives. Just because one has a negative perspective on the experience doesn't make the experience a bad one.

5) Just today, I notice all the negativity on people's facebook updates about how glad they are that this year is over. New Year's resolutions come and go - just because there's a January 1st doesn't mean it's suddenly a better year. This is magical thinking - believing that a new calendar year brings hope - being hopeful is always good but it's unrealistic to put hope on something outside of ourselves. We make our happiness, not the "New Year".

The most positive thing to happen to me in 2009 is simple. It's realizing that I'm worth it..... whatever positive thing that "it" may be.

Happy New Year !!!!!!!!!!!

Hello all:
2009 was a learning year for me as all years have been.

But it seems that I've settled into more acceptance of 'what is' this year that is ending.

I've made grave mistakes, had some successes and lived thru' it all.

I experienced rejection at times, experieced love and inclusion other times. I made some new frinds. I hope I didn't lose any friends.
And the sun keeps coming up day after day and life goes on.

I have learned thru' all my years that it is how I react to life that determines how I feel
most of the time.

I am grateful for what I have learned in the old year. I look forward to what I may learn in the New Year.

I would like to ask forgiveness of any that I may have hurt. And I hope that I learn to forgive completely.

I pray for peace in the world. I pray for peace in our hearts.

And I thank all of you for the contributions you have made to my progress thru' life.
I have learned from you all.

MJ

I love this thread. It is very insightful and encouraging to me. What a great way to ring in the new year.

Cornflower,

Your post was beautiful!!

It is amazing to read the variety of responses here.

Man of Music what a simple and heart felt thought that was, and how true!

Cornflower there is so much wisdom, common sense and truth in your post.

Thank you for sharing. This really lifts my spirit. I wish everyone on here in a constant "down in the dumps" state of mind could partake in this thread.

Hello everyone! 2009 was one of the most challenging years I have ever had. Previous to '09 I had not had a panic attack in probably 15 - 20 years. 2009 brought many challenges including anxiety/panic attacks, dealing with agoraphobia (again), marriage issues, health issues and financial issues! But through it all, God was with me and has brought me through to another year.

The positives for 2009 were:

1. I'm learning to lean more on Jesus and less on me.

2. My husband and I are closer now than ever before with everything we have gone through.

3. I got and started this program in the fall and I am starting it again.

4. I started taking steps toward recovery and I am believing for 2010 to be my best yet!!

5. I can't control everything - and that's OK.

God bless each and every one of you and my prayers are we all have an overcoming year!!!

Great thread!!

My positives for 2009:

1. I reconnected with God, and I am now going to Church again on a regular basis.

2. Finally got a divorce. This was a bit of a downer, but it was not a healthy relationship, and something that HAD to happen. I used to be the doormat for her anger and abuse, but I have CHOSEN not to be that anymore.

3. Realized that I LOVE being a Dad!

4. Got out there and started dating again. Was able to break off a several-month relationship with a really fun girl that was just not right for me. The old me would have settled and tried to force this to work.

5. Have started putting myself out there more socially, and actually having some FUN with it. Have made some new friends, and reconnected with some old ones.