Sort of an NSV?

For most of my life I have hated crowds.  If I was in a crowded room (or bus, etc), I would have panic attacks - especially if I couldn't see a clear line of escape.

Today, I ventured out to the Pet Expo here in Ottawa.  It was packed.  I mean *PACKED* with people and pets.  And I did it.  I was there over 2 hours, wandering, talking to people and I forgot that I was supposed to be panicked.   For years, I felt like I took up too much space, that I needed to stay out of the way and that I was so huge that I was in everyones' way.  ( I know most of this was in my head now).

Now that I'm nearly 90 lbs lighter and noticeably "smaller" ... I don't have those feelings now.  I'm holding my head up and smiling at people and looking them in the eye.  I am not ashamed of myself quite so much.  And this has let me get back out into society.  No more panic attacks.  No more squeezing myself into corners to get out of the way.  And I am so very, very grateful for this. :)

TES

That's wonderful!  Good for you!

That is an amazing NSV. Things like this make the surgery worthwhile

This made me so happy and smile ear to ear! Being in crowds also makes me feel like I'm taking up to much space and I also find myself in corners a lot lol. An amazing NSV, I'm so happy you got to experience this and thanks for sharing!!!

That's awesome!

That is a great NSV!  I'm happy for you Tes.  

Nice!

That's a wonderful NSV! You should be super proud of your accomplishments and oh-so-thrilled at not having the panic attacks.

Like you, I hated crowds because I knew that I physically took up too much space. I was 'in the way'. This past weekend, I was at the EY Centre too for the Samko and Miko toy sale and while waiting to pay for our purchases, I commented to Hubby that this year was the first time I wasn't huffing and puffing, trying to carry the bags, and I didn't feel like I was encroaching on other people's space. A wonderful NSV.

YAY for the NSVs. They're the absolute best along this path.

Yay for us, Jiliana!  It's just amazing what this has done for me psychologically as well as physically.  So glad you're in a better place mentally as well. :)

TES