I liked this session. It was hard at first (when I was actually on this session); however, this got me started. I often need kickstarting. I was invited to and ask to do things and I'd make some excuse with some negative thought running through my head "I'll be uncomfortable" "I won't have fun anyway" "I'll be too tired when I get home" "I'll just have to pretend I'm happy" there are many more but you get the idea. As a result of this session I recognized those thoughts and MADE myself accept some invitations. I was picky based on my mood (how down I was; how much isolating I was doing; my anxiety level, etc.) but I began to see that things were NOT as I predicted everytime. I'll admit some activities I didn't repeat. It wasn't for me - but I found many that I could do; still do; look forward to doing.
What I did (activities I chose to participate in) did effect how I was feeling and my thoughts and sometimes my thoughts and then my feelings.
Some things I learned I could do and have a postive outlook on - exercise; babysitting; spending time with family, eventually with friends, now with both simultaneously; I entered into a relationship with a person of the opposite sex about 6 months ago (I never thought I'd do that again). The other things built up to give me the courage the belief that I could and so far so good.
I still experiment with pleasant activities - I went to play golf for the first time in 5 years a couple of months ago; I went to a party in May and been to 4 since then. I've gone out to eat by myself, with family and with friends again. If I keep a positive attitude and don't predict or try to think the worst; then I usually enjoy myself. But if I don't have a positive experience; I've still experimented and learned something.
These steps build on each other and it seems they all keep on working after I get used to doing them.
The correlation between what I'm doing feeling and thinking is definitely worth figuring out and worth the time it takes to use this skill over and over and over again. Sometimes it even occurs subconsciously now!
Thoughts? Feedback?
