Thank you Red. Your praise and encouragement means a great deal to me. The power of community is something I'm only just beginning to experience. It's pretty kewl!
I was reading your new post this morning and wanted to Congratulate you again..I got a little distracted yesterday with all the other goings on in your thread yesterday and really had more I wanted to say to you about your successful exposure..
This is a Hugh step forward. You studied the program and worked hard at preparing for this exposure..I am so proud of you..You are on the high road now.
I also want to thank you for posting your experience and how you prepared for this exposure here in the forum..I was very inspired by it..I think we all learn from each others experiences..This is what sharing and being part of a group it all about..
I prepared by posting about my fear and getting reassured that I have the skills needed to manage a visit to the dentist. I then re-read a good deal of the information on panic/anxiety. I practiced the relaxation exercises extra times in the days leading up to the appt. Plus it really helped to be reminded that I have many safe hands to grab onto here at The Panic Center (cyberly speaking). Knowing I had the tools needed helped to calm the anxiety, enough to think more clearly and coming to understand that I was afraid of becoming afraid and reacting in an inappropriate way.
Then I asked myself a million questions about the validity of that fear and that's when I just had to laugh. I'm afraid I will be afraid. It's just silly when you break it down. I feel like I finally got the courage to look behind the curtain and found no scary wizard at all! Timeless understanding that. Sure wish it came easier. Nevertheless this is a huge step and I am quite thrilled at having taken it.
I am grateful to all of you for helping me on this journey. I could not have come this far without you :)
and M i hope you are well, i know how you feel about the dentist, i really need to have some work done but it will take a long time and cost a lot of money I dont really like the dentist either. But i would really love to have my teeth fixed up, I will work up to it one thing at a time :) I am glad your appointment went well and hope next time will be easier for you
I am really glad you to were able to meet in person i am sure you have lots to talk about, i hope you enjoy your special visit and hope you are both doing fantastic.
and encouragement means a great deal to me. The power of community is something I'm only just beginning to experience. It's pretty kewl! 
