Hanging out, down the street

[JustStunned]

Thanks Betsey!

I have a copy in my kindle. I began reading it early in my sitch and put it down for a long while. I’ve been through it once since then and tried some of the exercises. It is time to do it again with more conviction.

I was looking forward to dinner and spending time that way with them and I understand disappointment is normal.

What I felt and stewed in was darker. I didn’t stay there long. I feel I should be able to avoid permitting disappointment to devolve.

You are right it is a good book and I will get more out of it.

By the by I hear “There’s not need to fear…” play in my mind when I read your screen alias.

[Underdog]

JS,

I loved that cartoon myself. Uh, I also loved Wally Cox. But I really chose that screen name way back when because I root for underdogs. I like a good comeback story. While I didn't get my marriage back, I got a new and better me. I'm definitely not sorry about that.

When I read through the book the first time, I just read it for concepts. Then when I did the exercises, I had to dig deep. I remember being really surprised about the origin of that feeling for me (it went way back to small childhood) and how it manifested itself for me through the years and relationships. Ultimately, because of that fear, I wound up accepting behaviors from others that are clearly wrong just because I was afraid of losing more. Now that I'm past it, it makes me cringe. But I understand the why behind it now much, much better.

I'm not saying I'm cured or anything either. I'm sure that it's still lurking in other ways.

Another one that worked well with this one is Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway. Easy, short read... really tough exercises. I liked to put myself in the middle of emotional boot camp back then. Now? Not so much.

Good luck!

Betsey