Dear Cat:

There are eight hours between us, it is morning here, 8 hours earlier than in Bristol. Looking “to the sky for answers”- I very much relate. I looked to the sky for help, salvation… isn’t this how religion started, people looking up to the sky, looking for answers and for help.

I like you initiating changes to your therapy homework. You are an independent thinker, one to initiate, to break the mold, to propose changes. I like that.

The overwhelming feelings, yes, that is a result of biochemical processes in the brain and the rest of our bodies, chemical being released, causing us to feel this or that. Taking slow, deep breaths (while putting aside the cigarette of course) literally slow down the production and/ or release of the distress causing chemicals. Or causes calming chemicals to be produced and released. Better work with our biochemistry for our benefit.

The overwhelming feeling was about your family. When I experience distress regarding a particular person I ask myself: is there something I need to do? If not, I don’t think about it anymore. When you stop thinking about something distressing, the distress doesn’t last long.

Your grueling, long…  long days are every three days then. Still grueling. My hat is off to you for your dedication to clearing your debt and therefore moving toward better living.

anita