Amazing

[kiwi607]

I honestly am truly and utterly amazed at the support all of you have given other people including me. I have only posted once, but the true sincerity in all of you who posted back is amazing. I have been reading through all the other posts and it touches my heart. I can't believe there are so many of us who share the same phobia! It is almost relieving in a weird way! I always joke to my fiance that I would not wish this upon my worst enemy or his ex wife! It is so debilitating and uncontrollable that each and every day is a challenge.I believe that short term goals are the way to go. Although I have never enjoyed vacationing b/c of the chance I may v* or get sick b/c of all the going out to dinner and such, my short term goal is to be able to enjoy this years vacation in R.I. I don't know if it is possible, but even if I were to be able to shut my mind off for one day I would take that as a success. What are some of your goals in relation to your phobia? Again, thank you all so much for supporting and understanding everyone here even if it isn't exactly how you deal with the phobia yourself. You are all amazing!

[grgygrl]

We all suffer from the same thing and arent here to poke fun or insult. This is a real phobia and having sufferered from it for years, I find this board and others to be very comforting and theraputic(sp?) for me. Everyone is always real nice and supportive not just regarding this phobia but in every aspect of life. [img]smileys/smilies_02.gif[/img]

[allypally.]

Hey Kiwi,

Im really glad you feel comforted by the site, and that you know we are all genuine in our posts. I think becuase we all know how controlling and debilitating this phobia is, we feel genuine empathy and sympathy with each other. I think this website is amazing, and I honestly believe that everyone cares. I cried when I first found the site, it was such a relief!!

I totally agree with what you said about 'short term' goals. Thats 100% the way forward as small goals dont put too much pressure on us. My phobia ALWAYS gets worse when Im under immense pressure. I have achieved quite a lot of smaller goals which would seem like total crap to anyone else, but to us, they are huge!!

I managed to do 2 years at college, whilst working and volunteering. I have worked with children for 4 years now also, which was a huge goal of mine as working with kids has always been a passion, but my fear held me back. Also, I have managed to go to various clubs/parties and gigs that I wouldve once avoided. Ive managed to stay away from home, and be 100% honest and truthful about myself and my fears to another human!! I never ever used to speak to anyone at all, noone knew anything about me and my problems, so revealing everything to someone is MASSIVE for me, and I still cant quite believe that he loves and accepts me. I feel blessed. Also, I have even managed to care for other people that have v*, and children too. I never thought that was possible!! Im still not 100% cured, and I still have bad days (dont we all!!), but I know im headed in the right direction. My next goal is to get over my fear of flying and go away for a weekend. [img]smileys/smilies_11.gif[/img] lol.

I have confidence in you Kiwi, I reckon you can do it!! And dont underestimate yourself hun!! Every little thing you achieve, no matter how small, is an achievement. And it is a big deal!! For every goal you reach you should be proud cos we all appreciate how hard life is for us.

Welcome again Kiwi xxx [img]smileys/smilies_04.gif[/img]