Bright New Day

[sage]

So I really just want to run away and I would have no idea where to go because wherever you go you have to live and I think right at this moment I am afraid to live.

OK. I think it's great that you got that out there.

Let me remind you gently that even though you are afraid to do it...you ARE actually doing it. Does that make sense? So...right now...every day...you are doing something that makes you afraid. In some ways...that is GOOD, hon. NOT that you're afraid (of course) but that you are doing it despite the fear. (I've always thought of you as one brave cookie!)

So...a fear of living sounds pretty all encompassing....and I suspect not totally accurate (hope that doesn't sound invalidating!).

Can you distill it down further? THIS is a beautiful place for a stream of consciousness journalling exercise...

What EXACTLY are you afraid of, Pam?

Living is too broad of an answer 'cause there's so many aspects of living...there's the physical stuff (breathing, heart beating, etc) but I suspect you're NOT afraid of those things...perhaps you're afraid of them STOPPING? (Which would be the opposite of being afraid of living, right?)

I'm not gonna put words in your mouth, kiddo.

Write down a list of everything that pops into your head that constitutes "living".

then let's figure out which of them are actually making you afraid.

I suspect the list will be smaller than you think...and will contain stuff you CAN do something about and stuff you can't.

{{{PAM}}}

Sage

PS TAKE the next step, pam and get out a piece of paper.