I'm a crackpot

[HexNoir]

Maybe not entirely, but pretty damn close!

As a part of my 'Hey, let's get rid of SA' plan, I've changed my mindset quite a bit since my last posts. I thought about it long and hard, and I realized what makes a person prone to SA:

∙The need for repetition
∙The need for reassurance, comfort, sometimes acknowledgment
∙Opposition to change/Avoidance of awkward situations, etc.

That's not all, but you get the idea. Basically, it's the desire to bury your head and just try as hard as you can to not deal with it. That's all it seems a person with SA can really do about his/her situation, right?

Well (here's the good part), I've made observation of these traits and decided it's time to rock this motherfucker of a boat. And somehow, doing so makes me feel really empowered. Let's see the breakdown of this new SA defeating attitude:

∙Welcome change. Take on new challenges
∙Force yourself into awkward/frightening scenarios
∙Find out about as many new things as you can
∙Dislodge the 'comfort zone' from its axis!

Now, please believe me - it's quite a challenging task all on its own! But the main reason I'm posting this (and really anything else here) is because I believe A) It's relevant, B) It's something I think a lot of others can benefit from, and C) I'm a crackpot.

Anyways, that's my 2 cents. I gotta get some sleep. Let me know what you think, even if all you have to say is 'You're a crackpot'. Don't just view this thread and click it off. Post something, anything at all... trust me, it works

 

[sabbath92001]

∙Force yourself into awkward / frightening scenarios

In acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) we determine our values and use them to guide / motivate us. If a situation is in a valued direction then we should definitely not avoid it. But to put ourselves into situations just because we are uncomfortable doesn't really make sense. Let's say some of your values are to be independent and productive, then going to a job interview is worth the effort.

We may never be able to get rid of SA, but we can learn to live a full life that includes SA, depression, joy, and all other human emotions.

 

[HexNoir]

∙Force yourself into awkward / frightening scenarios

If a situation is in a valued direction then we should definitely not avoid it. But to put ourselves into situations just because we are uncomfortable doesn't really make sense.

It might not make perfect sense to you, but I'm beginning to realize how important this is in my life. Apparently it's actually good for your mind to open yourself up to/engage in activities you're afraid of or don't feel like doing. Also, it's the direct counter to falling into a damn comfort zone... I bet everyone here knows what that's like 8)

We may never be able to get rid of SA, but we can learn to live a full life that includes SA, depression, joy, and all other human emotions.

I beg to differ on that one. Unless you're pointing out that SA exists in everyone, because that's most likely true, and we just have higher anxiety levels than your average joe. However, I believe we can either eliminate this process or at least knock it down to the point where we still have our normal emotions, but aren't too afraid of SA and the possibility of failure/rejection to let it get in our way. So you're right - maybe the object isn't to 'eliminate' this 'disease', but to just knock it back and be a little less afraid of it. Somehow, seeing it that way makes it seem less like a disease, and more like a condition that can be cured.

 

[flake__]

Good luck vulvectomy ! Let us know how you get on.

One definite thing i can gather from your post--you have enough of a desire to get out of this to take action.

That is very important.

Especially as the method you are proposing involves 'facing' your worst fears directly.

So i think you have desire and are taking action, and that can only be a good thing. I think the action could work for you as everyone's method is different. If the action doesn't work, don't get discouraged just take a different action.

Personally for me 'force yourself into awkward/frightening situations' does not work at all for me--does the opposite. But alot of people use this method with some success.

However i do believe SP can be totally eradicated.

 

[HexNoir]

You know what? After reading this over, I think I may have emphasized the wrong points. You're both right about the forcing thing - I made it sound a little more extreme than it had to be. I guess it's really just about becoming more comfortable with yourself, and for me, the best way is to expose myself to a little bit of discomfort everyday - and learn to accept the discomfort in unfamiliar situations.

I definitely drew the wrong conclusion, I think I was just trying to emphasize how important EXPERIENCE is, and in terms of both good and bad. If I've learned anything so far, it's that weather positive or negative, it's the experience that will open you up. Often times I find myself running from situations that make me afraid, instead of dealing with the fear and accepting it all and going through the motions anyway. So I guess nothing should be forced, just pushed gently.

My new motto is "Is this gonna kill me?" because whenever I give an honest answer to that question about a terrifying situation I'm in, I'm usually not (in any shape or form) in harm's way at all! It makes it all seem at least a little less serious, so that seems to help sometimes.

In conclusion, I'm a crackpot.