Challenging Myself

[DDNatureLover]

I'm often content to hang out here at home by myself, but sometimes I need to face a situation that I don't want to. Although in some cases, I could ignore the activity or postpone it, sometimes I choose to just dive in and challenge myself to confront the situation so I can say I've done it. I had to deal with a few things over the past few days that I'd prefer to have not done, but they needed to be gotten through. I had to participate in a focus group because I needed the money. Although I was anxious for the first half of it, I was pretty comfortable by the time it was over, and had stopped watching the clock so that I wasn't even aware the time was up. I had to renew my license also, and dealing with a bunch of strangers and bureaucrats is never my favorite thing to do, especially when I'm not feeling well, but I was able to get through it with some deep breathing and the solitaire on my phone. I did speak to a few of the other people waiting at the license bureau, and the interactions were pleasant, although the clerk wasn't the friendliest person. 

 

[Alex]

I do challenge myself, but I also know how easy it is to talk yourself out of something.


Focus groups  aren't  too bad as you can see the light at the end of it. I think when  I used to do them I was more anxious about being late or turned away.


You did well, and for some people these things can be run of the mill, but for others it's harder. I went forca brisk walk today as I need to increase my stamina, and I have put that off for weeks.

 

[Alexandoy]

Challenging yourself is a good endeavor for mental health because it develops confidence.  There are times that I procrastinate on new chores and the only way to start attending to them is to challenge myself. But I have to admit that procrastination often wins over the challenge. 

 

[DDNatureLover]

I've noticed that a lot of whether I challenge myself has to do with how I'm feeling physically. My self esteem has taken a huge hit now that I seem to be sicker than ever, and am not able to plan things. I used to be very organized as far as what needed to be done, and when I would do it, but these days, my body seems to rule me. It's difficult to do much of anything when I feel like a slave to my body. I am hoping I'm on the good side of this flare, and that I'll be able to set some more goals soon. I definitely feel better about myself and more in control of my life when I'm able to check items off of my To Do list. 

 

[Alex]

I've noticed that a lot of halLe n'tnge myself has to do wiRecently th  how I'm feeling physically. My self esteem has taken a huge hit now that I seem to be sicker than ever, and am not able to plan things. I used to be very organized as far as what needed to be done, and when I would do it, but these days, my body seems to rule me. It's difficult to do much of anything when I feel like a slave to my body. I am hoping I'm on the good side of this flare, and that I'll be able to set some more goals soon. I definitely feel better about myself and more in control of my life when I'm able to check items off of my To Do list. 

I do feel like that too, and there is an inner frustration. Recently I pulled a muscle in my arm and it is a challenge to even get dressed some days. I did it by stopping my father doing something silly and dangerous, and it is hard not to get angry at him when I am unable to do what I want to.


The body does create limitations and we have to listen to it. I have put on weight on need and want to lose it, and it is a challenge when you are tired and in pain.

 

[fuzyon]

You know what's funny? Anxiety pretty much goes away once you're doing the tasks you're afraid of. For example, when I was taking my driving lessons I used to be afraid to get behind the wheel. Before my lessons I would pace back and forth consistently and my blood was boiling inside, but when I actually got on the road my mind was free and I didn't feel any anxiety at all since I was so focused. It's frustrating how our minds work at times.

 

[DDNatureLover]

Yes @fuzyon, I've noticed the same thing about my pain. When I'm engrossed in certain types of tasks, I become numb to my pain. It's not as if the pain goes away, it's that my brain is focused on other things, and I don't pay attention to the pain. Doing that also lessens my anxiety, because I have a lot of anxiety about my pain and limitations. If I know I'm going to be out in public or at some sort of gathering, anxiety tends to build up because I'll start thinking about what will be happening, where I'll be sitting, whether I'll be able to get up and move about as much as I need to in order to stretch and work out my kinks, because otherwise, my pain will get worse. There's also a sense of accomplishment when we conquer our fears, and that tends to assuage our anxiety.