Thank you -- Eric and "coach"

. I truly appreciate the support. I agree that I need to keep working, even on days that I feel better. I am realizing more and more about myself.... but I still question my symptoms -- it's difficult to accept the TMS diagnosis, even though it makes so much sense.
I wonder how far along the both of you are in the process? I will take a look at your posts so that I might know your stories. When I look back over the years, I see a pattern that began so early in childhood with so much internal conflict. I am surprised I made it this far without a complete meltdown. I suppose I should thank my physical symptoms for that. Perhaps they have served as a way for me to keep moving, despite the undercurrent of emotional pain that I have felt. I just want to feel joy again -- the kind of joy I knew on the last day of school when I was ten or the joy I knew when I first fell in love with my college sweetheart. I can remember how carefree we both were the day we drove to the beach in our convertible.... just smiling and so in love without a care or a responsibility in the world.
I like to think back to happy moments. And yesterday, walking with my young adult children and my husband, we spotted a bear in the trees. I was a little frightened but it was more exciting and fun than scary. For these moments, I am grateful.
I want to be able to enjoy these moments and to worry less about everything else.
Eric, I am trying very hard to learn meditation. It's been a challenge as I can't always focus as well as I would like. I am also in the process of cutting back on work hours. I own my own business where I care for people who are in emotional pain. I tend to want to help everyone and haven't been so good at turning down new inquiries -- particularly from those who are referred through former patients or via medical doctors in the area. I am proud of myself as I have finally (since the pain became more prominent ) started saying and meaning no. I am providing referrals and not worrying about it. I took today off to spend some alone time. I ran a few miles and now I am writing here, feeling grateful for all of supportive words and also, hopeful about finding peace.