I just wanted to share a little victory I had today. It was my child's spring concert and art show at school tonight. Last year I was really anxious and shaky and stayed in the hallway during the concert and quickly left shortly afterwards. This year I went in the hot, crowded gym, got seats for my husband & I, that weren't by the door or on a aisle, and stayed for the whole show. And enjoyed it! Then we leisurely browsed all the student art work and did some shopping at the book sale too. It was sooo crowded and very hot and I did have a couple moments of discomfort but I shook it off and acted like a "regular" person 🙂 I've had other victories and certainly some set backs, in fact the past year and a half has been a constant 2 steps forward, one step back situation, but today I could really compare the progress I've made to this same situation last year. I NEVER give myself an ounce of credit or a pat on the back but I was really happy that I did this today. It was a real "moment"
for me. I also want to say that I'm so glad you're doing the podcasts more frequently as I really enjoy & benefit from them and give credit to you and Claire Weekes for the progress I've made. Thank you!

Darren,

JUst by you being in a place that only a year ago you would've avoided is a big accomplishment. I've battled my demons for over 5 years, and I've made significant progress. I, too, do not give myself credit because when I have a bad day, I just make it a really bad day. I use to have more bad days than good, and now it's the other way around. Yet, I still dwell on the one bad day I had.

I know once I can give myself full-and not partial- credit for how far I've come, that will be the beginning of the end for my anxiety. I'm taking 5 steps forward right now, but I don't think about that. I think about the day I took one step back, and dwell on that for day's on end. Give credit where credit is due. You deserve to have that. I now need to practice what I preach.

Welcome to the AG family. I've listened to all of Paul's podcasts since JAnuary 2011, and he has been a major contributor to my recovery. He knows what he's talking about. I just need to start doing vice just listening. BE well.

Arturo