L I V I N G      L I F E    I N     A    N E W     W A Y!!!!!!!

E N J O Y I N G      A   B A R B A C U E     W I T H     MY     SOCIAL    PHOBIA  SUPPORT   GROUP!!!!!

Today I tried to do things in different way!

First of all I did not take as long to prepare my clothes and makeup & hair.

I accepted when I could not do things in a certain way like: the shirt I was planning to wear was

stained and I had to wear something else or I did not have a chance to shop for a new pair of

slippers to go with my outfit.

I aimed for an attractive and neat and clean look, grabbed a book and my wallet and left the house.

I suppressed my urge to fuss and make sure I had everything I could possible need before I left the

house.

ON THE STREET ON THE WAY TO THE SUBWAY 

I practice positive self talk, I reminded myself to calm down and relax, that I am safe, there is

no danger. I made eye contact and greeted acquaintances I knew along the way. I stopped off at

my local coffee shop and order my favourite jumbo sized coffee with triple cream and sugar. I took

my time and put what I was bringing to the party down slowly and carefully. I did not give in to my

self consciousness  thoughts and feelings and urges to do things quickly.

AT AND ON THE SUBWAY 

 Again I took my time, I let myself take my time to get out my metro pass and I took the time to put

my wallet back carefully. I took the time to choose a seat that was comfortable to me, I reminded

myself to sit comfortably and in a relaxed state, I reassured myself that I was safe and secure and

the people looking at me were okay, they were not judging me but that they were just passing the

time just like I was. 

I keep doing the same things through the whole trip - two subway routes. I found when I had to wait

the anxiety started to mount but I kept up me relaxed breathing and body relaxation and positive self talk. I talked back to the negative and scary thoughts about maybe getting the meeting spot wrong

etc... and I got myself to the meeting space!!!! 

 T H E  B A R B A C U E

I was early, which I was relieved about. I practiced my social skills of  introducing myself, focused

listening and bringing up appropriate topics for discussion. 

I tried to be helpful and offered to help with the set up. I tried to socialize and mingle around with

different people.

There were some awkward moments and I did worry at times what people thought of me but I kept

bringing my focus back to the present moment and the people I was with.

It started to rain and then there was a downpour. I stayed until the end, helped with the clean up

and packing.

I even asked someone I wanted to keep in contact with if they would like to exchange e-mails. They

tried to memorize my e-mail!!! 

I got a drive to the subway and ended up connecting with some people from the group. I used my

social skills the whole way along the train going east with three people from the group. I bayed them

farewell and said I hoped to talk them again soon!!!!!

I                HAD                A              WONDERFUL                  TIME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!