For anyone having setbacks

[Mary Wargo]

I finished the program some time ago with good success. I continued to journal even though I felt good with a minimal amount of anxiety. A short while ago I felt I was having a setback and went over some of the sessions and also read over my journal. From reviewing my journal I found that I had actually been taking and using all of the steps outlined in the program and was actually working out of the setback and didn't even realize it. It seems I still thought any success was to be instantaneous. My point is to emphasize how important journaling can be, even after we feel better. I saw many successes in my journal, when at the time I felt I wasn't moving forward. It's a slow move forward sometimes, but if we can see in writing that we have had some successes it will continue to motivate and keep your self esteem up. How we view our success and what we think are failures makes a huge difference in how we feel about ourselves. I hope everyone is journaling!

[Guest]

ABSOLUTELY TRUE! Mary, what a wonderful post! I find journaling is the key for me, as well. You also just described something which is similar to my own experience. I have setbacks, and although the feelings of discomfort arise, I automatically begin the process of handling them. One good method, which is very successful for me, is to recognize the negative thinking can be overwhelmingly automatic. I may not see the negative thinking right away, but I certainly feel the discomfort. When discomfort shows up, I get pen and paper and begin the task of identifying the thinking which got me there. Then, I challenge it. Is it reasonable? Is it rational? The journaling helps me take the power away from the defeating negative thinking. When I take the power away, the discomfort gradually subsides, as well.
Thanks Mary. As always, you are a gem.