anxiety thoughts.....tip

I used to be like so many of you and constant worry, negative thinking and anxious all the time. Over time as I really worked to change my thoughts and behavior, this is what I noticed happening.

As I began to relax more and more over time, I began to have a much greater appreciation for life....especially the simple little things. Going out to dinner was enjoyable...going to theme parks...motorcycle rides. I became more and more comfortable....WHY?....because I was breaking the cycle of constant bad thoughts.

So I have a hobby or two and go out a couple times a week....so my mind is constantly thinking about my hobbies...obviously something I like...or how nice it was to go to dinner a couple nights ago...or what fun I'm going to have this weekend. Bottom line is...I'm having fun again, making good memories as I go out and always looking forward to a bike ride...something coming on tv that I like to watch....the list goes on and on.....Do you see where I'm going with this?

Anxiety no longer owns me, I am living life and it feels good. I have soooo many good things going on now that fill my head with positive thoughts...doesn't leave much room for negative thoughts. I think this is the natural progression from the changes that we make as we reprogram how we think.

This from a guy at one time that paniced daily, had feelings that I can't keep going like this, started doing less and less in life. I knew all along that If I could beat this, I would come out the other side better for it and I feel like I have...just based on my appreciation for the little things.

I know most of you have a clue what it might be like. I think many like me have been really anxious or headed into panic and someone starts talking to us or something gets our attention and the next thing you know....calming begins....because it deverted your thoughts. If you take enough baby steps, before you know it you have covered miles!...but if you don't start stepping in the right direction and keep stepping...you will find yourself stuck in a place that feels pretty bad.....I know...I lived there for too long.

My very best wishes and hopes for each of you, to find that better place!..................Wingman (Benny)

WonderfuL post Benny, and it's true when I can keep my brain occupied my monster isn't quite as busy, the trick is to keep it busy isn't it...I am going to a BBQ on the weekend, so I'm looking forward to that...also yesterday I went out and took some pictures, I am a part time photographer....

Even though I didn't have the best of nights last night I had a great day..so I am going to take your advice...and I'm not going to let anxiety own me either...I am stronger than it I have beaten it before and I will conquer it again....

Baby steps....one at a time...thanks Benny...hugs to you shannon

Benny - you are truly inspiring to all. Each of us has the courage to beat anxiety and the support in the forums is a bonus.


Kindly,

Kitt

Thank you so much Kit!!!
Melodee, you truly are on the road to recovery with that way of thinking....right on the money...If you read my post "can this cure anxiety?" on page two or three...it has a parallel to what you are saying.

Don't give up even if you still have some struggles....it really does take awhile to reprogram our thinking.....proud of you...keep it up!
Benny

Thank you Benny!!! :) You are indeed inspiring! Like Shannon said, you give us ideas & tips on how to change our perspective on things. That's really important! It can definitely broaden our views. And it's hard to do that when we are unable to meet new people and attend social events with this stupid anxiety. So we need people like you on this forum. I too look forward to your future posts and tips!

Melodee :)

Thank you to all for the nice post!
MerryGo, your post was short, simple and sincere....means a lot to me to be able to bring someone hope. Have a great weekend!

Benny

Hello Serenitee,
I initially ordered Lucinda Bassett's Midwest Program, the one with video's, cassett tapes and a big ole workbook. That sent me going in the right direction. After that I went to a therapist for awhile and the combination of the two gave me a really good foundation to pretty much work on it on my own over time. I still have my fair share of anxious moments, but it's usually short lived....15-30 minutes and then it's usually like flipping a switch and it just stops. I guess because I've gotten good at just rolling with it and excepting it, so it doesn't continue to send the chemicals through me very long. Panic did leave me with one phobia that I have been working on for a long time now. I paniced really bad one morning before day light on a very Isolated road and to this day I have moments of being somewhat uncomfortable when I travel in very rural areas. Sometimes I can do it with little or no anxiety and other times I'm a little uneasy. Compared to how I used to live, I will take that...it's tolerable and each time I get through doing it without being too uneasy, it's like a little personal victory and that feels pretty good.

My very best wishes for you Serenitee and don't stop believing that you can beat this...if not totally...something that is very tolerable that will allow you to feel good again about life and give you the freedom to enjoy it....Take care
Benny