Hello, Good Doctor. Thank you for another fine essay that addresses something that I’ve seldom seen discussed in such an organized and engaging manner. I can see most of the process you’ve described in my own life and many of my family members. I’ve struggled with anxiety ever since grade school and over the years I’ve reacted in various ways, but never really seemed to improve the way I’ve reacted to stressful or unfamiliar situations. I’ve been blessed with a loving, caring partner who has been a real bulwark to me, calming my worries and never judging my feelings or insinuating that it’s less than masculine of me to always be overly cautious or anxious in situations that a lot of others seem to handle with ease. Other points in your post bring to mind close family members who have been struggling with kinds of negative feelings, be it extreme, unfounded jealousy or low self esteem. I feel that anyone who has achieved a certain level of self awareness could benefit from taking the time to study this essay and take your main theme to heart. The pursuit of perfection is something that has held me back personally, and I can’t be the only person who has fallen into the kind of thinking that you address here. Thank you once again for posting some very worthwhile reading and the hard work you’ve put into the craft of writing, being able to get your message out in a compact, clear and unambiguous post. I know that the ability to write that way doesn’t come easily, and has to be developed through hard work and constant employment and refinement of your writing skills. Thank you for your hard work and sharing it with your followers!
Thank you! What a timing! Today I was talking to a friend about a recent dating experience and caught myself noticing how different I was reacting (actually not reacting, just responding) to some projections during the date. Then I caught the thought of how much I have changed and grown and then the fear you are described crawled in. What if that's just a coincidence? What if it will be gone next time and I’ll be back with other patterns I noticed are almost gone? On the other hand single fact of noticing that I’ve grown, and feel proud about the progress, makes me feel great.
Thank you for the reminder that the progress most probably does not end here:)
Wow, what profound wisdom you are sharing. I’m sharing this piece with several people who need to read it. I think we’re occupying similar spaces here too- thanks for this!
So well said, thank you for the enlightened read that is very much in line with my personal experiences with growth and change ... it's bumpy, unknown and full of beauty. :-)
Hello, Good Doctor. Thank you for another fine essay that addresses something that I’ve seldom seen discussed in such an organized and engaging manner. I can see most of the process you’ve described in my own life and many of my family members. I’ve struggled with anxiety ever since grade school and over the years I’ve reacted in various ways, but never really seemed to improve the way I’ve reacted to stressful or unfamiliar situations. I’ve been blessed with a loving, caring partner who has been a real bulwark to me, calming my worries and never judging my feelings or insinuating that it’s less than masculine of me to always be overly cautious or anxious in situations that a lot of others seem to handle with ease. Other points in your post bring to mind close family members who have been struggling with kinds of negative feelings, be it extreme, unfounded jealousy or low self esteem. I feel that anyone who has achieved a certain level of self awareness could benefit from taking the time to study this essay and take your main theme to heart. The pursuit of perfection is something that has held me back personally, and I can’t be the only person who has fallen into the kind of thinking that you address here. Thank you once again for posting some very worthwhile reading and the hard work you’ve put into the craft of writing, being able to get your message out in a compact, clear and unambiguous post. I know that the ability to write that way doesn’t come easily, and has to be developed through hard work and constant employment and refinement of your writing skills. Thank you for your hard work and sharing it with your followers!
I'm glad my essay resonated with you (again).
Your comments are always kind, humbling, as well as vulnerable. I appreciate it, Rafael. And I'm grateful for having readers like you.
Thank you! What a timing! Today I was talking to a friend about a recent dating experience and caught myself noticing how different I was reacting (actually not reacting, just responding) to some projections during the date. Then I caught the thought of how much I have changed and grown and then the fear you are described crawled in. What if that's just a coincidence? What if it will be gone next time and I’ll be back with other patterns I noticed are almost gone? On the other hand single fact of noticing that I’ve grown, and feel proud about the progress, makes me feel great.
Thank you for the reminder that the progress most probably does not end here:)
It can definitely be a coincidence. That’s why trying again can make us trust ourselves more.
Lovely to hear this piece resonated with you and thank you for sharing your own experience!
Wow, what profound wisdom you are sharing. I’m sharing this piece with several people who need to read it. I think we’re occupying similar spaces here too- thanks for this!
So well said, thank you for the enlightened read that is very much in line with my personal experiences with growth and change ... it's bumpy, unknown and full of beauty. :-)
Thanks so much Christina!
What an article. Thank you Selda.
Thanks, Adam.