What about positive memories and emotions?

Hi Everyone,

I wish you all deep encouragement in your route to recovery.

I've had anxiety and RSI in my hands for the last 5 months. Before then, I did not have any of these issues.

The hands are better. I keep working. The anxiety still lingers.

So much of the TMS recovery program is focused on the painful memories.

I feel like I've gone into a bit of a hole going over all of these negative things.

There are many good things about my childhood, my past, my present and my future.

At what point do you turn it around and say, okay, enough! I want to be happy?

Any ideas for some balance here?

Thx,
AC

 

The general guidance by Sarno was not to spend more than about an hour a day working on TMS. The rest of the time should be spent living your life and finding as much joy and happiness as possible.

Best wishes in your journey, and welcome to the Forum!

 

Ellen is dead on. Once the obsession fades, so, too, will the pain and anxiety. The healing process is incredibly subtle in my experience.

 

Thank you for the perspective!

 

Thank you Steve!

 

So, focusing on good stuff and choosing happiness is something I feel like I need to do at this point. The anxiety has been waking me up in the early am and it's getting old! I am journaling, going to weekly therapy and especially appreciating Claire Weeke's book "Hope and help for your nerves" as well as Panic Away. Fortunately both the hand pain and anxiety have gotten @ 80% better since the initial onset.

 

If I'm remembering correctly, Claire Weeks is the one who suggests that when we can let go of our obsession with the negative feelings and pain, we will heal. I found her books very helpful.
I believe that our attitude is a deciding factor in how happy and to some extent how healthy we are. On days that I feel my worst, I start listing "grateful"s. I'm always amazed at how many I can produce!

 

Thank you Gigi! Great comments.

 

Peace in Every Step by Thich Nhat Hanh has been very helpful for me to regain a positive perspective while continuing to work through the pain.