Thank you too for sharing your thoughts. Our thoughts can be very personal and I find it an honour that our YourSpace folks speak freely about what they are thinking and feeling, even when difficult subjects arise. Although these subjects may be hard to comprehend, it's important, at such moments, to give someone that time and space to explore what these thoughts or feelings really mean to them and even more important for the listener not to begin to judge or be dismissive. Being able to speak feely about a strong belief or opinion, when discussed safely, can be very liberating and may dispel some myths or even give rise to a different perspective on the subject. We may also give ourselves that time to question our own belief.
In the OCD course, I'm currently doing with Let's Talk, we talked about our belief systems. I have been given a sheet of "Common OCD Beliefs" that I have to read every day. Although at the start of this course I thought I would not learn anything, I have. I will share some of this. Although I already acknowledge the fact that I'm a born worrier, I have now began to realise how much I ruminate too. One think in particular is my health. I am noticing that I have a lot of "Health Anxiety" going on! I am starting to see what triggers those anxieties too and developing a better understanding about how much importance I put on those type of thoughts! Thoughts aren't facts! But I still believe them and boy does my anxiety rocket when I do! So my exercise at the moment is recognising when I begin to "ruminate" about what is happening inside my head, I gently remind myself that this is only thinking and take comfort from the fact that what I'm thinking is probably not what is happening!
Well I'm looking forward to the walk on Saturday 20th Feb. All the details are on the February 2016 Notice Board. May be a bit soggy underfoot, but still a chance to get some great fresh air and exercise! Plus a good natter at the Air Balloon once done!
Just a reminder, Ian will be taking the meeting on Monday 15th Feb at Barlow Road and we have another Art Therapy Session with Steve on Monday 8th March. Please get in touch if you are interest in the Art Sessions as there is restricted attendance.
Hope the coming weeks are good to you all!
Ruth :-)