RE: Accomplished goals of blog and therapy

[Guest guest]

Hi Em,

I am so pleased for you - all your hard work has paid off - there will be twists and turns but keep your eyes on the road! Whoo Hoo!

Simone

Subject: RE: Accomplished goals of blog and therapyTo: "ACT_for_the_Public" <act_for_the_public >Date: Wednesday, 24 August, 2011, 23:05

Good for you, Em. Take a bow. Bill

To: ACT_for_the_Public From: tobepresentnow@...Date: Wed, 24 Aug 2011 19:50:04 +0100Subject: Accomplished goals of blog and therapy

So that's it. I never thought I would do it 10 months of ACT therapy, but I did, thought it would take longer. I can now try for a baby, have traveled 500 kilometres to be with my parents, and have a lot of freedom of movement. My life has changed and I am a different person that the one whose life was dictated by fear. Some of you may remember the moment I joined the ACT group and started my blog, it doesn't seem that long ago. I still have therapy to do, and everyday there will be challenges, but I am so happy with what I have accomplished. I have a full account and a pic in my blog, (link in my signature below) so please feel free to read. Take care all, thanks for the support XXXX tread gently._____________________

Signature: Mrs Em Equanimity

This is my personal blog where I record my experience applying Acceptance Commitment Therapy to my anxiety and agoraphobia in particular, and my life in general. Feel free to browse. http://eyeofthehurricane-act.blogspot.com/

[Guest guest]

Congratulations! I have never known anyone as committed to reaching their goals as you have been. You have been a constant inspiration to me on this journey.

Helena

To: "ACT for the Public" <ACT_for_the_Public >Sent: Wednesday, August 24, 2011 2:50:04 PMSubject: Accomplished goals of blog and therapy

So that's it. I never thought I would do it 10 months of ACT therapy, but I did, thought it would take longer. I can now try for a baby, have traveled 500 kilometres to be with my parents, and have a lot of freedom of movement. My life has changed and I am a different person that the one whose life was dictated by fear. Some of you may remember the moment I joined the ACT group and started my blog, it doesn't seem that long ago. I still have therapy to do, and everyday there will be challenges, but I am so happy with what I have accomplished. I have a full account and a pic in my blog, (link in my signature below) so please feel free to read. Take care all, thanks for the support XXXX tread gently._____________________

Signature: Mrs Em Equanimity

This is my personal blog where I record my experience applying Acceptance Commitment Therapy to my anxiety and agoraphobia in particular, and my life in general. Feel free to browse. http://eyeofthehurricane-act.blogspot.com/

[Guest guest]

Thank you so much for your kind words: Bill, Helena, , ... all of you have been great support. And thank you so much for saying I have inspired Helena... that was an important part of doing my blog. Planning a month of mindfulness, acceptance, taking things easy, meditation,exercise, and eating well (I want to put on 6 kilos). Take good care all, and tread gently XXXXP.S. I don't think I 100% realise that I have indeed done this. I just glanced at the title of the email and thought: "No, that can't be true after all these years...". I think things have gone so fast lately it needs time to sink in, that is why I think I need some healing mindfulness and time for being. X______________________Signature: Mrs Em Equanimity This is my personal blog where I record my experience applying Acceptance Commitment Therapy to my anxiety and agoraphobia in particular, and my life in general. Feel free to browse. http://eyeofthehurricane-act.blogspot.com/--- El jue, 25/8/11, hbbr Asunto: Re: Accomplished goals of blog and therapyPara: "ACT for the Public" <ACT_for_the_Public >Fecha: jueves, 25 de agosto, 2011

14:11

Congratulations! I have never known anyone as committed to reaching their goals as you have been. You have been a constant inspiration to me on this journey.

Helena

To: "ACT for the Public" <ACT_for_the_Public >Sent: Wednesday, August 24, 2011 2:50:04 PMSubject: Accomplished goals of blog and therapy

So that's it. I never thought I would do it 10 months of ACT therapy, but I did, thought it would take longer. I can now try for a baby, have traveled 500 kilometres to be with my parents, and have a lot of freedom of movement. My life has changed and I am a different person that the one whose life was dictated by fear. Some of you may remember the moment I joined the ACT group and started my blog, it doesn't seem that long ago. I still have therapy to do, and everyday there will be challenges, but I am so happy with what I have accomplished. I have a full account and a pic in my blog, (link in my signature below) so please feel free to read. Take care all, thanks for the support XXXX tread gently._____________________

Signature: Mrs Em Equanimity

This is my personal blog where I record my experience applying Acceptance Commitment Therapy to my anxiety and agoraphobia in particular, and my life in general. Feel free to browse. http://eyeofthehurricane-act.blogspot.com/

[Guest guest]

I meant Simone, not ! ______________________Signature: Mrs Em Equanimity This is my personal blog where I record my experience applying Acceptance Commitment Therapy to my anxiety and agoraphobia in particular, and my life in general. Feel free to browse. http://eyeofthehurricane-act.blogspot.com/--- El jue, 25/8/11, Miss Equanimity escribió:De: Miss Equanimity Asunto: Re: Accomplished goals of blog and therapyPara: ACT_for_the_Public Fecha: jueves, 25 de agosto, 2011 20:22

Thank you so much for your kind words: Bill, Helena, , ... all of you have been great support. And thank you so much for saying I have inspired Helena... that was an important part of doing my blog. Planning a month of mindfulness, acceptance, taking things easy, meditation,exercise, and eating well (I want to put on 6 kilos). Take good care all, and tread gently XXXXP.S. I don't think I 100% realise that I have indeed done this. I just glanced at the title of the email and thought: "No, that can't be true after all these years...". I think things have gone so fast lately it needs time to sink in, that is why I think I need some healing mindfulness and time for being. X______________________Signature: Mrs Em Equanimity This is my personal blog where I record my experience applying Acceptance Commitment Therapy to my anxiety and agoraphobia in particular, and my life in general. Feel free to browse. http://eyeofthehurricane-act.blogspot.com/--- El jue, 25/8/11, hbbr Asunto: Re: Accomplished goals of blog and therapyPara: "ACT for the Public"

<ACT_for_the_Public >Fecha: jueves, 25 de agosto, 2011

14:11

Congratulations! I have never known anyone as committed to reaching their goals as you have been. You have been a constant inspiration to me on this journey.

Helena

To: "ACT for the Public" <ACT_for_the_Public >Sent: Wednesday, August 24, 2011 2:50:04 PMSubject: Accomplished goals of blog and therapy

So that's it. I never thought I would do it 10 months of ACT therapy, but I did, thought it would take longer. I can now try for a baby, have traveled 500 kilometres to be with my parents, and have a lot of freedom of movement. My life has changed and I am a different person that the one whose life was dictated by fear. Some of you may remember the moment I joined the ACT group and started my blog, it doesn't seem that long ago. I still have therapy to do, and everyday there will be challenges, but I am so happy with what I have accomplished. I have a full account and a pic in my blog, (link in my signature below) so please feel free to read. Take care all, thanks for the support XXXX tread gently._____________________

Signature: Mrs Em Equanimity

This is my personal blog where I record my experience applying Acceptance Commitment Therapy to my anxiety and agoraphobia in particular, and my life in general. Feel free to browse. http://eyeofthehurricane-act.blogspot.com/

[Guest guest]

Em - I hope you will keep posting. If you could only spend 60 seconds or an equivalent number of email words to describe what worked for you during your ten month journey, what would you say about what worked for you? What are your simple words of wisdom? Maybe it's what you would say on Twitter or on an elevator to a curious friend.Please keep us posted on how it's going for you and how you use ACT to face the challenges?BillTo: ACT_for_the_Public From: tobepresentnow@...Date: Thu, 25 Aug 2011 21:22:35 +0100Subject: Re: Accomplished goals of blog and therapy

Thank you so much for your kind words: Bill, Helena, , ... all of you have been great support. And thank you so much for saying I have inspired Helena... that was an important part of doing my blog. Planning a month of mindfulness, acceptance, taking things easy, meditation,exercise, and eating well (I want to put on 6 kilos). Take good care all, and tread gently XXXXP.S. I don't think I 100% realise that I have indeed done this. I just glanced at the title of the email and thought: "No, that can't be true after all these years...". I think things have gone so fast lately it needs time to sink in, that is why I think I need some healing mindfulness and time for being. X______________________Signature: Mrs Em Equanimity This is my personal blog where I record my experience applying Acceptance Commitment Therapy to my anxiety and agoraphobia in particular, and my life in general. Feel free to browse. http://eyeofthehurricane-act.blogspot.com/--- El jue, 25/8/11, hbbr Asunto: Re: Accomplished goals of blog and therapyPara: "ACT for the Public" <ACT_for_the_Public >Fecha: jueves, 25 de agosto, 2011

14:11

Congratulations! I have never known anyone as committed to reaching their goals as you have been. You have been a constant inspiration to me on this journey.

Helena

To: "ACT for the Public" <ACT_for_the_Public >Sent: Wednesday, August 24, 2011 2:50:04 PMSubject: Accomplished goals of blog and therapy

So that's it. I never thought I would do it 10 months of ACT therapy, but I did, thought it would take longer. I can now try for a baby, have traveled 500 kilometres to be with my parents, and have a lot of freedom of movement. My life has changed and I am a different person that the one whose life was dictated by fear. Some of you may remember the moment I joined the ACT group and started my blog, it doesn't seem that long ago. I still have therapy to do, and everyday there will be challenges, but I am so happy with what I have accomplished. I have a full account and a pic in my blog, (link in my signature below) so please feel free to read. Take care all, thanks for the support XXXX tread gently._____________________

Signature: Mrs Em Equanimity

This is my personal blog where I record my experience applying Acceptance Commitment Therapy to my anxiety and agoraphobia in particular, and my life in general. Feel free to browse. http://eyeofthehurricane-act.blogspot.com/

[Guest guest]

I would say "Look where you want to steer your boat. And then do as many ACT and mindful exercises as possible,but be patient, it takes time, Open up to experience when you find yourself shutting down and avoiding (you CAN do that, even if your mind says you can't), take a risk or two, get up when you fall, come back to the present, live and love, hold your values close but gently. And be very very kind"I will certainly keep posting Bill. I still have a lot of work to do, and life will make sure there is always plenty to learn and be with. Take good care XXX______________________Signature: Mrs Em Equanimity This is my personal blog where I record my experience applying Acceptance Commitment Therapy to my anxiety and agoraphobia in particular, and my life in general. Feel free to browse. http://eyeofthehurricane-act.blogspot.com/--- El jue, 25/8/11, Bill C escribió:De: Bill C Asunto: RE: Accomplished goals of blog and therapyPara: "ACT_for_the_Public" <act_for_the_public >Fecha: jueves, 25 de agosto, 2011 20:55

Em - I hope you will keep posting. If you could only spend 60 seconds or an equivalent number of email words to describe what worked for you during your ten month journey, what would you say about what worked for you? What are your simple words of wisdom? Maybe it's what you would say on Twitter or on an elevator to a curious friend.Please keep us posted on how it's going for you and how you use ACT to face the challenges?BillTo: ACT_for_the_Public From: tobepresentnow@...Date: Thu, 25 Aug 2011 21:22:35 +0100Subject: Re: Accomplished goals of blog and therapy

Thank you so much for your kind words: Bill, Helena, , ... all of you have been great support. And thank you so much for saying I have inspired Helena... that was an important part of doing my blog. Planning a month of mindfulness, acceptance, taking things easy, meditation,exercise, and eating well (I want to put on 6 kilos). Take good care all, and tread gently XXXXP.S. I don't think I 100% realise that I have indeed done this. I just glanced at the title of the email and thought: "No, that can't be true after all these years...". I think things have gone so fast lately it needs time to sink in, that is why I think I need some healing mindfulness and time for being. X______________________Signature: Mrs Em Equanimity This is my personal blog where I record my experience applying Acceptance Commitment Therapy to my anxiety and agoraphobia in particular, and my life in general. Feel free to browse. http://eyeofthehurricane-act.blogspot.com/--- El jue, 25/8/11, hbbr Asunto: Re: Accomplished goals of blog and therapyPara: "ACT for the Public" <ACT_for_the_Public >Fecha: jueves, 25 de

agosto, 2011

14:11

Congratulations! I have never known anyone as committed to reaching their goals as you have been. You have been a constant inspiration to me on this journey.

Helena

To: "ACT for the Public" <ACT_for_the_Public >Sent: Wednesday, August 24, 2011 2:50:04 PMSubject: Accomplished goals of blog and therapy

So that's it. I never thought I would do it 10 months of ACT therapy, but I did, thought it would take longer. I can now try for a baby, have traveled 500 kilometres to be with my parents, and have a lot of freedom of movement. My life has changed and I am a different person that the one whose life was dictated by fear. Some of you may remember the moment I joined the ACT group and started my blog, it doesn't seem that long ago. I still have therapy to do, and everyday there will be challenges, but I am so happy with what I have accomplished. I have a full account and a pic in my blog, (link in my signature below) so please feel free to read. Take care all, thanks for the support XXXX tread gently._____________________

Signature: Mrs Em Equanimity

This is my personal blog where I record my experience applying Acceptance Commitment Therapy to my anxiety and agoraphobia in particular, and my life in general. Feel free to browse. http://eyeofthehurricane-act.blogspot.com/

[Guest guest]

Em, I think you may be too modest. A lot of us think about where and how to steer our boat to honor our values and we come up with fantastic plans and goals - in our minds. What I see as a huge difference in your success is HOW you accomplished your goals after deciding what they were: You developed a solid and realistic action plan to achieve your goals, built in space for mindful assessment (not over-monitoring in the moment) and accountability, and put all this in writing (by blogging). You tracked your plan daily, you tweaked your plan as needed, you were patient and kind with yourself, you fell down and got up again and again, and you always, always, always got right back to THE PLAN. You started each day in your journal with the words "I am grateful for today."

Please let me know if I misinterpreted anything - but that is what I saw. Thanks so much for being such a fine example of "working" it.

Helena

To: "ACT for the Public" <ACT_for_the_Public >Sent: Thursday, August 25, 2011 5:32:13 PMSubject: RE: Accomplished goals of blog and therapy

I would say "Look where you want to steer your boat. And then do as many ACT and mindful exercises as possible,but be patient, it takes time, Open up to experience when you find yourself shutting down and avoiding (you CAN do that, even if your mind says you can't), take a risk or two, get up when you fall, come back to the present, live and love, hold your values close but gently. And be very very kind"

I will certainly keep posting Bill. I still have a lot of work to do, and life will make sure there is always plenty to learn and be with. Take good care XXX

______________________

Signature: Mrs Em Equanimity

This is my personal blog where I record my experience applying Acceptance Commitment Therapy to my anxiety and agoraphobia in particular, and my life in general. Feel free to browse. http://eyeofthehurricane-act.blogspot.com/--- El jue, 25/8/11, Bill C escribió:

De: Bill C Asunto: RE: Accomplished goals of blog and therapyPara: "ACT_for_the_Public" <act_for_the_public >Fecha: jueves, 25 de agosto, 2011 20:55

Em - I hope you will keep posting.

If you could only spend 60 seconds or an equivalent number of email words to describe what worked for you during your ten month journey, what would you say about what worked for you? What are your simple words of wisdom? Maybe it's what you would say on Twitter or on an elevator to a curious friend.

Please keep us posted on how it's going for you and how you use ACT to face the challenges?

Bill

To: ACT_for_the_Public From: tobepresentnow@...Date: Thu, 25 Aug 2011 21:22:35 +0100Subject: Re: Accomplished goals of blog and therapy

Thank you so much for your kind words: Bill, Helena, , ... all of you have been great support. And thank you so much for saying I have inspired Helena... that was an important part of doing my blog. Planning a month of mindfulness, acceptance, taking things easy, meditation,exercise, and eating well (I want to put on 6 kilos). Take good care all, and tread gently XXXX

P.S. I don't think I 100% realise that I have indeed done this. I just glanced at the title of the email and thought: "No, that can't be true after all these years...". I think things have gone so fast lately it needs time to sink in, that is why I think I need some healing mindfulness and time for being. X

______________________

Signature: Mrs Em Equanimity

This is my personal blog where I record my experience applying Acceptance Commitment Therapy to my anxiety and agoraphobia in particular, and my life in general. Feel free to browse. http://eyeofthehurricane-act.blogspot.com/--- El jue, 25/8/11, hbbr escribió:

De: hbbr Asunto: Re: Accomplished goals of blog and therapyPara: "ACT for the Public" <ACT_for_the_Public >Fecha: jueves, 25 de agosto, 2011 14:11

Congratulations! I have never known anyone as committed to reaching their goals as you have been. You have been a constant inspiration to me on this journey. Helena

To: "ACT for the Public" <ACT_for_the_Public >Sent: Wednesday, August 24, 2011 2:50:04 PMSubject: Accomplished goals of blog and therapy

So that's it. I never thought I would do it 10 months of ACT therapy, but I did, thought it would take longer. I can now try for a baby, have traveled 500 kilometres to be with my parents, and have a lot of freedom of movement. My life has changed and I am a different person that the one whose life was dictated by fear. Some of you may remember the moment I joined the ACT group and started my blog, it doesn't seem that long ago. I still have therapy to do, and everyday there will be challenges, but I am so happy with what I have accomplished. I have a full account and a pic in my blog, (link in my signature below) so please feel free to read. Take care all, thanks for the support XXXX tread gently._____________________

Signature: Mrs Em Equanimity

This is my personal blog where I record my experience applying Acceptance Commitment Therapy to my anxiety and agoraphobia in particular, and my life in general. Feel free to browse. http://eyeofthehurricane-act.blogspot.com/

[Guest guest]

Taking of being kind, you are being very kind Helena, thank you. I think also its important to remember that there are loads of days when everything stands still, however much you do everything goes the wrong way, and some days are just full of pain full stop. There are days when I would hardly try too. What I am getting at, its important to remember it takes time and a lot of patience, I am no superhero and things take time to come together, and I mean months and months, it can even take years. I think if you know where you are going, you can take days like that, and just let them be.I did use to do a daily post , at the end I would at least always record my mindful work. I did always say I was grateful for today, and I was. I have had some very hard things happen in the last 6 months, and being grateful sometimes was the only thing I could

hold on to, the certainty that was I was growing and learning, and I was thankful for that, thankful sometimes just because I was alive.I also make make many plans and goals in my mind that don't progress, so what you said is a great reminder. Thanks again, tread gently XXXX______________________Signature: Mrs Em Equanimity This is my personal blog where I record my experience applying Acceptance Commitment Therapy to my anxiety and agoraphobia in particular, and my life in general. Feel free to browse. http://eyeofthehurricane-act.blogspot.com/--- El vie, 26/8/11, hbbr Asunto: Re: Accomplished goals of blog and therapyPara: "ACT for the Public" <ACT_for_the_Public >Fecha: viernes, 26 de agosto, 2011 09:58

Em, I think you may be too modest. A lot of us think about where and how to steer our boat to honor our values and we come up with fantastic plans and goals - in our minds. What I see as a huge difference in your success is HOW you accomplished your goals after deciding what they were: You developed a solid and realistic action plan to achieve your goals, built in space for mindful assessment (not over-monitoring in the moment) and accountability, and put all this in writing (by blogging). You tracked your plan daily, you tweaked your plan as needed, you were patient and kind with yourself, you fell down and got up again and again, and you always, always, always got right

back to THE PLAN. You started each day in your journal with the words "I am grateful for today."

Please let me know if I misinterpreted anything - but that is what I saw. Thanks so much for being such a fine example of "working" it.

Helena

To: "ACT for the Public" <ACT_for_the_Public >Sent: Thursday, August 25, 2011 5:32:13 PMSubject: RE: Accomplished goals of blog and therapy

I would say "Look where you want to steer your boat. And then do as many ACT and mindful exercises as possible,but be patient, it takes time, Open up to experience when you find yourself shutting down and avoiding (you CAN do that, even if your mind says you can't), take a risk or two, get up when you fall, come back to the present, live and love, hold your values close but gently. And be very very kind"

I will certainly keep posting Bill. I still have a lot of work to do, and life will make sure there is always plenty to learn and be with. Take good care XXX

______________________

Signature: Mrs Em Equanimity

This is my personal blog where I record my experience applying Acceptance Commitment Therapy to my anxiety and agoraphobia in particular, and my life in general. Feel free to browse. http://eyeofthehurricane-act.blogspot.com/--- El jue, 25/8/11, Bill C escribió:

De: Bill C Asunto: RE: Accomplished goals of blog and therapyPara: "ACT_for_the_Public" <act_for_the_public >Fecha: jueves, 25 de agosto, 2011 20:55

Em - I hope you will keep posting.

If you could only spend 60 seconds or an equivalent number of email words to describe what worked for you during your ten month journey, what would you say about what worked for you? What are your simple words of wisdom? Maybe it's what you would say on Twitter or on an elevator to a curious friend.

Please keep us posted on how it's going for you and how you use ACT to face the challenges?

Bill

To: ACT_for_the_Public From: tobepresentnow@...Date: Thu, 25 Aug 2011 21:22:35 +0100Subject: Re: Accomplished goals of blog and therapy

Thank you so much for your kind words: Bill, Helena, , ... all of you have been great support. And thank you so much for saying I have inspired Helena... that was an important part of doing my blog. Planning a month of mindfulness, acceptance, taking things easy, meditation,exercise, and eating well (I want to put on 6 kilos). Take good care all, and tread gently XXXX

P.S. I don't think I 100% realise that I have indeed done this. I just glanced at the title of the email and thought: "No, that can't be true after all these years...". I think things have gone so fast lately it needs time to sink in, that is why I think I need some healing mindfulness and time for being. X

______________________

Signature: Mrs Em Equanimity

This is my personal blog where I record my experience applying Acceptance Commitment Therapy to my anxiety and agoraphobia in particular, and my life in general. Feel free to browse. http://eyeofthehurricane-act.blogspot.com/--- El jue, 25/8/11, hbbr escribió:

De: hbbr Asunto: Re: Accomplished goals of blog and therapyPara: "ACT for the Public" <ACT_for_the_Public >Fecha: jueves, 25 de agosto, 2011 14:11

Congratulations! I have never known anyone as committed to reaching their goals as you have been. You have been a constant inspiration to me on this journey. Helena

To: "ACT for the Public" <ACT_for_the_Public >Sent: Wednesday, August 24, 2011 2:50:04 PMSubject: Accomplished goals of blog and therapy

So that's it. I never thought I would do it 10 months of ACT therapy, but I did, thought it would take longer. I can now try for a baby, have traveled 500 kilometres to be with my parents, and have a lot of freedom of movement. My life has changed and I am a different person that the one whose life was dictated by fear. Some of you may remember the moment I joined the ACT group and started my blog, it doesn't seem that long ago. I still have therapy to do, and everyday there will be challenges, but I am so happy with what I have accomplished. I have a full account and a pic in my blog, (link in my signature below) so please feel free to read. Take care all, thanks for the support XXXX tread gently._____________________

Signature: Mrs Em Equanimity

This is my personal blog where I record my experience applying Acceptance Commitment Therapy to my anxiety and agoraphobia in particular, and my life in general. Feel free to browse. http://eyeofthehurricane-act.blogspot.com/

[Guest guest]

Em, I didn't think it was all a bed of roses and that your progress was pain-free and easy. For each of us, there will be days that will just "stand still" and other days that are "full of pain." If you had said otherwise, you would have lost credibility with me. To me, what is remarkable is that you kept your eyes on the prize and you accomplished what you set out to do, in spite of unexpected and difficult experiences. Others on this list have done that, too, and I'm almost ashamed to say I have not (I'm trying to get shame out of my consiousness). I'm still not fully committed to expend the energy it would take to fully live by my values, and I am pleased with the baby steps I have taken, which have paid off enormously.

I think I'm scared to make too big a commitment. I wouldn't know how to be if I couldn't be somewhat miserable, lol! Lifelong conditioning and habits are at play and I am stubborn. The thing is, I am making progress, at my own pace. I am OK with that. I'm OK with that because that is what IS. Any kind of progress is new to me. I am savoring it and letting it soak in. But hearing your success story gives me pause and makes me think that perhaps I could stretch myself, commit to a larger goal, and accomplish it.

Helena

To: "ACT for the Public" <ACT_for_the_Public >Sent: Friday, August 26, 2011 12:26:13 PMSubject: Re: Accomplished goals of blog and therapy

Taking of being kind, you are being very kind Helena, thank you. I think also its important to remember that there are loads of days when everything stands still, however much you do everything goes the wrong way, and some days are just full of pain full stop. There are days when I would hardly try too. What I am getting at, its important to remember it takes time and a lot of patience, I am no superhero and things take time to come together, and I mean months and months, it can even take years. I think if you know where you are going, you can take days like that, and just let them be.

I did use to do a daily post , at the end I would at least always record my mindful work. I did always say I was grateful for today, and I was. I have had some very hard things happen in the last 6 months, and being grateful sometimes was the only thing I could hold on to, the certainty that was I was growing and learning, and I was thankful for that, thankful sometimes just because I was alive.

I also make make many plans and goals in my mind that don't progress, so what you said is a great reminder. Thanks again, tread gently XXXX

______________________

Signature: Mrs Em Equanimity

This is my personal blog where I record my experience applying Acceptance Commitment Therapy to my anxiety and agoraphobia in particular, and my life in general. Feel free to browse. http://eyeofthehurricane-act.blogspot.com/--- El vie, 26/8/11, hbbr escribió:

De: hbbr Asunto: Re: Accomplished goals of blog and therapyPara: "ACT for the Public" <ACT_for_the_Public >Fecha: viernes, 26 de agosto, 2011 09:58

Em, I think you may be too modest. A lot of us think about where and how to steer our boat to honor our values and we come up with fantastic plans and goals - in our minds. What I see as a huge difference in your success is HOW you accomplished your goals after deciding what they were: You developed a solid and realistic action plan to achieve your goals, built in space for mindful assessment (not over-monitoring in the moment) and accountability, and put all this in writing (by blogging). You tracked your plan daily, you tweaked your plan as needed, you were patient and kind with yourself, you fell down and got up again and again, and you always, always, always got right back to THE PLAN. You started each day in your journal with the words "I am grateful for today."

Please let me know if I misinterpreted anything - but that is what I saw. Thanks so much for being such a fine example of "working" it.

Helena

To: "ACT for the Public" <ACT_for_the_Public >Sent: Thursday, August 25, 2011 5:32:13 PMSubject: RE: Accomplished goals of blog and therapy

I would say "Look where you want to steer your boat. And then do as many ACT and mindful exercises as possible,but be patient, it takes time, Open up to experience when you find yourself shutting down and avoiding (you CAN do that, even if your mind says you can't), take a risk or two, get up when you fall, come back to the present, live and love, hold your values close but gently. And be very very kind"

I will certainly keep posting Bill. I still have a lot of work to do, and life will make sure there is always plenty to learn and be with. Take good care XXX

______________________

Signature: Mrs Em Equanimity

This is my personal blog where I record my experience applying Acceptance Commitment Therapy to my anxiety and agoraphobia in particular, and my life in general. Feel free to browse. http://eyeofthehurricane-act.blogspot.com/--- El jue, 25/8/11, Bill C escribió:

De: Bill C Asunto: RE: Accomplished goals of blog and therapyPara: "ACT_for_the_Public" <act_for_the_public >Fecha: jueves, 25 de agosto, 2011 20:55

Em - I hope you will keep posting.

If you could only spend 60 seconds or an equivalent number of email words to describe what worked for you during your ten month journey, what would you say about what worked for you? What are your simple words of wisdom? Maybe it's what you would say on Twitter or on an elevator to a curious friend.

Please keep us posted on how it's going for you and how you use ACT to face the challenges?

Bill

To: ACT_for_the_Public From: tobepresentnow@...Date: Thu, 25 Aug 2011 21:22:35 +0100Subject: Re: Accomplished goals of blog and therapy

Thank you so much for your kind words: Bill, Helena, , ... all of you have been great support. And thank you so much for saying I have inspired Helena... that was an important part of doing my blog. Planning a month of mindfulness, acceptance, taking things easy, meditation,exercise, and eating well (I want to put on 6 kilos). Take good care all, and tread gently XXXX

P.S. I don't think I 100% realise that I have indeed done this. I just glanced at the title of the email and thought: "No, that can't be true after all these years...". I think things have gone so fast lately it needs time to sink in, that is why I think I need some healing mindfulness and time for being. X

______________________

Signature: Mrs Em Equanimity

This is my personal blog where I record my experience applying Acceptance Commitment Therapy to my anxiety and agoraphobia in particular, and my life in general. Feel free to browse. http://eyeofthehurricane-act.blogspot.com/--- El jue, 25/8/11, hbbr escribió:

De: hbbr Asunto: Re: Accomplished goals of blog and therapyPara: "ACT for the Public" <ACT_for_the_Public >Fecha: jueves, 25 de agosto, 2011 14:11

Congratulations! I have never known anyone as committed to reaching their goals as you have been. You have been a constant inspiration to me on this journey. Helena

To: "ACT for the Public" <ACT_for_the_Public >Sent: Wednesday, August 24, 2011 2:50:04 PMSubject: Accomplished goals of blog and therapy

So that's it. I never thought I would do it 10 months of ACT therapy, but I did, thought it would take longer. I can now try for a baby, have traveled 500 kilometres to be with my parents, and have a lot of freedom of movement. My life has changed and I am a different person that the one whose life was dictated by fear. Some of you may remember the moment I joined the ACT group and started my blog, it doesn't seem that long ago. I still have therapy to do, and everyday there will be challenges, but I am so happy with what I have accomplished. I have a full account and a pic in my blog, (link in my signature below) so please feel free to read. Take care all, thanks for the support XXXX tread gently._____________________

Signature: Mrs Em Equanimity

This is my personal blog where I record my experience applying Acceptance Commitment Therapy to my anxiety and agoraphobia in particular, and my life in general. Feel free to browse. http://eyeofthehurricane-act.blogspot.com/

[Guest guest]

I think making progress at your own pace is fine, for me it was exactly this way. Lately I had more visible results, but 90% was about those subtle changes you talk about, that are so satisfying and pave the way for different ways of acting and living. XXX______________________Signature: Mrs Em Equanimity This is my personal blog where I record my experience applying Acceptance Commitment Therapy to my anxiety and agoraphobia in particular, and my life in general. Feel free to browse. http://eyeofthehurricane-act.blogspot.com/--- El vie, 26/8/11, hbbr Asunto: Re: Accomplished goals of blog and therapyPara: "ACT for the Public" <ACT_for_the_Public >Fecha: viernes, 26 de agosto, 2011 17:12

Em, I didn't think it was all a bed of roses and that your progress was pain-free and easy. For each of us, there will be days that will just "stand still" and other days that are "full of pain." If you had said otherwise, you would have lost credibility with me. To me, what is remarkable is that you kept your eyes on the prize and you accomplished what you set out to do, in spite of unexpected and difficult experiences. Others on this list have done that, too, and I'm almost ashamed to say I have not (I'm trying to get shame out of my consiousness). I'm still not fully committed to expend the energy it would take to fully live by my values, and I am pleased with the baby steps I have taken, which have paid off enormously.

I think I'm scared to make too big a commitment. I wouldn't know how to be if I couldn't be somewhat miserable, lol! Lifelong conditioning and habits are at play and I am stubborn. The thing is, I am making progress, at my own pace. I am OK with that. I'm OK with that because that is what IS. Any kind of progress is new to me. I am savoring it and letting it soak in. But hearing your success story gives me pause and makes me think that perhaps I could stretch myself, commit to a larger goal, and accomplish it.

Helena

To: "ACT for the Public" <ACT_for_the_Public >Sent: Friday, August 26, 2011 12:26:13 PMSubject: Re: Accomplished goals of blog and therapy

Taking of being kind, you are being very kind Helena, thank you. I think also its important to remember that there are loads of days when everything stands still, however much you do everything goes the wrong way, and some days are just full of pain full stop. There are days when I would hardly try too. What I am getting at, its important to remember it takes time and a lot of patience, I am no superhero and things take time to come together, and I mean months and months, it can even take years. I think if you know where you are going, you can take days like that, and just let them be.

I did use to do a daily post , at the end I would at least always record my mindful work. I did always say I was grateful for today, and I was. I have had some very hard things happen in the last 6 months, and being grateful sometimes was the only thing I could hold on to, the certainty that was I was growing and learning, and I was thankful for that, thankful sometimes just because I was alive.

I also make make many plans and goals in my mind that don't progress, so what you said is a great reminder. Thanks again, tread gently XXXX

______________________

Signature: Mrs Em Equanimity

This is my personal blog where I record my experience applying Acceptance Commitment Therapy to my anxiety and agoraphobia in particular, and my life in general. Feel free to browse. http://eyeofthehurricane-act.blogspot.com/--- El vie, 26/8/11, hbbr escribió:

De: hbbr Asunto: Re: Accomplished goals of blog and therapyPara: "ACT for the Public" <ACT_for_the_Public >Fecha: viernes, 26 de agosto, 2011 09:58

Em, I think you may be too modest. A lot of us think about where and how to steer our boat to honor our values and we come up with fantastic plans and goals - in our minds. What I see as a huge difference in your success is HOW you accomplished your goals after deciding what they were: You developed a solid and realistic action plan to achieve your goals, built in space for mindful assessment (not over-monitoring in the moment) and accountability, and put all this in writing (by blogging). You tracked your plan daily, you tweaked your plan as needed, you were patient and kind with yourself, you fell down and got up again and again, and you always, always, always got right

back to THE PLAN. You started each day in your journal with the words "I am grateful for today."

Please let me know if I misinterpreted anything - but that is what I saw. Thanks so much for being such a fine example of "working" it.

Helena

To: "ACT for the Public" <ACT_for_the_Public >Sent: Thursday, August 25, 2011 5:32:13 PMSubject: RE: Accomplished goals of blog and therapy

I would say "Look where you want to steer your boat. And then do as many ACT and mindful exercises as possible,but be patient, it takes time, Open up to experience when you find yourself shutting down and avoiding (you CAN do that, even if your mind says you can't), take a risk or two, get up when you fall, come back to the present, live and love, hold your values close but gently. And be very very kind"

I will certainly keep posting Bill. I still have a lot of work to do, and life will make sure there is always plenty to learn and be with. Take good care XXX

______________________

Signature: Mrs Em Equanimity

This is my personal blog where I record my experience applying Acceptance Commitment Therapy to my anxiety and agoraphobia in particular, and my life in general. Feel free to browse. http://eyeofthehurricane-act.blogspot.com/--- El jue, 25/8/11, Bill C escribió:

De: Bill C Asunto: RE: Accomplished goals of blog and therapyPara: "ACT_for_the_Public" <act_for_the_public >Fecha: jueves, 25 de agosto, 2011 20:55

Em - I hope you will keep posting.

If you could only spend 60 seconds or an equivalent number of email words to describe what worked for you during your ten month journey, what would you say about what worked for you? What are your simple words of wisdom? Maybe it's what you would say on Twitter or on an elevator to a curious friend.

Please keep us posted on how it's going for you and how you use ACT to face the challenges?

Bill

To: ACT_for_the_Public From: tobepresentnow@...Date: Thu, 25 Aug 2011 21:22:35 +0100Subject: Re: Accomplished goals of blog and therapy

Thank you so much for your kind words: Bill, Helena, , ... all of you have been great support. And thank you so much for saying I have inspired Helena... that was an important part of doing my blog. Planning a month of mindfulness, acceptance, taking things easy, meditation,exercise, and eating well (I want to put on 6 kilos). Take good care all, and tread gently XXXX

P.S. I don't think I 100% realise that I have indeed done this. I just glanced at the title of the email and thought: "No, that can't be true after all these years...". I think things have gone so fast lately it needs time to sink in, that is why I think I need some healing mindfulness and time for being. X

______________________

Signature: Mrs Em Equanimity

This is my personal blog where I record my experience applying Acceptance Commitment Therapy to my anxiety and agoraphobia in particular, and my life in general. Feel free to browse. http://eyeofthehurricane-act.blogspot.com/--- El jue, 25/8/11, hbbr escribió:

De: hbbr Asunto: Re: Accomplished goals of blog and therapyPara: "ACT for the Public" <ACT_for_the_Public >Fecha: jueves, 25 de agosto, 2011 14:11

Congratulations! I have never known anyone as committed to reaching their goals as you have been. You have been a constant inspiration to me on this journey. Helena

To: "ACT for the Public" <ACT_for_the_Public >Sent: Wednesday, August 24, 2011 2:50:04 PMSubject: Accomplished goals of blog and therapy

So that's it. I never thought I would do it 10 months of ACT therapy, but I did, thought it would take longer. I can now try for a baby, have traveled 500 kilometres to be with my parents, and have a lot of freedom of movement. My life has changed and I am a different person that the one whose life was dictated by fear. Some of you may remember the moment I joined the ACT group and started my blog, it doesn't seem that long ago. I still have therapy to do, and everyday there will be challenges, but I am so happy with what I have accomplished. I have a full account and a pic in my blog, (link in my signature below) so please feel free to read. Take care all, thanks for the support XXXX tread gently._____________________

Signature: Mrs Em Equanimity

This is my personal blog where I record my experience applying Acceptance Commitment Therapy to my anxiety and agoraphobia in particular, and my life in general. Feel free to browse. http://eyeofthehurricane-act.blogspot.com/