Avoided the avoidance ....

[eternally optimistic]

Hi

I made it to the city centre with a friend..... Hooray . . .
That in itself, going with someone, was a success.

I have over many many years, although I am a very sociable person, is something, for some strange reason, I have avoided doing since I had kids, which was a very long time ago.

I make friends and then when it comes to socialising, I back out.

So, arrangements made and I stuck to them. Although, given
the opportunity I would have opted out.

Anyway, we got to shops and wondered for hours. I queued at till with no probs, no anxiety catching me up.

We sat and ate food, and I sorted waited, again, for the anxiety to bite. It didnt, I was beginning to feel cocky at this point.

I went to the loo and didnt worry about the door and the lock not being able to unopen. I wasnt searching for escape routes.

Anyway, all in all, a fantastic day and I was on such a high that I had done this. It sort of felt like some doors had been opened up again for me.

I read this back and it all souns rather silly I have got to this point that I would think of it as a success, but for me, it is.:D

[rosa_j_t]

It doesn't sound silly at all. It's a massive success, and you should be really proud of yourself! :D

[bluesparkle]

that is most definately not silly.
well done you :yesyes:
its a big achievment
rach
x

[Mindful]

Doesnt sound silly to me. Its a massive achievement. Anyone who has-has had anxiety will read your post and know how massive it is. :hugs:

[I Will Overcome]

Good on you :) I agree .. it's a huge accomplishment .. hold you head up and if I could I'd give you a hug ... hope a cyber one will do! Hugs ox

[pinkdove]

:) well done jay ann, what a great achievement, you should be very proud of yourself, long may it continue x

[Anxious_gal]

Well done :) I'm making the effort to get out more too and meeting a friend really lifts my mood. I spent way too long avoiding things due to my anxiety .
Despite being up n down for years , I was starting to belevie that maybe this time it wouldn't get better! Do it's the good days that give me the hope back.
It's very hard to get out at times but it's nearly worth it in the end :)

[skip]

Jay, I don't know you, but that sounds like major, major progress for you! Well done. Can I suggest that you make this a regular activity for a while so that associations in your brain change with regard to going to town? A few more trips and your brain will associate town with fun and pleasure rather than worry. x

[moirascott]

Well done!

Its all in "taking the bull by the horns", took me years to believe it, and try it but when I did, it worked. Well done you. Keep it up.

[eternally optimistic]

"Jay, I don't know you, but that sounds like major, major progress for you! Well done. Can I suggest that you make this a regular activity for a while so that associations in your brain change with regard to going to town? A few more trips and your brain will associate town with fun and pleasure rather than worry. "

great advice above and thank you for all your kinds words:)