how far to push myself?

Hi SF,

Excellent question!......

...and one that is hard to answer...because it is about personal limits, and how one is wired up mentally/emotionally...

So I will just tell you how I go about things...

I do tend to push and stretch myself and my ability to cope....but that is just my personality.

With the exception of the time of my greatest challenge with panic disorder...I have not to backed down from anything. ;)

That is not to say I put myself in situations that terrify me, lol...I am not signing up for skydiving, or climbing into shark tanks or anything...

...just continuing to do the things I always have...and adding some new challenges when I can.:)

Of course there is a time and place for circling the wagons so to speak....and self-preservation of your energy and wellness, but you will know instinctively when this must happen.

I think you did a great job of going out to do the activities you did this weekend...know you can draw upon this experience for the next time! :)

Hugs and high fives!

S.C.

supapfunk,

I agree with everyone's advice. As the old adage goes, 'No pain no gain', but just be reasonable about it. Do you have any interest in trying new things? Remember, at some point in our lives, everything is new. Luckily as children, I don't think complacency kicks in as often as it does with adults. I feel like I was a much bigger man as a child than an actual adult. I used to love new things. Until recently, I hadn't ridden a bike in years and I was so elated after I rode, I asked myself, "Why did I stop in the first place?" The answer is simply, "I got my driver's license." The seat hurts my rear, too, but danged if it's not fun! My problem now is mentally getting myself over the hurdle that the bike is too heavy to lift for me so I'm relegated to riding on my boring street which can get old fast. I'll figure something out. Blasted hernia.

-smooth

Thank you all for your thoughts on this topic. I discussed it today with my therapist and she said it was good to push yourself, but also remember to manage expectations. If a previously enjoyable activity isn't as enjoyable due to anxiety, it's easy to feel defeated. But to remember that even getting out and trying is an accomplishment, and so don't be disappointed if I feel different about an activity during a trying time. I thought that was a good point worth sharing.

Thanks SC! Appreciated!

"i felt like i had run a marathon"

SO TRUE gilly! Sometimes on bad days those little things feel totally emotionally and physically exhausting!