Congrratulate Me: My Further Adventures :-)
By pyewacket
@pyewacket (43903)
United States
July 1, 2007 3:35pm CST
Well today I had another adventure...If you remember one of the things I'm using the Law OF Attraction is to overcome my panic disorder with agoraphobia. Last Monday I had embarked on my testing of this principle by traveling on the subway to the shopping mall, and instead of walking back from there, decided to take the train home as well.
Today I had another little adventure..hehe...and to be honest I wasn't really in the mood either. I was starting to do that dumb mind game thing.."Oh, I can always go another time..I'm not feeling up to it"...blah, blah, blah... You see often we panic/anxiety disorder people are famous for giving excuses of not doing something..we give a million reasons to put things off...One of the things though on the "Attacking Anxiety" tape program I have by Lucinda Bassett are these famous and simple words--It's Now Or Never...So onward I went..
Then of course I was in for a surprise..when I went on my little trip last Monday..that was just it..it was a Monday, during mid-day, so neither the subway station, train, or mall was crowded..Well yikes --today was different...The subway station was crammed full, the train was packed with people like sardines, and needless to say the mall was wall to wall people...Now this is a testing for anyone...MOST people don't like such conditions...But I didn't back out!!
Also I had a real incentive...When I got my computer from Best Buy in February, I had gotten "reward points" and so $25.00 in certificates I could use for my next purchase...well I hadn't used them....and just yesterday I came across them will organizing some papers...and looked at the expriration date..July 7th!!! Oh my...like if I didn't use them like pronto that would have been like throwing away $25.00
So among things went to Best Buy...I did need some printing cartridges...and there was a special deal...buy a twin pack or two single packs and get printing paper worth up to $9.99 free!! So I went to the checkout..the bill would have been something close to $40.00 plus tax (if you included the paper if not free)--with the certificates, all I had to pay was $5.99--Now was that a bargain or what? Then went to Target and got some towels in a beautiful shade of turquoise blue that were on sale
Then I came home --on the subway again..and once again was crammed full...but I felt so good about myself that I just didn't care....Mmmm....maybe next time will go further and more stops on the subway...So congratulate me again...I feel really great!!
14 people like this
25 responses
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
5 Jul 07
Thank you gabs... I do hope to keep it up--cause if I don't you might sic Gissi on me...LOL
1 person likes this
@texasclassygal (5305)
• United States
1 Jul 07
Oh that is wonderful for you, congratulations Melanie, I know it is hard, I find myself staying indoors more and more these days I can understand how hard it would be with a panic disorder, I hope this is helping you, I know it must be hard for you. You are in my prayers always!!
Be well, my friend.
2 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
1 Jul 07
Funny, I've reached the point some years ago though, that I actually find it MORE difficult to stay home all day...drives me to cabin fever mode...I make it a point to go out everyday...even if it is just to take a bit of a walk
1 person likes this
@Katlady2 (9904)
• United States
5 Jul 07
Yaaaayyyyyy! I am so proud of you. Here is a big pat on the back and an even bigger hug (((((((pyewacket)))))))! You are doing great hon. You are well on the way to getting your mind geared so that you will be able to go out and enjoy life again. Congratulations my friend.
2 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
5 Jul 07
Thank you Katlady...I'll take that hug...hehe and hugs to you ((((hugs)))
@lecanis (16647)
• Murfreesboro, Tennessee
1 Jul 07
Yay pyewacket! Congratulations! I'm so happy for you! It's amazing how by overcoming your fear and going out you encountered so many good things! I think that's proof that your new system is working for you, and perhaps it's something more of us should try! =)
Thanks so much for sharing your stories with us, dear pyewacket, you are an inspiration! =)
2 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
1 Jul 07
I just need to keep at it...and picture myself to my eventual goals I do want to accomplish...this is just the beginning!!!
2 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
5 Jul 07
Maybe someday I'll be telling you folks of my trips to Europe--hehhe
1 person likes this
@saigonwarrior (1331)
• United States
1 Jul 07
I never go to the mall on the weekend! YIKES! It is packed!
Oops, I forgot to tell you..lol
I am so proud of you pyewacket :)
Hmm..have you ever eaten out at a restaurant alone? That would be an adventure, too. I think maybe some people without phobias may have a hard time with that one, or am I wrong?
Yes, I know all about the excuses. I was going to go on an adventure this week to a new area that panics me to drive and it is 20 miles round trip. But, Wednesday is the 4th of July and traffic will be bad ALL week long, so I will have to wait until the NEXT week to go.
You did well on the sale items and gift cards. If you hadn't of went this weekend you may not have gotten such a good bargain. So, I guess by you following the now or never advice you did yourself a great service.
You deserve a pat on the back for your little outing today.
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
1 Jul 07
Thank you!
I haven't eaten in a restaurant alone, but last year,near Halloween, a friend of mine invited me to a dinner date at a local restaurant...I hadn't been in a restaurant situation in something like twenty years!!! And yes, I was a bit anxious....but it turned out, I had so much fun and the food was great! Only thing that is a real downer in a way...my budget...but who knows? Maybe I could at least go to one of the local fast food places and have a lunch or something
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
7 Aug 07
I haven't had any great adventures lately....this weather has been sometimes taking its toll on me...like the way you felt that time..just really drained...today for instance I've felt like a darn zombie! But I at least go out everyday...
@KrisNY (7590)
• United States
4 Jul 07
Wow—another step in the right direction- I’m super proud of you- Congrats! And yes you are right- going to the stores is a trying experience for anyone when they are crammed full- although I love doing it- My favorite day to shop is Black Friday- I’m crazy I guess-
Keep up the trips and going a bit further each time- You are doing great!
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
5 Jul 07
Black Friday..that's the day after Thanksgiving isn't it?? When the shopping season for Christmas starts--that's IS a real testing --LOL
@Aussies2007 (5336)
• Australia
6 Aug 07
I know what you mean... and congratulations.
It is not something I would enjoy doing... but I would do it if I had to. Because that is what I have been doing for 32 years. When it comes of taking care of business... I do use the phrase "it's now or never"... or better still "walk or die".
The fact that I have a car and don't need to use public transport does make it a little be easier. But not always. Being caught in traffic can freak me out. Luckily... I left Sydney to live in the bush. No more traffic.
Because I had to constantly fight my condition to stay alive... as I don't have any family or friends support (my family is on the other side of the world)... I have never be house bound.
Going out is not a problem... providing that I want to go out to do my own things. My problem start when I need to go out to meet people. Having to be there at a certain time to take care of business is the killer for me. The panic attacks start before I even leave home... and if I am lucky... they stop as I meet the person I need to do business with. Then the business takes my mind off the agoraphobia.
However... if I don't like the person I have to meet... the agoraphobia persist until I am out of there.
1 person likes this
@Aussies2007 (5336)
• Australia
7 Aug 07
I do very well in crisis situation as well. Actually I am at my best in crisis situations. I think it is the adrenalin provided by the crisis which get me going. Which makes me think that adrenalin in pills would be the way to go (laugh).
And like I said... in most cases... once I meet the person and start taking care of business... I forget about my anxiety.
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
7 Aug 07
Fortunately I've never gotten uptight about meeting people or of taking care of business---and if I survived last year's fun I think I can pretty much survive anything...Beginning in the summer of 2005 my mother was diagnosed with cancer...her heatlh continued to deteriorate in 2006--then we were threatened with eviction due to the over population of cats my mother had created, then it was a mad scramble for me to find a lawyer, be in contact with scores of pet rescuers to place the cats up, then numerous court appearances, then in the middle of it all, my mother passed away...I think most people, even ones without anxiety problems would have had a complete meltdown, but I seem to do very well, in stressed out, crisis situations....but then, when you think of it, I was too darn busy to get anxiety!!
@MsTickle (25180)
• Australia
5 Jul 07
That WAS an adventure and you came out way ahead...congratulations on all counts. It's really good to have a win every now and then and you're functioning really well with overcoming your panic disorder and agoraphobia. And you're talking NEW YORK! We see in movies how crowded it is there and I know I would find it a daunting prospect to venture into those crowds. I'm so proud of you and pleased for you. Hugs.
1 person likes this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
5 Jul 07
Yes NY can be daunting even for the fearless..LOL..thanks MsTickle
@ElicBxn (63235)
• United States
1 Jul 07
I'm glad to hear that you are facing down that panic disorder! I've know a few people with fear of leaving the house thing. Some of them I can understand, and they can leave if they need to, but when one was a house guest & she just wasn't looking for a place to live I was about ready to slap her silly!
"Oh, I didn't feel like making a call today," she'd say for the 10th day in a row.
I'm sorry, fish & house guest can over stay their welcomes!
1 person likes this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
2 Jul 07
Was this houseguest a phobic? If so, phobics are famous for making excuses...like her not wanting to make the phone call.
@susieq223 (3742)
• United States
7 Aug 07
This was an older discussion, but I hadn't read it before, so I decided to answer it! Sound like you got lots of rewards for not giving in to the excuses and not backing out of the crowded subway. I'm really proud of you for doing so well!
1 person likes this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
7 Aug 07
Thank you susieq....haven't done too many adventures lately..too darn hot!!
@daycarepal (1998)
• United States
2 Jul 07
Congratulations!!! You should be very very proud of yourself. You looked at your fears straight on and you got through it. Each time you do it, you are going to feel better and better.
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
5 Jul 07
That's the key there..to keep doing it until it becomes second nature
@TheCatzMeow1 (579)
• United States
2 Jul 07
That is such a huge accomplishment! Congratulations! May you find yourself foot loose and fancy free one day! WTG Good deal on your shopping experience. What a bargain! Good luck to you.
1 person likes this
@brendalee (6082)
• United States
2 Jul 07
I am proud of you pyewacket. That seemed like alot of difficult situations that you overcame all in one day. You must be doing the happy dance. Plus you got yourself some nice things on top of it. You go girl. Congrats!
1 person likes this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
5 Jul 07
I guess it was alot of difficult situations I overcame in one day....hhehe..didn't think of it like that...thanks ever
@GnosticGoddess (5626)
• United States
2 Jul 07
YEAH!! I'm so excited for you!
You are very much on the way to conquering your fears!
Keep up the good work!
1 person likes this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
5 Jul 07
Thank you GnosticGoddess...I do plan to move forward
1 person likes this
@recycledgoth (9894)
•
2 Jul 07
Well done hun and congratulations. This is a giant leap forward for you and I'm very proud of you :-)
@howard96h (11640)
• New York, New York
2 Jul 07
Great work, I know you can do it and it will get better too. You keep taking control my friend.
1 person likes this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
2 Jul 07
Thank you...maybe I should do that mantra...I think I can, I think I can..I know I can--LOL
@scarlet_woman (23465)
• United States
2 Jul 07
awesome:)
that's a big step-especially with full trains.
i don't like them either.
sounds like you got some great bargains too:)
1 person likes this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
5 Jul 07
I think a lot of people aren't too keen about subways...especially ones packed like sardines--LOL
