I went back and re-read this great post again, very inspiring. I'm thinking on how so much of healing has to do with accepting that things ain't necessarily fair, that we do have choices in what we focus on, and that the more we build a habit......the more we have that habit.

In my research of various ideas on anxiety and depersonalization, a theme keeps emerging, that of -focus outward-. Doesn't mean that we always do that, to me, means to develop that skill as something good for our self care tool kit.

I could study on a bad feeling, pin it under a microscope, call everyone over to look at it, keep it lit up nice and bright 24/7 so everyone knows.....or I can move through it as I am able, out the other side, and continue on with my life. Researching and learning is all good, focus within can be good, but I gotta also practice something else. Practice and experience interacting with something/someone other than me. Open up that proverbial window and let some air in.

I see more and more that there truly is a time and place for most anything, our lives move in a rhythm. There is a time and a place for me to do the deep solitary study, the working things through with a good therapist.......then there are also the times and places to just enjoy. Weed a garden. Take a walk. Read a fun light-hearted book. Sing. Participate in the world.

Just realized that when I first read your post, my automatic thought was something like "How cool she is feeling good! Horses, oh I could never do that, some folks do find activities to be passionate about, but not me." As if I am less than anyone else. Phoeey! I can get into horses too if I wanna, dagnabit! The whole world awaits me, and the truth is, I am passionate about my passions.

Feeling good feels grand! To have that blessing of relief from whatever symptom, to feel our bodies loosen up, to feel a smile curve cause we cannot help but to smile, to have our minds and bodies and souls all caught up in an activity, yay for all of us! We've not only survived, we insist on thriving.

Sarah