An agoraphobic takes a successful walk!

[[ho...]]

Yes, it's been rough going. But today I went on a walk with my dog and felt mostly calm the entire time. I told myself over and over, "I am my safe person. This is my safe place."

Yesterday I started an anxiety and depression workbook/cd program I haven't used in over ten years. I'm pretty skeptical about it but every little bit helps. I also got a free trial of that super popular meditation app, and that helps, too. Every time I try to meditate I'm convinced I'm not "doing it right". But it leaves me a little calmer nevertheless. And this was the first time in a week that I've walked my dog by myself without feeling panicky! Even if it doesn't happen again, I'm glad it felt mostly calm this time.

 

I just wanted to share a good story that might give you all some hope. Throw all the spaghetti at the wall and see what sticks. You might just find a little something that helps you a little bit.

 

Best to all,

hopesavoy

[[Br...]]

What a great post hopesavoy! 

 

Congratulations on getting out for a walk and getting through it with positive self talk! I'm sure your dog enjoyed it too 

 

Sounds like you're doing such a great job with self care - it can make all the difference.  I understand that feeling with meditation of not "doing it right".  It helps to remind ourselves that it's a practice and it's called that for a good reason.  We're not supposed to get it right, we're supposed to practice it!

 

Throw all the spaghetti at the wall and see what sticks. You might just find a little something that helps you a little bit.

 

I love this image!

 

Thanks for sharing your story 

[Guest [ba...]]

:thumbsup:  Way to go!

[[Ba...]]

That is so great hopesavoy!

 

Many wisdom traditions consider walking to be meditative, so you're actually meditating "right" without having to think about it. The repetition of words about being safe sounds like a mantra, so I think you've already figured it out and are doing it!

 

Thank you for posting. Your encouragement has helped me today!

[[ho...]]

Brighter, badsocref, and Baroness,

Thank you for replying! It can be scary to be on here sometimes because of course we come here for support -- which we wouldn't need if things weren't going pretty rough. It helped me to post something really positive and it has helped me to hear back from all of you.

 

<3 hopesavoy