Traumatic Experiences Community Daily Check-in Thursday 10th August 2017
Good morning all!
Getting towards the end of another week and wondering how its been going for you. Its been a big night out at dog training for Cassi and I. She is a fearful pup, fearful of new situations, fearful of new dogs. and the fear gets expressed in lunging and barking at the stressor. So we're working in her comfort zone at a suitable distance from the other dogs. We've practised at home without the stressors and now we face the real thing. (with plenty of chicken treats in the pocket) I'm nervous too but trying not to let her know this.Well, the first dog arrives, barking loudly and she's able to "look" and 'leave it" following me and the treats that are coming her way. And so we went on, mistakes at times but that's okay, we're only learning. By the end of the session I knew she'd made a big step forward. And so did the trainer. Well done Cassi! And now a well earned rest for her.
Made me think of the marathon we've been talking about. Before we would even consider a marathon we would think of the training that was needed.Slowly at first and buiding up. Training without the pressure of the real thing. And I think we can do this too.. Our training may be practising grounding techniques, positive affirmations daily, mindful breathing exercises and meditation, a physical outlet for the grief, anger and hurt, something we enjoy. Time for something creative or light and distracting. If we have practised well its likely that when the heat comes on we will be able to draw on these resources, to use them. Maybe to refute the inner critic. But its hard work, in fact its often. exhausting. So to follow this with rest is crucial.. to give one self permission to rest. "I deserve to rest when I need it. I don't have to justify it." And most of all to remember to treat oneself with kindness and patience.
How is your day going? How is training helping you to run this marathon? Any training tips? Have you something we can celebrate with you? Maybe you want to say hi! Love to hear from you. This is your space and a safe place.
I'm just really glad I decided not to go to work today, cuz I ended up sleeping through most of the day 😴🙃
@BeeLeigx
Good for you Bee.. would think you needed this sleep.x
@rozie
I've been sleeping a lot lately. Like, I stayed in all last weekend, and I ended up sleeping through most of the weekend. I thought it was because I've been taking a medication in the morning that I'm supposed to take at night (because everything got all messed up with the time zones and all when we were on vacation), but I didn't take that today so idk. All I know is, I woke up around 10am, brushed my teeth, had some food, watched an episode or two of The Crown (Netflix show)....and then all of a sudden I was waking up again and it was after 5pm 🤷🏼♀️
@BeeLeigh
I hope your situation at work got sorted out :)
@singercrystalspirit
I guess technically it did? I still have to work with the chaplain that I don't like for another month until our bereavement coordinator comes back from leave, and I still have the write up in my file, but I don't *have* to work Fridays, so I'm just not going to. It gives me more time to decompress from the week. I also started a new medication yesterday (Thursday, since idk what time zone you're in). So maybe it can help me too. I do also start school on August 22 though, so this is just not great timing for any of this really. But oh well, this is the hand I've been dealt 🤷🏼♀️
@BeeLeigh
That's awesome about Fridays off 
I get it. Things aren't always awesome timing. But I know you can do it, and get adjusted to this new medication. Keep notes if you want to, when I was adjusting medications keeping copious notes helped me feel like I was retaining control / charge of my situation.
