"TWINS!", my teenage daughter squealed with a huge grin as we opened gifts to each other on Christmas. My main gift to her was a Fitbit Charge 2 in lavender/gold. Her main gift to me was a Fitbit Alta with black straps plus interchangeable dark purple straps (black, purple and blue are my favorite colors). She quickly set up her account and sent me a challenge for the Fitbit "Workweek Hustle". Game on!
I was overwhelmed that she had purchased such an expensive gift for me! I was giddy with excitement and felt like a kid again as I spent hours learning about the different features of my new toy. In addition to our work week step challenge I also began an individual adventure on Fitbit of the Yosemite Vernal Falls trail. This is soooo cool and motivational!
Now onto one of several aspects of how this ties into recovery..
[Background: My psychologist's current diagnosis for me is: Adjustment Disorder with Anxiety (DSM-IV-309.24), Generalized Anxiety Disorder (DSM-IV-300.02) and Alcohol Abuse-In Remission (DSM-IV-300.5).]
Shortly after my daughter arrived on Christmas, our dominate dog (boxer-mix puppy) barged in and I had to separate him again from our elderly dog. Trying to separate them skyrocketed my anxiety to semi-panic attack for the second time that day. I exhibited all of the panic attack symptoms except hyperventilation. I am guessing that my daily anti-anxiety medication was what kept it from becoming a need to seek additional medical attention.
I was still breathing heavily and shaking with anxiety as we started opening gifts to each other. My amazing daughter was so beautiful, patient, kind and calm. Her relaxed energy helped me to eventually settle. I was shaking so badly from the panic attack that I struggled with changing the straps and fastening her gift onto my wrist. I am grateful for her patient, kind and calm offering of help to change the straps and fasten it on my wrist while I simultaneously inwardly focused on trying to breathe slowly and mindfully.
My next post will be regarding how creativity plays a role in my recovery process, as hinted from the picture posted here. Happy Holidays!
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