I've decided that I have been unreasonably, emotionally attached to papers, cards, old corsages, clothing, furniture... there I've said it. I have confessed. I repent and promise to do better.

I've learned something else. I have revisited the lesson of looking at things from a different angle. As I examined (No one can say we anxiety disorder folks don't live an examined life! We use a microscope and make it a science project.) my thoughts about my children's attitude toward my saved items, it occurred to me that they weren't wrong. I did what I had to do, for the most part, to fit the times I lived in (insight and comforting words from my baby brother, Mike). My children live in different times. I considered: am I not thrilled that they don't have to hoard beef bones for soup? Am I not thrilled that they have the means to buy new? Am I not proud to the point of bursting that they made lives that enable them to afford to live differently? YES! Do I resent the times I lived in? NO! Do I really think it's necessary for them to live as I did? Not necessarily. There are lessons in every way of life.

I resolve to continue to grow in the area of thinking outside my experience. I will get better at this. I vote for living in ways that make me happy... not just what I think is "right." I will promise to take my glasses off and see if things look different.

Here's to another new year-another opportunity to grow and mature, Carolyn

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From resolution to INSPIRATION

"Dear Lucinda,

My prayer that in our busy schedule you will have an opportunity to read this letter. I am a Southern Baptist pastor and a former foreign missionary to Zimbabwe, Africa and Cornwall, England. Weile serving in Africa I acquired a host of various illnesses that ultimately brought me back home after years of service.

Once I had gone to the Mayo Clinic and began to adjust to a pastorate here in the states I noticed that my anxiety problem which had plagued me all my life became much more severe. Before long I feared moving anywhere outside a small radius, remember I am a missionary who served int he heart of Africa for years, a former military chaplain, and a pastor for over twenty years. I knew I needed help when finally I became so panic stricken that I could not even sit in a barber chair for a routine haircut.

In desparation a friend sent me to a Christian psychiatrist who met withme twice. On the second visit he recommended your book, From Panic to Power, this book set me on a course toward freedom.

The psychiatrist asked me, "What would be your greatest challenge?" I told him, "to return to Africa for a visit." I did this two years after I was so inspired by your book...My wife and I were recently watching one of your videos and she remarked, "She would make a great friend."

Thank you for your honesty and may God richly bless you and your family.

I hope to return to Africa this year. In Christ, Rev. Jeffrey Parker

"Distance doesn't matter, it is only the first step that is difficult."

Marquise Du Defand (1697-1780)