Recognising The Small Positives

[Hashi]

I was just thinking about a small success today. I'm reading a book!

In the last four years since getting PTSD I've really struggled to read, although I used to read about a book a week before. I've only been able to get through a few books on trauma and healing that had information I needed. I couldn't read a novel because of concentration problems and my mind being too tense. I've only been able to listen to audiobooks.

But for my last book club meeting I couldn't get the audiobook and had to get it in print. It was very short and I had a deadline so I managed to read it on the train to and from work, which is only 10 minutes at a time. Now I'm reading our next book as a print book in the same way, and I can actually focus on it and am enjoying it. :)

 

[Abstract]

@arfie I totally agree with @change. I love your analogy. Beautifully put thank you and I am glad it will sit at the top of the thread. Thank you for the encouragement arfie, Britt, Change and Kas.

Everyone's successes don't seem that small to me! I hope you managed Brit. It is huge. Reclaiming lost things is wonderful insideaword and Hashi. Digger stay safe.

I sort of half believed it

Its a weird thing isn't it monster? Sorry about the flashback. Wonderful you have some truth.

 

[DMerish]

Great thread, Abstract. Thanks for starting it :)

I've got baggage with old Thanksgiving stuffing in its that's been turning moldy. And because of it, I decided a few days ago that I wasn't going anywhere and not inviting anyone over. I wanted a quiet day, primarily alone.

I began the day with cleaning out the mold. I first wrote in the thread "How's Your Day Been" about the mold (which I've never let other folks in on) then cleaned my home real good. Afterwards, I took a bath, read a book, took a walk, made myself a plate of fresh fruit, crackers and cheeses, then settled down to watch a movie with the fireplace on. My youngest son visited. We had a nice time, and I had a fantastic day. I didn't think about the old Thanksgiving baggage all day! :tup:

 

[Britt.f7]

I made it through Thanksgiving. Just when I thought I had everything under control my sister brings up that she would like if we could all start going on vacations together. :eek:

 

[DMerish]

@Britt:O_o:

 

[EverOnly358]

I usually have the most horrible time on the holidays. Either I power through, trying to make everything perfect like Martha Stewart on speed then collapse afterwards, sometimes for days, *or* I freak out, have flashbacks, I'm miserable and just can't get out of bed. This year we just had a normal, regular Thanksgiving. It was really nice. And then on Black Friday, I had plans to go shopping with the girls, and I was a little tired, but just determined to stick with the plan, and I went and that was nice, too. Again, not perfect, but really fun anyways. Maybe it doesn't seem like much, but it's just all so incredibly amazing to me.

 

[Abstract]

Yikes britt :eek: Well done though and well done Drew and D123!

I managed two fairly busy work days this week with only minimal fallout symptoms afterwards.

 

[amethist]

Hi Abstract I have merged your thread into an existing one that was set up to to recognise the small positive steps forward many members make.

 

[InsideAWord]

I ran for 30 minutes today. I haven't been able to run since my trauma. I need to get back into shape, but I feel good for even doing it.

 

[DMerish]

I spent the day with my three year old grand-daughter (g-dtr). We did a lot of three year old type things (sans TV or movies), including a holiday train ride and visit with Santa. He flirted with me :rolleyes: and I flirted back. I know that sounds creepy, but my d-dtr was not on his lap at the moment (she was yacking with the elves) and he was very nice Santa and good looking individual. :inlove:

The (not so) small positive? I was about 97% "there" during the whole time with my g-dtr. Fabulous day :) but exhausting :singing:

 

[Britt.f7]

I was able to go on chat without too many nervous issues on this end. It was a good experience.

 

[Britt.f7]

I bought lipstick. I know that seems silly, but it is a good sign. I think I've bought lipstick since my mom died 2.5 years ago, but I basically stopped wearing it. Now I'm excited to start wearing it again. It use to be such a part of me until she died. I'm also getting my hair highlighted on Saturday. That's getting out of the house and doing another thing that, in reality, should make me feel better. Two positive steps.