Yeah... sounds pretty good. I remembered when I was younger and wanted to ask a girl on a date. I was scared shitless of the possible no thank you . Then the bitch roll call at school that you liked so and so and asked her for a date. Then getting the balls to kiss on her or make a move for some sex. Geeze.... the post traumatic stress was terrible. That all changed when I got the opportunity to work at a service station at 16 years old. I became a regular at the bikini lounge that was next door. Opportunity is a gift if you act on it. Fear presenting opportunities seems to work in all things. I hate the idea of being helpless and without, so I took every opportunity I could to educate myself. Knowing shit gives you confidence and always take that chance to save your money...?

Depending on the circumstances, it might mean a need to change your underwear.

Yup, fight or flight responce..

Challenges are opportunities grow.

Last Tuesday, Karen and I hiked White Pine trail near Stevens Pass, 5.5 miles total, gaining 800 feet in elevation. In high shade, we found flowers blooming: orange Columbine, white Queen's Cup, rare, tiny purple/fuschia Calypso Orchids, and tall Mountain Bluebells.

We found three Morel mushrooms!

With multiple creek crossing, two were huge with snow-melt, and treacherous. At one crossing, I felt so scared walking across small logs high above the rushing creek, I began shaking, and froze.I lost my balance, afraid to take another step. Karen helped me across. She was wonderful.

I learned to keep moving, even when rocks or branches roll underfoot. Keep your momentum moving forward. Visualize and plan each step before starting. Also use poles to push off when jumping across the creek.

Talking it over with Bruce, a counselor and friend, I realized:

Since age 21, I have had panic attacks during creek and river crossings walking on high, slippery logs above the creek. Halfway across, I panic. Glittering rapids below mesmerize me. I lose my balance and freeze, afraid to take another step. Often I crawl across the high, slippery log. It's humiliating, but safe. I have never fallen off.

My fear is I will fall, crack open my head on a sharp rock, be swept over a waterfall, and die. "We can override our imagination," Bruce said.

Bruce recommends this breathing exercise to stop and reduces panic attacks:

1. Lace your fingers and place them behind your neck.

2. Spread out your elbows as far as possible. This immobilizes your upper chest muscles. When anxious and fearful, we breathe from our upper chest, not getting enough oxygen.

3. SLOWLY, breath in for 5 counts. Breathe out for 7 counts. Repeat. This position forces you to breathe deeply from your diaphragm, calming you.

4. Practice this breathing exercise three times a day for four weeks. It stops panic attacks and even eliminates them.

For what exactly?

I never thought about this, but it can be true sometimes.

Interesting. Can you give me an example from your life, that I could come up with one in mine?