Posted by gardenergirl on March 20, 2004, at 16:55:15
In reply to Chuckle » EmmyS, posted by Dinah on March 20, 2004, at 14:49:02
Hey folks,
It's good to be back. DC was a blast, but work, work, work, the entire time. I only had two hours free, but my friend and I talked organization business (we are on the board of a student org.) the entire time. Didn't get to see any sights except the inside of the House side of Capitol hill. But it was an amazing experience all the same.Anyway, thanks for all the good thoughts. I think in part, I am doing better because of this trip. Something like this in the past (imagine lobbying Congress for the first time!!!) likely would be so anxiety provoking that I would develop or invent a migraine to skip out on a day. But I didn't. I was even so confident that I introduced myself to James Carville (as if he cared, but I got a pic.) and to the president of the national organization. I was feeling BOLD! Not anxious. One of the senior people in the delegation, who I adore and consider to be a mentor in terms of advocacy said I was confident because "we've got your back." I don't think he realized how profound that was to me. My parents never had my back when I was anxious about anything. I always had to go it alone. Or even take care of their emotions. What a wonderful working through experience this was. Between this experience and my T's being so great, I think I am finally making some real strides. And it feels GOOD! Again, I wish this feeling for all.
About the Kleenex. The first session, when I started to cry and felt embarrassed, he said, "anytime you are in a room with this many Kleenex boxes, you should know it is okay to cry." Since then, I have never had to go through contortions (LOL, Emmy) or request Kleenex. He sometimes responds with empathy, but usually does not respond. I just *know* that it is safe for me to cry.
Take care and thanks for all of the good thoughts!
gg
poster:gardenergirl
thread:326032
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20040313/msgs/326483.html