Sunday, June 30, 2013

The Latest Agoraphobic Adventure (Can You Guess?)



Yes blueberries! There is a small blueberry patch near my home and I am happy to say that I made it there... And was able to stay long enough to pick a bucket full. YAY! Plus capture a few pictures.. I am so thankful.

Saturday, June 29, 2013

"Why Even an Hour Can Make a Difference"



This picture was taken as I attempted to get a few groceries.. I was having a horrible time yesterday
and fled out of the store without buying anything.. I sat in my car feeling hopeless, defeated, and my
anxiety was horrible. I thought I will never be able to get groceries and do everything on my own. Why
am I like this? Why can't I be normal? I won't go into every symptom because I know it can be a trigger
for some. So I left the store but I didn't go home. I parked the car and sat for awhile, then I walked
around and calmed down. And about an hour later this happened..




The store was less crowded. I was alittle calmer and I was able to get the groceries I needed.. (smiles)

.

Thursday, June 27, 2013

Sometimes Taking The First Step Can Be The Hardest Part..



Sometimes when I think about traveling or even leaving the house for that matter I will become so nervous. I will work myself into a frenzy, heart racing, hands shaking, and ready to give up before I even tried. A very smart lady once told me "Just do it!” quit thinking and obsessing and just do it! No matter how far you get or even if you don't make it to your destination it's still an accomplishment. I challenge you and myself to "Just Do It" whether it’s just stepping outside your front door, grocery shopping, or whatever your agoraphobia prevents you from accomplishing... Just take the first step...

Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Co-writer ;)

What Is The Agoraphobic Adventure of the Day?

My goal is to beat agoraphobia, meet other agoraphobics and encourage anyone on a personal journey to overcome an obstacle... With that being said. Here was my obstacle today.. Grocery shopping. Yes I know it may sound weird but the whole process is pretty unnerving for me. Being away from home, being a far distance from the exit, and then there is the check-out line; possibly the most excruciating part of all. I just went in for 3 things. I can get three things I can do it! I went in swiftly and grabbed what I needed. There were a few people ahead of me in line and I really thought seriously about bailing and just coming back later or never.. LOL. But I made it, with a racing heart, sweating and not hearing a word the cashier said.. I made it. It’s amazing how good it feels to carry my three groceries home. My goal is to travel and the world outside of my little fishbowl, but for now I will save money (for travel expenses and possibly an ER visit... just joking about the last part). But I will take a field trip every day and force myself to leave the house every day and share it with y'all... Till tomorrow. I hope everyone has a good evening.

Tuesday, June 25, 2013

My Companion For The Last 10 Years :)

What Is Agoraphobia (and What It Is To Me)?

Over the years I have read many articles, books and visited many websites. Agoraphobia is described as a fear of open spaces, but it can be a lot more diverse than that. I have read about people who were confined to one room of their home and some who only had trouble when it came to crowded places and big stores. An agoraphobic may fear being in places where they think they may have an anxiety attack in front of others or where leaving quickly may be difficult. An agoraphobic may start avoiding places where they feel uncomfortable and slowly their world gets smaller. For me standing in lines, being in crowded places, having to go to the back of a large store and far from my vehicle are all triggers for my anxiety attacks. It's like my body can tell how far I am away from home and the tension and anxiety build. Agoraphobia is commonly seen along with panic attacks. Are their any agoraphobics out there? What situations cause your agoraphobia to get worse?

Is anyone out there?

Is anyone out there?? I sit here in this Dr.'s office.. Shaking my legs ..hands trembling .. Just trying to make it through this appointment.. This waiting room. Is there anyone out there that feels what I feel. I want to just run out of here, run back home. The place where if feel safe (most of the time).. The seconds seem like hours... People around me watching Tv, playing with their babies, smiling and I'm just trying to survive this. Can anyone relate?..Today I have decided to start writing a blog. To share thoughts, find out if anyone out there can relate, find out if there is anyone like me out there. Am I alone?