The simple act if sitting still

[Daisycqt]

I'm finding that the simple act of resting for a day is causing me to panic. Having been told since I was six years old that "if you are asleep, you should be awake, and if you're awake you should be working" I now reach the point that I can't work due to physical restrictions, but not working means I mentally have a terrible time. Because I'm not working, that induces a panic attack. My brain knows I can't do any physical labour at the time as I am physically restricted (I have fibromyalgia and osteo lipping on my spine which is very painful) but by not working, even the act of "taking a day off" causes my to panic and then I need to take a calmative. the guilt I've been programmed to feel by not doing hard physical work each day is so ingrained now that the mental effect on me is devastating. How can I overcome 44 years of programming to enjoy a simple day off?

[BKYTH]

You say all the key statements that you need to be aware of to change your thinking - The statement "know thy enemy" is so true and you are acutely aware of yours. If you were to see someone who was in the same situation as you yourself are now would you say "If you are awake you should be working"           I think you probably wouldn't. What do you think you would say and why would you say what you say?.               The past was what it was and the values instilled in us are only as relevent as we find them to be in our own experience. Don't let your life be merely a reaction to voices from the past. They spoke for themselves they do not speak for you. There is nothing to overcome from the past except the power you allow it to have upon you now - To take you back to the question I asked earlier. Listen to your answer and let it teach you of yourself. The only spokeswoman for your life is you Philip.

[Pixie15]

Hi Daisycqt,

I think I know what you mean. I am a continuous motion person myself. I do not know if it is programming. But I can never really feel relaxed sitting still. Although you might miss you physical labor there are always other things you can do like crafts or hobbies or answering posts on forums like this.

Thanks,

Christine.