Skip's Example
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Two days ago, I went to lunch with some friends. We stopped at a place we all like and were enjoying our meals. Suddenly I felt strange. When I began to have trouble keeping up with in the conversation, I began to work myself up. Almost immediately, I felt flushed, confused and panicky. My heart pounded, everything seemed unreal, and I felt as if I might collapse. I wanted to rush out of the restaurant. I knew I was beginning to have a panic attack. Because of my Recovery training, I spotted that this was distressing but not dangerous. (My doctor said I have no physical problems.) I also spotted my will to bear the discomfort of the panic and that I could control my muscles and remain in the restaurant. I spotted that I was not transparent. Even if my friends noticed my nervous symptoms, there would be no danger involved. I kept thinking, "This is distressing but not dangerous," and I continued to endorse myself for staying put. I remembered that if I did not work this up, it would run its course. I spotted that my symptoms were a harmless expression of a nervous imbalance. Before Recovery, I would have run out of the restaurant hysterically. I would have believed I was going to collapse and have a heart attack. I also would have blamed myself for being that way. Also in former days, I had a lot of panic attacks and free- floating anxiety. In fact, I got to the point where I was not very comfortable anywhere, and I avoided some places completely. Further Spotting! Elaine— I liked how Skip used his will to bear the discomfort of the panic. This shows that he was self-led, not symptom led. Loren— By controlling his muscles and not bolting from the restaurant, Skip used his muscles to retrain his brain that there was no danger. Bonnie— Skip demonstrated that his mental health is his supreme goal and that comfort is a want and not a need. Don— I spot that Skip’s panic spoke to him like any nervous What does that mean? spot -- Jane recognized (spotted) that she was in no danger because of what she had been learning in Recovery. endorsing -- giving herself credit.
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