What is the easiest or hardest battle to overcome?

monty'smom · Post by **monty'smom** » Fri Sep 26, 2008 9:20 am

Hi everyone,

I'm almost half way through the program and feel I am doing really good so far as my anxiety attacks (havn't had one for 3 weeks & 1 day), my anger is under control, I'm eating healthier, far less depressed, but feel my self esteem is not where I would like it to be. That is bothersome. I'm also up and down with motivation to do things, going out at all, and just wondering where you feel you've improved and what you still need to work on. All replies appreciated, also any thoughts or advice.

Thanks, God Bless

one here · Post by **one here** » Fri Sep 26, 2008 10:36 am

good job keep up the good work..

pecos · Post by **pecos** » Fri Sep 26, 2008 11:04 am

Circular thinking, without hesitation!
I'll be working on untangling this one for awhile. I'm doing a good job with it, but it is a daily effort!

Allison16 · Post by **Allison16** » Fri Sep 26, 2008 11:50 am

I am on week 3 of the program and i guess my biggest struggle is with my thoughts. I have this amazing, yet unfortunate, abilty to work myself up into a complete panic over something small because my thought just escalate the situation. I think many people struggle with this. Persnonally I have improved in my abilty to do things for myself and not living for other people or trying to live to other people's expectaions. I think everyone's growth is different and only being halfway through the program you sounds like you are doing wondeful and really working hard. I'm proud of how far you've come, it sounds like you've had some real struggles to overcome. Keep me posted on how you're doing. Hope all is well today, you are in my thoughts and prayers. -Allison

Paul R. · Post by **Paul R.** » Sat Sep 27, 2008 3:50 pm

good question.

just when i feel that i had a step up on anxiety or had conquered something, it turns out that anxiety was just taking a moment to reposition itself to unseat me once again.

i told my doctor early on that this is the toughest opponent that i have ever faced...myself.

and i firmly believe that is who we are really dealing with. ourselves. who else knows our every weakness, insecurity, etc.

the problem is that for too long we have been feeding the negative aspect of things, thinking the worst that can happen, etc.

like Lucinda says, the body does not know the difference between a negative addicition or a positive one. why not feed it positive?

and my new thinking is, if having a negative thought pattern/ attitude led to this...and i am tired of this...then isn't it time to try something else?

monty'smom · Post by **monty'smom** » Sun Sep 28, 2008 3:06 am

Thankyou to everyone who replied so far. It helps me and am sure others who read the post to see our weak spots and how we deal with them or are trying to deal with those issues as well as the fact these are daily struggles but we don't give up...we keep working with them and must if we truly want to be without all the pain they cause in our daily lives.

Good Luck with YOUR FIGHT, I KNOW WE WILL WIN !!!

karenLeigh · Post by **karenLeigh** » Sun Sep 28, 2008 4:33 am

Very good point Paul R., I needed that!

monty'smom...I can relate to the motivation problem and self esteem. I have the same issues. I'm a stay at home mom. I spend alot of time at home by myself. One of the reasons I stay at home is because of the A&D plus bad panic attacks. it's not just for the kids.

That's one of the reason I got the program. I want to be free of all of this. I know it has held me back for so long. I use to be very independant. I worked and that helped me with my self esteem alot!

I think I have been hiding behind this disorder for fear of failure as well. I'm getting stronger thru the program and that gives me hope.

starr · Post by **starr** » Wed Oct 01, 2008 2:42 am

Well first, Congrats to you! Good job with all the changes you are making and the progress you are seeing. It's not easy so I hope you see how terrific you are doing!

As for things I've improved on, I'm not in a constant state of stress anymore. I used to stress out if I sneezed! I'm picking my battles a little more selectively now and I'm noticing now when I feel good. I always used to focus on when I was feeling sick and stressed. Now, I pay close attention to when I'm feeling good and strong and that's when I really feel like my recovery is right around the corner. This "right" feeling happens more and more and it gives me strenght to keep conquering things.

As for what I still need to work on.... work. I am still panicked over business meetings, work trips, client conferences, lunches, etc. If I even think I have to leave the office I freak out. Not so fun! Also, I have to work on my comfort of being alone. My husband travels for work and sometimes I don't even know if I can get through the week without him there because I HATE being alone. I'm scared to be by myself and my mind races with the thought of someone breaking in the house.

So I have my ups and downs, but the ups are getting more frequent and the downs are becoming more controllable... always celebrate the successes!

panicked · Post by **panicked** » Wed Oct 01, 2008 4:21 am

you are by far one of the most inspirational people i have ever corresponded with you answer everyones questions with motivational and loving advice i dont even know you and value your opinion as somebody who i have known forever keep up the great work and know in your heart that you are helping people every day keep strong youre doing a great job

Pujols5 · Post by **Pujols5** » Wed Oct 01, 2008 8:39 am

Negative thinking.

The lesson on secondary gains was a tough one for me also. I actually lost sleep that week thinking about stuff.