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.

Podcast #1--Whew!

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Okay, I have to say I really do NOT like my voice. I have had issues with hearing my voice on tape for a long time. So it was really difficult to record this podcast and then listen to it. I recorded it 3 times and decided I was done. I could be here all night recording trying to make my voice sound like something it's not. I suppose the reason for me doing this is larger than my insecurities I have with my voice so forward!

This is an introduction to my plans for this podcast and blog. I truly hope this will not only be a documentation of me regaining my independence and learning not to run from my fear but a source of strength, information and inspiration to others dealing with this disorder. I hope I will be an example of one who made friends with the "monster" (anxiety) and as a result emerged victorious. I hope I will help others not be ashamed because they are struggling with anxiety, panic and/or agoraphobia/phobias.

I will do my best to make this as informative, interesting and fun as possible. Please do share any advice and suggestions you may have. And if you would like to be on the show or have me read and discuss your story/experiences let me know. These first few podcasts will be pretty basic but in the future I plan on kicking it up a few notches (background music, guests etc).

Thanks again for reading and listening. Remember May is national mental health month.
(http://www.adaa.org/).

Be well and be blessed! :)