Challenge from my Psychologist. Write down 3 positive things a day. Join me?

[fuzzpig]

Background in brief - history of abuse and lengthy depression, self harm, lots of therapy in teens inc psych ward stay. Now suffering from CFS (also known as ME) and having CBT as part of the treatment.

So, we were talking about low self esteem, negative inner voice etc, and she suggested doing this to gradually build up evidence against these thoughts. I've done similar briefly in the past but having done a lot of psychological 'inner work' this year I feel ready to make it stick and I thought doing a thread on it would make me more likely to bother!

I'm off to watch telly with DH in a mo (Big Bang Theory 6 arrived yesterday :o) so won't be back til tomorrow but if anyone wants to do this with me then jump in! Could be stuff you've achieved, nice things that have happened etc.

Mine are:

• Had my consultation over the phone for the first time - was worried it'd feel weird but I stuck with it and found it really helpful.

• Contacted a friend to arrange a meet up while he's visiting home (I hardly ever initiate anything like that)

• Wrote in my treatment journal the same day as my session, instead of leaving it for weeks!

:)

Organised a day out for me.
Had a good talk/planning session with DH,
Nice lunch with PILs

Had a play date after school where all smooth
Ds said my potato wedges were yummy
Collected children from brownies without feeling tense.

The things I am seeing as positives on this thread are really reminding me of the things I found stressful. And helping me to ignore the bad things.

Tried cooking a new meal tonight, and I thought it was yummy even though no one else enjoyed it.
Made an important phone call.
DCs better behaved because I had a plan for the afternoon and no time for them to get bored and misbehave.

dd loved her presents
nice chat with a friend
got the kids reading done at swimming

1 reached a milestone
2 chocolate mousse
3 DD did great homework, things she was struggling with last week just seem to have clicked with her this week.

Can I just say this is a brilliant idea.
Really think it can help anyone

Hmm
My 3 things
Ds temperature has come down

Ive received clean clothes (been im these 3days)

Ds should be out of hospital tomorrow

doc said I was making progress, keep doing everything I'm doing
ds's playdate went well
got a walk in the sun in

Have a job interview
Did most of another promising job application today
DC are doing well and happy (mostly) - DD has some good grades predicted for her GCSE's

Sending healing thoughts to your DS isitme

Mine for yesterday:

• actually didn't feel terrible after my late shift yesterday. Still achy but not so dead on my feet as usual. I think it's because I managed to help myself during the day - had a bath and a proper lunch, both of which I don't normally bother with.
• nice chats with various colleagues at work
• Smoked duck with lunch :o my lovely dad remembered I love it and brought some with him when they visited on Saturday (we don't have a waitrose here :o)

Today:

• managed to get up and out for an early dr appt and then met DH for a pub breakfast before hitting the shops for Xmas stuff - nice day!
• went to a little music shop just outside the town centre, never been before but loved it and we've got a nice lot of instruments for a music basket (family Xmas gift - DD desperate to have a family band!) and for me, a ukulele :o. And made an agreement that we bought enough in one go, so although there's still more instruments I'd love to buy elsewhere (need for 'completeness' is a big issue of mine so very testing in this kind of situation), we will leave that for future xmases when we can add to our collection and freshen it up. So a little accomplishment anxiety-wise too :)
• started making DS' dressing up outfit, and realised even though I haven't done any for ages, I can still do a little embroidery. It makes me really happy to be enjoying crafty stuff again!

Wow, lots there fuzzpig - ukulele will be fun! - as will dd's family band
I love music and instruments - didn't someone say music was essential for a good life ?!

I reckon so juggling :) I am pretty musical anyway but have neglected it for a long time. Really happy that the DCs are enthusiastic about it!

My DS now plays the trumpet, and DD the flute and it's great - such an unexpected bonus!

"Sans la musique, la vie serait ine erreur". Nietzsche (without music, life would be a mistake) , I think but I haven't googled it. I did have a t shirt with it on in French once. We've got a violin coming home tomorrow to join the piano and clarinet! Music is the best.

That reminds me:
Dd has done her piano practice without complaint and with enthusiasm both yesterday and today.
Dd loved her packed lunch
Dd2 and I had a lovely time at the supermarket and I had a magazine as a treat.

Dd did good flute practice here!
Enjoyed college today and made a good start on pic
Did a good bedtime with dcs

That t-shirt sounds great and very accurate :o

Yesterday:
Nice shift at smaller library
Picked up awesome Xmas crackers
So happy to see how much DD loves reading. She'd asked me to pick up some chapter books for her at the library as she's reading them in bed

Today:
Tired but managed a therapy session in London
Successful shopping trip afterwards - picked up a few lovely presents including a Van Gogh finger puppet for DD :o
It's Thursday which means new Big Bang Theory is on!

dd got some very good predicted grades for her GCSE's. Am proud of her - and she was pleased with them too.
Cooked a tasty rice and dahl supper which all enjoyed
Had a lovely catch-up with a couple of friends over a coffee this afternoon.

Ooh this is a good idea.

1. Dp cleaned out guinea pigs and walked the dog so I could stay in the warm (have man flu).
2. I started my online Xmas shopping when DD was napping, and feel organised for once.
3. Although snoring like a trooper my poor snotty DD went to sleep on time tonight (unlike last night) so I am tucked up on the sofa with dogface and a warming glass of red.

-Coffee date with a friend this morning.
-Used DS nap time to do something for me rather than housework.
-cleaned the windows outside so now I can actually see out of them again

Managed to do contact lenses, perfume and moisturiser his morning. Felt good

Was very patient with a very tired and upset ds who wasn't best pleased to be a shepherd in nativity (he was telling me all last week he was Joseph). Lots of cake and cuddles.

Read dd a chapter of book

a day
-lovely kind family & friends rallied around this morn to help me out when I was doubled over in pain
-lovely Dr in OOH was so helpful. meds prescribed should start working soon.
-arranged to see a friend tomorrow so hopeful of a better day.

Wish everyone on here a very happy weekend.

Oh no iMe hope health improves ASAP!

Mine for today...

• didn't wake up til ten to 9 and had a really lazy day with DH just curled up watching DVDs with the heater on.
• made progress with Xmas shopping and found a few particular things I was looking for
• got further towards getting DCs on some free extra curricular activities. Turns out they'll also get extra support with core subjects.

ok....

Doctor who tonight
Got out to see a local art exhibition
Dh cooked dinner!

Enjoyed a park trip with dc

Cooked healthy food

Had coffee and cake with dd