What helped me make a 180 degree change in my life.

Annie M · Post by **Annie M** » Tue Apr 07, 2009 5:38 am

Originally posted by Grace777:
Hi,

I think this forum was for triumphs and I would like to share mine with the group. I used to be anxious everyday. I had panic attacks and could not leave home at times. I could NOT travel. I kept a knotted up stomach and worried about everything. I had obsessived scary thoughts about *******. Little by little I read books got stronger in my faith (Christian). And I feel like I was lead down the path to wholeness. I got Lucinda's program and worked through it and did some Recovery.Inc. meetings which both of these helped tremendously. I can now say that I worry only on occasion, no panics and can travel alone or with others. I do what I want to do and if I feel nervous about something I remember my tools and do it anyway. O really love life and enjoy everyday. I would love to share with others what I have learned but when you go in chat its not about getting better most of the time. Its about cussing and fighting with one another and talking about sex and such as that. Some people in there are very nice and in there for real help the others just distract from others getting the help they need. Its very sad but a fact.
Sandra

Hi there: I read your post with great enthusiasm. I am a 52 year old married professional mother of twins.

I have been positive and optimistic all of my life. I came from humble beginnings and learned early on that the thoughts you keep are the reality you create.

With this in mind, I went through a tough divorce and raised my twins on my own for 19 years while I worked full time, built a career, went to school and cared for an ailing mom.

I eventually married a wonderful man, my twins are now 29 and leading successful lives of their own.

I came to the program, because although I did everything I wanted, when the stakes got high (big house, success, etc.) I began to clutch on to "things" and worry about what if...what if I really deserved these things, what if they went away, what would people think...you get the idea.

So, being a very very faithful person, I placed my petition in God's hands and was led to Lucinda's program.

I am a motivational speaker and trainer. I would like to eventually go out and share my thoughts and experiences and new found anxiety-reducting focus, with others. I am in session 4 and already feel so empowered and liberated. I am finding my own true voice and moving forward.

My thing was mostly "what if I do something wrong" or "What did I do wrong" and also pleasing everyone and cheering everying else except me. I just lived with all this noise in my head making everything so much more "heavy" and literally just so much hard work...Little by little these feelings get so heavy to carry around, that the less you do the easier it gets. Until you are a prisoner in your own mind.

So, I am back out doing the things I love to do and very excited about embracing adventure. I have always embraced change, risk and managed conflict in a compassionate way, I am just doing it without the heavy anxiety baggage.

So, I am writing to say that I would very much enjoy hearing more about your journey and any advice you may wish to share with me, or where I can go to contribute my thoughts through my public speaking.

Bless you for sharing and I hope life is now a breezier adventure for you.

JennLP · Post by **JennLP** » Wed Apr 08, 2009 3:35 am

Hi Annie M,
Your post really hit a chord with me. I too am a professional working mother. I too went after work and personal life with much gusto, until the age of 42 when anxiety hit. For the past 2 1/2 years, I've been carrying that "baggage" around. I must say that it is MUCH lighter thanks to Lucinda's program, but there are still times when a challenge comes up that the symptoms rear their ugly head. At least now, I'm better able to handle them.

What you said about your "what if" thinking when the stakes got high really made me take a step back and think "That's me!". Thank you for sharing your experience. It has given me a lot of encouragement.

WW · Post by WW » Mon Apr 20, 2009 7:08 am

Originally posted by lilchrissy:
Hi everyone, I am still amazed that my original note hit a positive chord with so many people. I'm sorry I have not checked in for a while but I'm glad to see so many people advising and helping each other. There is one thing I wanted to add for JakeL because I don't think anyone mentioned that when starting on the TEA form exercise it can be really hard to come up with objective counter thoughts so you may want to work on them with your wife and tell her how you would counter the thoughts that are upsetting her to help her get going on them. I think it is commendable of you to take such an active interest in helping her and hope you reap the fruits of your investment in your renewed relationship with her.
Hi WW and glad to see you are still helping others here and doing well yourself

Chrissy,
It is always good to hear updates from you. You know how much of an impact you have had on me and I'm sure there are many more people who your advice has helped beyond the ones who have come onto this thread. Take care and I appreciate all your help and expertise and you are the reason I keep coming back to try and help others

WW · Post by WW » Mon Apr 20, 2009 7:12 am

Originally posted by jules722:
Hi guys, Am wondering with the TEA forms, how often do you need to write your thoughts down? When Im driving or at work I have tons of negative thoughts but cant write them down. Any suggestions? thanks

Hi Jules,
I don't have a concrete answer for you and I think everyone is probably different, but from my experience and especially early on the more I countered my thoughts in the TEA form the more they helped. I personally like doing them for a few minutes as part of my morning routine before I leave my house. This usually puts me in a good frame of mind to at least get my day off to a good start. Let me know if you have any other questions?

WW · Post by WW » Mon Apr 20, 2009 7:15 am

Originally posted by Annie M:

I have been positive and optimistic all of my life. I came from humble beginnings and learned early on that the thoughts you keep are the reality you create.

This is awesome! I certainly wish I learned the importance of my thoughts when I was younger. But at least I finally figured this out and I am able to thrive now

TNL · Post by **TNL** » Wed Apr 22, 2009 2:56 pm

Hi, I think I'm lost - forgive me if it's already stated somewhere in this forum....but could someone please tell me what TEA is & what kind of book, workbook, info, etc... on it. This sounds very interesting & like it's helped many people...I NEED IT. Thank you ~ cracie_fl@yahoo.com (my email)

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Apr 22, 2009 5:30 pm

TNL...I have never seen this program, but, I did read through the postings...

Just type in...www.tao3.com

The name of this is---Been There, Done That? Do This by Sam Obitzand and Michelle Craske

I pray you find the site. It is really simple...
God Bless!!!

egriff · Post by **egriff** » Sun May 17, 2009 5:53 am

TNL the TEA forms is a thought countering exercise that reduces anxiety that is in that book. It is not a workbook, more of a intro to cbt book that is short and encouraging. It focuses on a few exercises and keeps things simple. They work really well if you work at them.

TNL · Post by **TNL** » Sun May 17, 2009 8:55 am

OK, sorry to bother you - but what book? And where do I get one if it truly works well for anxiety?

I don't have full blown panic attacks, but I have anxiety almost every waking moment. So, if this will help with GAD (Generalized Anxiety Disorder) then, I'd be willing to get the book & do the TEA exercises!

Thank you so much!

egriff · Post by **egriff** » Sun May 17, 2009 6:16 pm

You are no bother at all

It was the book that has the TEA form exercise in it.
Been There, Done That? DO This! By Sam Obitz and Michelle Craske Ph.d. That Ms. T. Bones gave you the website for in the post before mine and that this thread is talking about. The TEA forms are great for helping with anxiety if you work on them. The more you do them the more they help and transform the way you think and live.