THE EIGHT ATTITUDES OF RECOVERY

As you practice your skills to overcome panic, take a look at your basic attitudes and consider any changes that might make you more determined and committed to solving this problem. The kinds of statements people make about themselves or their behaviors often represent their attitudes.

In this section, two contrasting statements reflect each of these eight attitude shifts. The first self-statement in each pair reflects a personal position that undermines the task of controlling panic. It is the most likely way that any of us would think about such a difficulty, so it's no surprise if you think this way. It comes quite naturally. The problem is, it doesn't work. When put into action, it works against your desired goal of healing. The motto I go by is this: if what you are doing isn't working, try anything else.

The second self-statement in each pair reflects the attitude I encourage you to explore. It moves you away from being a victim of anxiety and toward the freedom of panic free living. But I must warn you, it might feel quite unnatural to hold these attitudes in the face of panic or anxiety.

Now begin by learning more about Changes #1 through #8.

next: Step 3: Change your Attitude! Change 1