I have to agree with Tom. I think we need to start "self improvement". I have tried with all my heart to "follow" those that are healed. That means listening to their advice on certain issues of our lives that needs mending.

One such person I ran across in the archives was a gal by the name of Sheila. Although she did not Cold Turkey as I had to, I have seen her courage and gained great strength from reading her past posts. Several of those posts we have on the Old Timers link at http://www.benzoliberty.com In one of those posts, she recommends two books that really helped her. In her own words:

"

Well, my l8 year old son gave me two books. The first one was Mind Power by John Kehoe, gave me the drive to push myself a little harder. Gave me determination and something to focus on other than myself and my symptoms. Then he gave me The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success by Deepak Chopra. An exceptional little book. I read it over and over. It's taught me to think of every new experience as a new and exciting adventure. To not worry and fear all that comes into my life.

Have I stirred you wrong yet??? Can it hurt you to read these book? I don't think so. I know many of my coping skills like passing the ball, going into my imaginary house etc. sound weird but they worked for me and others that have tried them. So if you are stuck in not well and not sick, you need to do something to get well. This is a lot of work, but worth it all. "

I just order those two books today from:

http://www.barnesandnoble.com

For those of you that might like to order them also:

The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success: A Practical Guide to the Fulfillment of Your Dreams

Deepak Chopra / Hardcover $12

Mind Power into the 21st Century: Techniques to Harness the Astounding Powers of Thought

John Kehoe / Paperback $11.65

You can get free shipping for them if you order them both together.

:-)

I would like to include here what Sheila wrote to me a couple months ago. I have drawn on these words over and over again. I pray they help you as much as they have helped me.

Lets keep going forward!

Love to You All,

Ruth :-)

***** ***** ***** ***** *****

Good Morning Ruth,

How are you? I am fine, I’ve been off ativan for about 3 years now and have no symptoms, my life is even better than before benzos.

If you are doing better than you were then you are doing great. Always remember how you feel the days that are better. That is how it will be forever once your withdrawal is over

Whenever symptoms reappear the fear sets in, try to calm yourself and know in your heart it is withdrawal. One thing that should give you encouragement is that if you are feeling pain and many symptoms, that means your body is withdrawing from the benzo. It's craving it, but you are not going to feed it and as soon as your body knows that for good it's over. It's like if someone took your air away, you need it, your body would flip out. Well we've all had benzos in our body and our body thinks we need it.

Of course you will heal, if you never ever take even a sliver of a benzo you will heal. Those that go back and forth or take it here and there will go through withdrawal over and over more severe than before. Some people keep going back on. I attribute my lasting success to never relapsing. Different members of the board yelled at me over and over as they took it here and there and their withdrawal lasted much longer. Be strong and believe with all you have you will get well. Don't follow those that remain ill only follow those that are well and have their life back. It will happen.

Write to me anytime, I’m always here and just want others to have what I have. I had a horrible withdrawal; I was so toxic I was dying for years. My addiction therapist said if you believe you will not get well you won't. He was right. I had to change my frame of mind. I had to believe I could raise my sons after their father died. I had to be a part of their life. Do not listen to those that will not get well. You will get well.

I'm glad you are having good days. Write when you feel like it and let me know your symptoms, I may have suggestions for you that helped me. Stay strong and I'll be here for you when you need me. I'll try to stop in at the chats but it's difficult for me. Keep encouraging people they need you.

Love,

Sheila