Joan's Example

As I was looking at my stack of magazines and books I'd yet to read, and trying to decide which to take, I began to work myself up. I felt confusion, head pressure, disbelief at the number of items yet to read, and jealousy as I watched my husband easily select two or three magazines from the table and move on to do something else. 

I began to spot that I could be average too. I would just choose three books and three magazines and walk out of the room. Since I'd intended sometime to read them all, it really didn't matter which I took. I walked away after making the selections. 

Before Recovery and even since Recovery, I anguished over making the RIGHT choices as well as making CHOICES. I wanted to be prepared for everything that I could possibly need or want while I was away and I wanted it to be perfect. I would work myself up into frenzies over so very many things. I would also blame myself when I arrived at my destination if I didn't have EXACTLY what I thought was correct. I was neither flexible nor spontaneous and ALWAYS acted in extremes. I did endorse for my efforts and I did read and I did enjoy! 

Laurie -- Joan has learned to have the courage to make a mistake. She does not have to be perfect. 

Sandy -- Joan is no longer symptom-led, but self-led.