discipline 101

I am realizing that one thing that I need to work on is discipline. It is so much easier to just read,think and write about facing the things I need to work on than actually DOING the work that will move me forward with facing those things. There is always something else I can be doing that needs my attention.

That makes me ask why are those something elses more important than my well being? Why am I willing to put my self care and needs behind everything else?

The only way I will obtain the balance and peace I will need to move forward with facing the panic (attacks) will be with me demonstrating some discipline and self value. I must do relaxation exercises everyday. I must do some form of physical exercise everyday. I must continue my meditation. I must do something every day that moves me towards some personal goals regarding my life's purpose/work. I must do something fun everyday. I must journal and get my thoughts out of my head everyday. I must limit the junk food. I must do something, regardless of how small, that makes me challenge this disorder, that causes anxiety in me.

I am realizing how important and necessary it is to make me a priority. Dr. Bourne, in his book, The Anxiety and Phobias Workbook, talks about how we have to make a committment to changing our lifestyle permanently if we want lasting results. Those changes include not only physical changes but also mental and emotional ones as well (challenging the negative talk, learning to be assertive and learning to express what we feel). When I followed his instruction my anxiety disorder was in check and my life was moving forward. When I stopped and went back to my old ways, my anxiety went back to its old way, of being in control. I suppose I didn't really grasp the concept of permanently. :)

Well, I think I get it now. At least I hope I do. Either way, I am making a real effort to be discipline in my actions of self care. I am believing that this will be one more step towards my independence, my peace of mind, excellent health and accomplishment of my life's work.