Posted by lucie lu on December 4, 2008, at 15:43:24
In reply to the what ifs, posted by Angela2 on December 4, 2008, at 11:15:45
Hi Angela,I'm glad your symptoms are "just" anxiety (not that it makes them any less comfortable).
You know, and this is just MHO, but I remember in some of your other posts, you saying something about volunteer or other activities, but that they are "boring" so you didn't want to follow through with them. While they may in fact be boring, consider where you are - still perched on the side of the pool. You badly want to swim but you don't like the thought of getting wet! Something has to give here. What is your biggest concern in your life, boredom or loneliness, lack of social life and contacts? If it is boredom, then by all means avoid boring activities but then be prepared to put in some other new and exciting activities yourself. But if its the social contacts, go to those activities for that reason alone, practice your social skills if nothing else. With any luck, you may eventually find something or someone interesting or exciting from these activities that initially looked boring.
You know what though, Angela, a good portion of the days of all of our lives can truthfully be described to be "boring." We do them anyway because they need to be done, they are work towards particular goals. You need to decide your goal, decide upon steps that will help you reach this goal, and then close your eyes, hold your nose, and jump in with a splash. Just do it. Boring or not. Let your next big issue be over-activity rather than under! Then you know you are starting to address the avoidance pattern.
Best of luck,
Lucie
poster:lucie lu
thread:866649
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20081120/msgs/866685.html