Robert's Example |
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| Just before my grandson's fifth birthday, I decided to take him on a bus to see the Ice Capades at Detroit's Joe Louis Arena. As the day approached, I began to work myself up. My symptoms were tightness in my chest, tenseness in my shoulders, and racing thoughts. I was afraid I would have a panic attack and that I wouldn't be able to find our seats in the arena. I also feared I would become lost and not find our way back to the bus. I spotted that I could take things in part acts. My feelings were not facts; they were lying to me. Just because I thought I couldn't handle the trip didn't mean I couldn't. I could face my fear and it would go away. I endorsed myself for being group minded. Before Recovery, I probably wouldn't have considered such a trip. If I had, I would have backed out before the time came and then would have had a lot of fearful temper because I had disappointed others. I would have had plenty of self- blame, self-doubt and feelings of guilt. For days, my fearful temper would have kept me in symptoms such as fatigue, lowered feelings, anticipation of more failures, and panics. Further Spotting! Dale— I spot that Robert had the will to bear discomfort when he decided to face his fear. He retrained his brain that there was no danger when he followed through. Bill— I spot that when we have fearful anticipation it is usually worse than the actual event. I liked the way Robert spotted that he could take things in part acts. This helps make things less overwhelming. Ann— Robert endorsed himself for being group minded. By moving his muscles and doing what he feared, he is gaining self- respect. George— Dr. Low wrote that every act of self-control produces a sense of self- respect. What does that mean? part acts— doing things "one step at a time." group minded— thinking of others instead of yourself, often despite how you
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