Making progress - tendency to think back

[Gaining Strength]

OK - thanks for the great suggestions and encouraging words.  It means so much to me.

D - I've changed the topic from "slide" to "think".  Great suggestion.
PR - focusing on progress - I believe that thoughts set reality and focusing on the positive improves life - thanks for the reminder.
Ami - it is SOO nice to have childcare help at long last.  I think it will make a real difference for my child and for me.
Hops - I love those purple sliding ATTAs.  It is such a help to see movement out of paralysis at long last.
CH - That is great advice - sage wisdom.  So important to remember to progress and not let it get watered down by fear of failings.
Leah - Thanks.  Slips don't cause fear in me any more.  But I find comfort and encouragement in sharing them - esp. here.
Flower - I'll remember to challenge those negative thoughts.  They are all false messages. 

I'm taking all the positive thoughts and bottling them up in my mind so I can open the vial and sniff the sweet perfume when I find myself slipping, no thinking back.  I think this is a great idea - especially since the olfactory senses are said to be the most evocative of memory.  I'm going to tie this positive thought to a fragrance that I can access when I start to stumble.

[Leah]

(((( GS ))))

awesome fragrance.

keep on keeping on, forwards and onwards.

Leah x

[Certain Hope]

Today I am having another stuggle with the shame/anxiety
but without the accompaning shame for struggling (that added shame about feeling shame makes matters so much worse.) 

Yes! Me, too, GS... really noticing the blessed absence of that old added shame over the continued struggles.
With that curse silences, it's all just so ordinary... a common and temporary struggle... without the lead weights attached.

Oh, and I really like your plan to associate the true, affirming facts of all your successes to a readily accessible scent... makes so much sense! I have a "rain" scented candle which has a similar effect on me... but I'd never really connected the dots as to why. Its location is on one of the last shelves I generally dust when tidying up here, and I always take a little sniff of it afterward... so I guess it's become associated, for me, with a sort of "mission accomplished" signal. Very cool!

Thanks for the inspiration, dear Gaining Strength. I think it's time to dust!! 

With love,
Carolyn

[Gaining Strength]

Its location is on one of the last shelves I generally dust when tidying up here, and I always take a little sniff of it afterward... so I guess it's become associated, for me, with a sort of "mission accomplished" signal. Very cool!

Very cool indeed.  Thanks for sharing that - it helps me think I may be on the right track. - GS

[Leah]

((((((( GS )))))))

Definitely like your choice of amended title. 

Thinking of you today, as you progress with your plans for today.

"Bravo" and "Well Done" for ALL your splendid progress to present date. 

GS, you are a source of inspiration, to many, of which, I feel sure.

Love, Leah

[Ami]

Hi GS,
 Your warmth, grace and honesty were one of the strengths that helped me so much after Scott's death. You are a gem, GS!
                                 Love   Ami

[Leah]

The way I see it, the first part of this kind of work is to find out how we became voiceless; how we accepted a limited life in darkness and agony. The second part of the work, is seeing that part one wasn't truly "us" - we didn't deserve that and we are so much MORE than that. And then comes the phase of walking step by step into the light, fresh air of reclaiming our life. I'm thinking you're in this third phase! And there's only what works for you - no "right or "wrong" about how you go about this. It will be "your way"... all the way!

Hi Amber,

Truly, I personally, wholeheartedly, resonate and agree, with full accord.

As was, is, "my way" along my journey.

And, "ditto" regarding dear GS.

Amber, I am absolutely delighted to know that you have found, your authentic self, having worked so hard on your healing journey.  Truly is, a pleasure to know you here on board.  Thank you.


Leah x