Which things are not working out, Miracle? How much time and effort do you put into the changes before you give up?

Just wondering. . . I'm not sure what a deterministic world is, but you sure make it sound grim. Hope healing happens here.

I can't reach my goals and I'm always worried about my physical health. It's very exhausting.

I just feel like I can't change anything. I can't change my fate. I am powerless.

Can't never could.

You still haven't answered the question, Scoliosis Kid. Is that deterministic? You have already determined your victim status and you're determined to stick to it?

Yes, worry is exhausting. Your determined choice. Enjoy.

I had varying degrees of anxiety over the past 2 years. I’ve been able to improve it using a few tools that I will share with you but I’ve learnt that if you want your situation to change you have to do things differently or nothing will change. It has taken an active effort to improve how I feel. Wish you all the best with it. Hugs.

I’ve tried:
- mindfulness program and this has helped a great deal. I did it as part of a cancer recovery program and it was the best 8 weeks of my cancer experience. I recommend starting with what’s called a body scan. I found true relief from anxiety when I did this. It will look daunting but it’s exac the opposite- an intention to try it out and an open/curious mind is all you need. You could try ‘insight timer’. It’s a free app and is phenomenal for mindfulness practice
- surround self with only nourishing people, books, music, movies. Avoid feeding your mind the things that trigger your anxiety for now. I have a major aversion to news as a small piece of news can throw me off- can’t sleep or sleep with nightmares, feel anxious, have depressive thoughts, feel fearful etc. So I actively make an effort to avoid news.

I also read a life changing book of dialogue between Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu, called the Book of Joy. You might try to read this book. It is in line with mindfulness practices actually. It does not negate the fact that we are surrounded by difficulties, sadness. It acknowledges these exist but points towards a way to live with joy in spite of them. It is a wonderful book. We are all looking for joy and it can be attained, we do need to reframe our perspective.

- therapy :) I did seek therapy for what seems to be like a post traumatic stress post cancer treatments. It’s been of immense help. To be able to talk about my feelings in a safe confidential environment is very healing. Especially coupled with good guidance from the therapist.
- the most important message I learnt through all this is that: THOUGHTS are NOT FACTS! Often I catch myself going down a rabbit hole of my own making and as soon as I remember that phrase it snaps me out of my rabbit hole. Keep this in mind. Put it on paper and hand it on the wall because it’s that important. We may think all sorts of things- like having a conversation with ourselves in which we get deeper and deeper into negative thoughts but they ARE all JUST THOUGHTS. They’re not facts. Keep bringing yourself back to the here and now with 3 deep slow breaths and avoid judging yourself for having gone down the rabbit hole. We have minds for a reason- they will think but it’s up to us to determine what’s fact and what’s fiction and where we want to expend our energies. If you want to develop a sense of well being try to spend your energy on healing thousand actions that will take you to your goal of a sense of improved well being.

What do you think you might like to try from some of these suggestions?

Typo there in the second last paragraph- healing thoughts (not healing thousands) ;) sorry about that

Hello Miracle,
I’m sorry you feel this way. I pray that you will not lose hope and will stay strong. There may be sad things happening in your life but I hope you will remain hopeful. I pray for peace and strength you need to keep going each day.

Take care of yourself, God bless.