JOURNAL 2 CONTENT/COMMENTS

'If it's anything more than 'momentary' - you've got problems' 

All subscribers will receive Journals 1-7 onward - 'The Mind Works'. These outline the stages in recovery/my understanding of this illness and other people's questions answered. Here is a list of the contents of Journal 2.

Page 1         Getting Ahead Of Myself

                   A fine line between 'Real' and 'Forced' control.

Page 2         Marilyn And Regular Smokers

                   'Fighters or Flighters?'

Page 3         Where Am I At Now?

                   Why 'double check', aren't we good controllers?

Pages 3-4     It's Easier Not To Step Into The Ring

                   Why recovery should be easier to achieve.

Pages 4-5     Self-Belief And Focus

                   Accepting our natural cut-offs.

Pages 5-9     Advice Column

                   Specific answers to your specific questions.

Page 10       The 'Crux Of Recovery And Concept Of Flow' 1

                   Input your own situation and see where it takes you?

Pages 11-12 Tickbox Test

                   The A - Z of recovery.

Pages 12-13 Understanding Is Everything

                   Ignoring our natural 'cut-offs'.

Pages 13-14 Set Situation

                   Nothing wrong with the 'initial' pefectionist'.

Pages 15-16 Guest Hypnotherapist

                   It's your reaction that's so damaging!

Pages 16-17 Real Control

                   'Momentary' thoughts/feelings - no issues made.

Page 18       The 'Crux Of Recovery And Concept Of Flow' 2

                   My own situation - tried and tested.

Pages 19-20 Finale

                   A simple message of recovery. 'Tickbox Test' answers.

Comments

Will, I thought I would just drop you a line to tell you 'how much of a help' this has been to me. I have suffered with severe anxiety for years and yet, have never understood how to overcome it. You have given me hope - as I can now see where I was going wrong. More to the point, I understand that we have all the controls there anyway? So I don't have to find any other controlling strategies - I, in fact, have to take a step away from these. This is truly brilliant! I DO feel relaxed now by resisting the temptation to react to 'what's already happened' and, like you say, 'what's already been controlled'. I will persevere with this, as I know I've come through the worst and can sense things are not as bad as they seem. Keep writing - please!  Maria S.  Nov '05      

Hi, Thanks for this again (Journal 2). I think the difference here is that you say we have 'stay with' what's spontaneous, and that this actually includes natural controls, as well as our initial thoughts?  (and after my response)   Yes, thought so. I realise that our initial controls don't have to be 'double-checked' and, instead, accepted first time. Last time, I felt stressed out/panicky reading your Journal (ref: Journal 1)as I think we all have our 'set' ways for dealing with this illness. However, after reading it - I tried 'not fighting' this feeling and gave it a go. I can see that 'at the exact point' of recognising my stress, I was actually subconsciously controlling/coming out of this. This is real and workable - I am 'passing through' my panic now like never before - no issues made. I hope this helps others - thanks again  Sam D.  Dec '05  (The whole dialogue will now be put in Journal 3).

Will, Many thanks for both Journals. I will certainly try to put this into practice - as a 'not do'. Anon Dec '05

Will, Thanks for these, they make a lot of sense. I have tried this already and it seems to have worked so far - I will get back to you. R.G  Dec '05

Dear Will, These journals make a lot of sense and I am trying to put them into practice and so far so good, especially rather than ruminating over anxious thoughts, the not doing is helpful. Anon Dec '05

Will, I haven't read anything, which exposes this illness quite like this. I think there is a much bigger issue surrounding this - namely 'how' we gain control 'the right way'. I would recommend anyone reads this - fact, not fiction. Jill K :) Dec '05

Hi, I think this could 'blow the lid off' many traditional therapies. One simple solution accompanied by your detailed reasoning - I kept coming back to this site after, initially, dismissing it. I think you've got this right and given me the chance to really understand what I'm doing. I didn't think anyone else could quite think the way I did.  R.Fraser Jan '06

Will, A great site followed by the clarification I needed. The section on your advice column has given me hope.. Anon Jan '06

Will, This is a very interesting interpretation of 'how our minds work' - I've not picked up on this anywhere before and yet totally agree. I credit you for keeping your solution extremely simple and actually, breathed a sigh of relief when you based it 'all' on reasoning and understanding. There are so many jokes out there and also therapists who comment, but have never been 'in it' like we have. This should go further, as it's changed my life in a matter of months and has a message there for us all...(this is also part of the 'Advice Column' entry in Journal 3)  Anon  Jan '06 

Hi, This has really helped me. I can really say I have got an understanding of what I'm doing now. What you have to say works! Many thanks JH  Feb '06 (This is also part of a longer e-mail exchange)

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