Well I came to realise this a.m. that I don't often post when things are a bit better and I thought I should as well as share some thoughts with my friends here.
I have been working very hard of late , using the paniccentre info. , my group session info and also my girlfriend lent me her book " The Mindfulness & Acceptance workbook for anxiety" by John.P. Forsyth, PH.D and Georg H. Eifert, PH.D.
One thing that struck right off was that one of the doctors who was involved in the publishing of this book had anxiety issues too... and I thought to myself well if he knows what it's like then he can't be all bad.LOL.
I now have a binder with three sections and almost every morning I sit and reread or journalize my thoughts, issues and problems. At the group sessions , I am very involved and vocal ( I've always been told I had a big mouth, so might as well put it to good use.
So many in the group are very young and seem timid to speak up but having an older person open the discussion seems to help.... or at least I hope it does.
One of the things we discussed yesterday was how our core beliefs can affect our anxiety and stress too. Now I know the past is the past and not to dwell on it , but this particular topic made us look at our core beliefs and maybe challenge those beliefs that are not in our best interest or are not serving us well.
As as example a few beliefs are: I am competent, I am strong, I am a good person, I am courageous, I am smart , I am enthusiastic...etc. I looked over the sheet and realized that I am all these things when it comes to doing for other people but rarely do I give myself credit for these characteristics. I suppose as we grow up we are often subjected to negative feedback and unknowingly adopt it as true....so one continue along lifes journey and continually beats oneself up over a belief that was wrong to start with. I thought the concept was quite interesting and was wondering what you all thought about it.
I still have my anxious moments for sure and some sleep issues too but I listen to a good relaxation tape ( that came with the book ) and try to overcome those moments one step at a time. Just like Davit told me, it's like climbing a mountain....I'm still struggling but at least I'm still climbing that mountain path.
You know what Davit, you should write a book about your journey ...it would be very inspiring and encouraging for all those people just starting out.
Enough babbling, just wanted to let you know that I'm still alive and kicking. Wishing all of you a wonderful , sun filled day!
Shadowkins
