Breaking Free

I haven't written about personal life issues for awhile, so thought I'd update my progress. I last wrote about my past history of anxiety and panic attacks on this post - https://hearsdifferentdrummer.blogspot.com/2011/04/220-lbs-to-140-lbs-getting-fit-my-3.html

The above picture of the Sculpture "Breaking Free" is very meaningful to me, as the first image in the sculpture is how I felt for much of the time between 1999 to 2008, when I was in that period of my life.  Afraid to move, afraid to do anything because my demons had such a tight grip on me. As I took my courage in hand and was weaned off of my anxiety drugs I began to slowly feel alive again, just like in the photo. I am so grateful for the life I have now. Even when there are bumps in the road, I have learned ways to cope to get me through.

The only area I still seem to have anxiety at times is when we camp :-( 

I am confident that the anxiety I feel in these circumstances will also drop from my shoulders and I shall run in the meadows once again, as I plan to embrace my long lost friend - Camping,

Whether it's in our backyard

or in the wilderness (it's been much too long)

I read this phrase from a blog post recently -

Here's an excerpt from the post - 4. "Say hello to fear. Switch your thinking about obstacles and barriers into considering them as opportunities for growth. Instead of dreading these situations and catastrophizing any outcome, think instead of what it would be like to walk up to the fear,  say hello, and decide not to feed the fear monster. Acknowledging fear without giving it power is one of the most useful strategies for overcoming obstacles. Here's an example of what you could say to your fear: Oh, hello fear, thanks for coming and trying to protect me today, but I don't need you now, I am going go this yoga class to help me feel better and grow as a person. Now please step aside. Essentially you're challenging what you think of who you are and what you're capable of. Once you break down one wall, your mind continues to open up doors for personal growth and a shift in self-esteem."

I think I'll adapt that phrase -

Hello fear, thanks for coming and trying to protect me today, but I don't need you now. 

Didn't you hear I'm savoring my sixties and breaking free, 

now please step aside ;-)

*note for the Trailblazers that read this blog, I will be out experiencing the great opportunities of life (including camping!) and won't be posting our hikes for a bit. Until then - Happy trails!