Hi Coaches,
When I get extremely stressed I suffer with IBS. This has been something I’ve dealt with for over 20 years now. If I feel stressed I start panicking that I won’t get to a loo on time (which has happened in the past and has reinforced my fear). This is very distressing when I’m stuck in traffic or I’m somewhere I can’t get to a loo.
My neural pathways around this subject are very strong and reinforced, I can literally make my tummy hurt just by my thinking. Over the years I have had a lot of therapy and CBT around this issue and I am much better than I was but I’m not where I want to be – free from this, however that looks.
I completely understand that we have to be willing to feel a feeling to process and accept it and I have achieved this in many areas of my life. But I struggle with accepting being “caught out” not being able to find a loo and feeling the humiliation and shame that would result from this.
I know it’s my thoughts that create the fear and that precipitates my need for the loo but my mind body connection is so strong at this point that replacing thoughts doesn’t work, I’ve tried many times.
I think my path to freedom lies in accepting it all, but that’s not easy when you’re on a packed bus and you start thinking, then feeling fearful, and then needing the loo!
This has been an issue for a very long time and has spoilt many events in my life including my wedding day. I would love your input as I respect Brooke’s work so much.
I would be so interested to know what you think about this?