Day 1 Day 1

[OneBanana]

I've had neuropathy in my feet and ankles for 25 years. I've seen neurologists and they can't explain how or why I got it. The last one I saw told me it will never get better. She had a smile on her face when she told me like she was giving me good news.

I had seen the John Stossel video before. I thought about it recently, watched it on Youtube, did a search for Dr Sarno, and found the TMS wiki. After reading "An Introduction to TMS" and "So You Think You Might Have TMS" I don't have any doubt that TMS is the casue. I have a lot of repressed emotions.

I'm starting the Structured Educational Program. One worry I have is that there seems to be lot of journaling for it and I'm a terrible writer. Even if I express myself badly I'm sure it will still help.

 

[Joulegirl]

One worry I have is that there seems to be lot of journaling for it and I'm a terrible writer. Even if I express myself badly I'm sure it will still help.

First, welcome to the SEP! This is a fantastic program to learn more about TMS and also about you!

These two sentences in your intro stood out to me because of 2 things:

1. Even though you probably didn't even mean to, this was putting yourself down and being negative. (Most of us do this unknowingly!) You will learn on the TMS journey that all of us need self compassion. Just keep this in mind when you do the SEP. Be your own BFF.
2. This statement also shows that you may be a perfectionist and can only do the SEP "the right way." There is no right way. You just do it. Don't focus on making your journaling perfect either by spelling, punctuation, or even making sense! This journaling is for you only. The only wrong way to do the journaling is if you don't do it at all.

Good luck to you! We are here to cheer you on!

 

[JanAtheCPA]

Welcome @OneBanana, to the SEP and the forum. @Joulegirl gave you perfect advice.

Personally, I often refer to journaling as "writing shit down". I just scribble (illegibly) on crappy notebook paper and then I toss it. Disposing of your writing is recommended by at least two TMS professionals (Nicole Sachs and Dr David Hanscom).

 

[OneBanana]

First, welcome to the SEP! This is a fantastic program to learn more about TMS and also about you!

These two sentences in your intro stood out to me because of 2 things:

1. Even though you probably didn't even mean to, this was putting yourself down and being negative. (Most of us do this unknowingly!) You will learn on the TMS journey that all of us need self compassion. Just keep this in mind when you do the SEP. Be your own BFF.

I wasn't putting myself down. I really am not a good writer, but I'm getting better at it. I'm learning a new language which seems to be helping a lot.

2. This statement also shows that you may be a perfectionist and can only do the SEP "the right way." There is no right way. You just do it. Don't focus on making your journaling perfect either by spelling, punctuation, or even making sense! This journaling is for you only. The only wrong way to do the journaling is if you don't do it at all.

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am definately *NOT* a perfectionist. I'm a "Yeah, that looks ok"-ist.

Good luck to you! We are here to cheer you on!

[/QUOTE]

Thanks for the support!

 

[Mani]

I wasn't putting myself down. I really am not a good writer, but I'm getting better at it. I'm learning a new language which seems to be helping a lot.




HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am definately *NOT* a perfectionist. I'm a "Yeah, that looks ok"-ist.



Thanks for the support!

Welcome!

First off: this is not a writing competition. I'd say the worse the better even. Youre supposed to write from the gut, like shooting from the hip. Its supposed to be uncensored. This is not a new book were writing. Just keep the hand moving; keep writing the first thing that comes up.

Furthermore, you know yourself way better than I do. I understand you go into this with certain notions about yourself. I will just tell you a little something about myself to illustrate the point im trying to make:

Personally, I never really identified as being a perfectionist. Later on I realized that I did in fact care very much and that I was acting like I didnt because failing was too scary and too shameful. I was unconciously telling myself it didnt matter, to avoid disappointing myself. I was unaware of a lot of emotions like this, because i repressed them all. Just keep writing and see what you find out about yourself. Got a long road ahead of ya.

Hope I'll see you around! God bless.