Second: Most importantly... Positive Thoughts... Positive Thoughts! All that I've learned through the program and my research is keeping me truly ALIVE. I don't know if I can explain that without sounding maudlin. Before I went through the program and learned some basic life management tools, I was one of the "walking dead." I wasn't really living. I was obsessed with dying and every thought I had lead me to thinking about death.

As I've evolved I no longer think like that. I am at peace – even with this terrible challenge.

On the way to work today my mind wondered to a hospital waiting room and the surgeon starting to speak to me. I stopped the "movie" right there. It isn't Thursday-it's Tuesday and my agenda for today is to schedule a stress test for Paul and write this column. I have practiced switching out thoughts for so long that I am really quite good at it... if I can do it so can you.

Third: I've learned over time that my habit is to take less good care of myself when things are stressful. I usually stop walking/exercising, start drinking more caffeine; over eating so I get some warm fuzzies... you know the dialogue- "I deserve these adjustments because life is difficult right now. I need that German Chocolate Blizzard." What baloney I buy sometimes!

I am walking 2 miles a day and I promise that ice cream I had last night is the last for a while. J I'm not going to buy any baloney.

The picture was taken by a friend of a friend and I love it because for me the flowers growing out of rocks illustrate that the seemingly impossible – can happen. I'm open to any and all miracles, Carolyn

From 18 Tricks to Teach Your Body, by Kate Dailey in Men's Health: "Make your heart stand still! Trying to quell first date jitters? Blow on your thumb. The vagus nerve, which governs heart rate, can be controlled through breathing, says Ben Abo, an emergency medical – services specialist at the University of Pittsburgh. It'll get your heart rate back to normal." Let's try this today. If your heart rate goes up, just whistle-at your thumb. Let us know how it goes.
 

Your tapes have changed my life completely. It's given me more confidence and relief from most of my problems. I thank God each day for the peace that is mine now... with the depression there were many things that weren't done, and I'm still in the process of throwing away, giving away-almost done. You could call that one of my goals. Also, I'm fixing my apartment...

Also, I started eating vegetarian style, have lost weight, feel great, and have more energy. Exercise is the morning, and when the weather permits, I walk on our "5-star trail." Am volunteering one day a week and once a week I take an organ class; we have lots of fun there.

I want to sincerely thank you especially all your staff for all your help. Words cannot express the appreciation I have for you and the program you began. As I listened to and studied with your tapes, it began to dawn on me that I had a right to care for myself...

Even though I went through LPN and RN classes, I didn't know how to set my boundaries... I told you that your program has changed my life, I no longer have panic attacks and my clinical depression is being treated with medication. Anxiety seems to be a thing of the past. I am at peace with myself and am learning about good relationships.

Thank you so much for what you have done. May God bless you, and may you continue to help others.

Sincerely,
Helen Glasgow