Once we've chosen to deal with our own issues regarding anxiety and anxiety related problems we embark on a whole new path. Our journey is sometimes frustrating and sometimes painful, but it's always exciting seeing the positive changes we've made and realizing just how far we've come. We go through lots of emotional changes and there will more changes to come.

It's normal and healthy for emotions to come to the surface on our road to recovery. Don't be concerned that there is something wrong with you because all these emotions suddenly pop through. It's a wonderful sign that you are getting better and that you are benefiting from all of your hard work.

There are usually eight emotions that we go through when we begin the changing process. These emotions are: Doubt, Anger, Apathy,Anxiety,Sadness,Helplessness, Fear and loss.

Let me explain these emotions in a way that is pretty easy to understand. Let's say someone is going through a divorce after being married for many years. Not a pleasant subject, but during a divorce people can go through all of the above mentioned emotions.

After being married for so long  and then suddenly a divorce you begin having feelings of doubt about yourself. Then you feel anger. Of course you will feel the anxiety from the stress involved. Then here comes sadness. It's tough to let go. Helplessness is next because you know that the marriage can't be saved and there's just nothing you can do about it. Before you know it your feeling apathy. Nothing seems to matter one way or the other. Now comes fear. Fear of the future and possibly fear of being alone. All these feelings are normal and have to be released in order to get past it all. Loss is felt much the same as the loss you feel when someone close to you passes away.

You have had anxiety and all the issues it carries with it for so long that you actually do have feelings of loss. You will encounter all these feelings, but let them pass. It's not always easy saying "Good-Bye" to something you've had for so long. You're saying good-bye to a part of you that's been a part of your life for a long time. You want to get past the fear, but at the same time those feelings pop up.

Let all those feelings pass knowing that they are normal and that they must be released as part of your recovery process. Feel them, understand them, and say good-bye to them. Work through them by acknowledging that they are just part of the healing process you have to go through.

I know when I was working hard at getting past my own fears I would cry and had no clue as to why. Out of the blue I would just start crying. Then there were times I would just feel somewhat disconnected. I kept thinking "What the heck is this all about?" It really bothered me and confused me. I also thought, at times, "Now what?" I can laugh now, but it sure confused me back then.

Feel these emotions, accept them, let them pass and know that you really are on your way to getting better and better. Don't fear these feelings. Appreciate them. Letting go isn't easy, but it is necessary.                     

                                             QUESTION OF THE WEEK
Hi Sue,  You've mentioned many times that you listen to relaxing music. What type of music do you listen to? 'C' I love Reiki music and New Age/New World Music. I have one CD I listen to more than any other right now. It's called Merlin's Magic. It's a light Reiki touch CD. It's deliciously relaxing.                       

                                                  INSPIRATION
                "One must have choas in ones self order to give birth to a dancing star."
                                                     ~~Nietzsche~~
      "It is good have an end to journey towards; but it is the journey that matters in the end."                   
                                                   ~~Ursula K. Le Guin~~                                                   

                                                GOAL FOR THE WEEK
Think about feelings you've had on your path to wellness and write them down.  Write those feelings in your journal. You are still journaling, aren't you? I hope you are.
                        
                                                    AFFIRMATIONS         
                                  I will allow my Higher Power to guide me today.          
                                                   I give and receive love.          
                                                     I am not my fears.           
                                                  I am a forgiving person.           
                                        I accept and love myself just as I am today.                        

                                                 TIPS FOR THE WEEK

  Find some wild flowers and bring them into the house and put them in a vase , pretty glass, or in a
  pretty bottle you've saved.    

  Take a nice relaxing walk even if it's just around the yard. 

  Make some sun tea. Use decaf tea as it won't add to any anxiety. Stay away from caffeine.

Until next week I wish for you lots of Spring flowers, sunshine to guide your paths, and  butterflies. Enjoy listening to the birds sing.

                                                Think Positive, 
                                                    Sue Hulen
Releasing Feelings