My First Goal
Open the door to my prison, Sunshine warms my face, Listen, feel, my legs sway for some reason, Sweating hands, clutching my handbag.
Down the path, past one house, "Good morning Mrs........." Well never mind, past the next house.
Hope lies at the end, a wise old lady, a sort of friend, "Lovely day, your doing well!"
Round the corner with a smile, Why am I panting? Stop a while, I didn't remember to 'deep breathe' so stand still, it will pass, There's a new tree, a patch of grass.
Goal in sight, letter box bright. Breathe in and slowly move on, Going back is just not right.
Take your time, let the cars race, Today you have to set your own pace. Over the road, letter in box, How easily it slid into place.
The sun is warm on my face as I return home at my own pace, Backs may turn as I walk slowly home, ignorance is their complaint!
Up the path, in the gate. Let the sunshine in and celebrate! K- NSW.

II looked in the mirror and said, " Hi, good lookin!" How about I try for some sale shoppin' ?
Drove to the shops and parked the car, Found a good spot, didn't have to walk too far,
Brace myself and stepped inside, Good girl, keep going, no time to hide.
Checked my plan for the things I needed. Other shoppers passed by all unheeded.
Grabbed the 'goodies' when I heard a voice in my ear, Are you sure you won't panic, being in here?
More than likely, I'm not used to this stunt, Next thing I knew my heart began to thump,
Relax, I said, your doing fine, It's happened before, you wont die this time.
I walked down the aisle, knees all of a shake, Tummy feeling queasy and jaw starting to ache.
It's O.K. pal, don't worry it'll pass, You know these feelings just can't last!
That man over there has his shirt hanging out, And that little kid has ice cream all over her mouth,
What a funny hat that lady is wearing, I better not laugh, she might catch me staring.
Held on to my trolley, tensed my hands and relaxed, Mind feeling drained and body a bit taxed.
Walked to the checkout breathing slow, Outwardly calm, my feelings didn't show,
I didn't fall over and I didn't die. The achievement was all worth the try.
Take heart all you shoppers and don't give up hope, Just practise and practise and you'll be able to cope. GLORIA S.A.

Had to go shopping, just had to go out, Felt bad to start off, but forced myself on the road. Came home, totally exhausted, totally weak, Nobody home, I'm all alone, Where is help? Where can I go? Who can I call, I feel so low?
But the feeling of failure hit me worst of all, Never again will I set too high my goal. I have to practice step by step, It's the only way to grab the fear by the neck. Every step I SLOWLY achieve, I weaken the fear and I get relief.
I had my lesson not to reach for the stars, And I can't compare myself with the racing cars. My body is in a very sensitised state, So what, if I'm a little late. I suffered so long with uncounted tears, So it does not matter a couple more years.

I HAVE TO GO SLOWLY, BUT DO IT EVERY DAY, I understand now, and need no more to say. If I PRACTICE THE RIGHT WAY AND I LEARN THE SKILLS, I KNOW I will get well soon and need no more pills. KAREN - SYDNEY.

.Good is the road that will lead forward For we should be all on the same one - Having passed through the valleys of sorrow Into the crimson gold of the sun - The road that leads to recovery The road which we all will travel along.
Unsolved mysteries must remain They are out of reach of the human brain. Accept the knowledge of now that you know Get on the same road it is not that far to go. Make it a good one so you can say You've done your best in your own way.
Bid all bad memories of the past farewell And remind yourself and laugh For assuming that life for you would always be swell.
After having sought everything you have found You now possess a treasure from within A true heart and mind of understanding -
And you know you won't ever look back For inside you it's true - you're on the right track. WENDY-S.A

THE UNINVITED GUEST
Have you met the little Gremlin Who lurks about the house ? His name is Agoraphobia He's quieter than a mouse,
He sits upon a cupboard And rubs his hands with glee - As he sees us stand and panic, As he watches you and me.
"That's right" he tells us laughingly, "Shake and grit your teeth, Show the world a smiling face - But tremble underneath".
Is that your knees that's knocking? That sound like castanets, Is that perspiration on your brow? In little rivulets.
My word! Your hands are shaking You really look a fright, You've dragged your fingers through your hair Until you look a sight.
That naughty little gremlin He dances with such glee, As he laughs at you and me.
So let's show that little demon - He can't have it all his way, That his laughing days are numbered - That he hasn't come to stay.
That he can pack his bag, right now, And climb down off his perch, He needn't think that he can hide For we will search and search
Until we find that gremlin No matter where he hides, No more he'll watch us panic, No longer split his sides,
For we have found another friend - Fairy Knowledge is her name - And she will banish "Aggie" His head bowed low in shame.
She'll tell him just where he can go - It might not be polite, It doesn't matter where it is - That we should have some freedom,
That we should be set free, From that naughty little gremlin Who taunted you and me. SYLVIA -KENT U.K.

NOT BEATEN YET
Keep going, keep showing you're not beaten yet. Keep moving, keep proving, though things are upset,
They are all coming right, as in time you'll see, It's all for the best and the best is to be.
Keep praying, keep saying the dreams are coming true. A wonderful future is waiting for you,
Keep working, not shirking or running away Don't drop that burden, it's yours for today,
So bear it whatever the weight of the load It won't break your back if you're on the right road. GWEN N.S.W.

MY IMAGINARY TIME
When the happenings of a normal day Get out of my control I try not to reach for a pill
To calm the way Instead I sit in my old armchair - Close my eyes and breathe The right way.
Just let the tension go with the care My thoughts focus on my love of the beach - The sound of the gulls, the sound of the sea I feel the sun warm on my face All in reality, out of my reach
But this is my 'Imaginary Place' Back in my old armchair I open my eyes - I feel I've been there just for a while I had no cares no worries or tensions To make me sway My "Imaginary Time' Helps me through a hard day. GLORIA N.S.W.

It's hard to be an 'aggie' When there's messages to do, We want to be like other folk, And go places too.
But we get all weak and shaky, At the thought of panic's risen, Our emotional turmoil, Keeps us bound in indecision.
And when we say we can't go out, Like other people can, They look at us in disbelief, And think we are a sham.
Agoraphobia, they mutter; She looks all right to me, But they cannot know the fear, That will not set us free.
We try so many ways for help, Play our tape and read our book. Appearances deceiving, We don't feel like we look.
But when we get together, And have our private fun, We feel that we have conquered much, The battle's almost won.
We know we must be patient, Only time will help us cope, We make light of our problems, And fill our hearts with hope.
As each new day brings small rewards, For battles we have won, We add another achievement, To something we have done. RUBY QLD.

UPS AND DOWNS
Bravery is not possible unless you have a taste of fear; Joy of living is realised when you have to shed a tear.
To be happy, it's not necessary for everything to be 'grand'. Great happiness is there - even when you see your child stand-
For the first time - or even up to you when they know it's right Be loyal to a friend when they are out of sight.
So it's not the 'Limelight things' that make our daily life. It's the living of it! Through fearfulness and strife.
And sometimes when it seems you want your world to stop - Something good can happen that will help you to the top.
Continue on, try to find that extra smile An you can conquer anything ! With that extra bit of style. BETTY - BROKEN HILL N.S.W.

MY DAY
It started out one of those days When nothing would go right. I burnt the toast and spilt the milk, It was a sorry sight !
I went to do some shopping, But fell and skinned my knee. Broke my spec's and hurt my ribs, In trouble I must be !
I came home in a panic, But knew just what to do, I sat and had a 'cuppa', Then meditated too.
I thought about the day I'd spent, It wasn't really bad, I'd enjoyed the long talk on the phone, To a friend, I'd had.
Received a letter in the mail, That helped to make my day, An "Aggie" friend had weitten, With such nice things to say.
So if we weigh the 'pros and cons' Of good things with the bad, We'll count our blessings many times For all the good we've had ! RUE-ROCKHAMPTON

TRIP
Part 1 Today I feel that it's time to push on, 20 long miles I want to drive on my own.
I'm tired of sitting at home all alone, Waiting for somebody for me to phone.
Might the fear just as well hit me on the road!, If I come through it, I will be so proud.
What's the difference to sit home and sweat, Outside I tackle it just the same, I bet.
Can't sit anymore seeing life passing by, But 'Boy I'm scared" mustn't lie.
Oh Aggies I want to go now and say 'good bye' Wish me luck and please would you pray?
Tell you later how I succeeded, Or if on my trip some help I needed.
Part 2 Now after I left and sat in my car, I promised myself not to think very far.
All I thought is that IF I WANT - I CAN DO IT, Whatever happened there is nothing to it,
I had this problem year after year, So what in the hell I further fear?
I know the pattern and the tricks so well, Nothing new will come anymore, that I can tell.
A last secret look to my home and security I sent, And full of positive thoughts, then off I went.
ALONE, I drove through the early morning deserted streets, Dismissing all worries, urges and needs.
And as I drove on and broke through the barrier, Just of a sudden I felt excitement and so much happier.
I felt that life was not anymore passing by, But again I was part of it, and I felt so high.
I was successful with my trip, not even felt a little sick, You may ask now, what was it, what did the trick?
Positive thought was all I needed, Lots of confidence, and that' why I succeeded!
Part 3 Now dear Aggies wouldn't you like to go out and try the same? Don't give in and you will break that chain.
What ever you feel in body and mind, Overlook it and be to yourself very kind.
IF YOU REALLY, REALLY WANT SOMETHING, I PROMISE YOU THAT YOU CAN DO IT Go with your feelings, there's nothing to it.
Fear, panic, loosing control and getting mad, Don't shrink back from it, go through it, and open the gate, PRISONER, CHAINED TO YOUR FEAR you have been so long, you know it so well. Dismiss it all and let it rot in hell. K.- N.S.W.

I'm going up the ladder, Although it may be toall and steep, sometimes it feels so rickety, and OH so often squeaks. It's nice to see you coming too. May I lend a helping hand? You know, that is what friends are for, Don't be too afraid to stand, If the load you carry is heavy, Don't' weigh it down with doubt. Have trust and perseverance For we all need each other, We cannot get to home If we are not caring and not trying to travel alone. KAREN -SYDNEY

THINK RIGHT
Think smile and smiles shall be, Think doubt and hope will flee
Think love and love will grow Think hate and hate you will know
Think good and good is here Think vice its jaws appear
Think joy and joy never ends Think gloom and dusk descends
Think faith and faith's at hand Think ill it stalks the land
Think peace sublime and sweet And you know that peace will meet
Think fear with brooding mind And failures are close behind
Think this "I'm going to win" Think not what has been Think "victory" think " I can "
Then you're a winning woman or man. MARYLOU S.A.

Shaky I lay in my bed, Under my armpits is everything wet. Again I have to drive over 20 miles, What will happen if my motor suddenly fails? This time I want to take a girlfriend with me, But usually I feel on my own, more free.
But I'm determined to do it today, It gets me a step forward to my cure,
HURRAY! I can hardly write my hand is out of control, And in between I try to get my hair in a roll.
To go on my own I dreadfully fear, But to take my friend I need a beer.
I'm not a drinker so it wouldn't help me much, With relaxation I must give it my own special touch.
Mind is racing, stomach is churning, Want to back out, my cheeks are burring.
Wake up now, it's time to go , NOT RETURN, I would feel so low.
Now as the time came picked up my friend, Our bags were packed so full, as if on a holiday we went.
The sky was grey and the sun only out for a while, and lighheaded we drover on Mile after Mile.
But as we drove on, passing Long Bay Jail, We knew of a sudden that we did not fail.
NOT sitting behind iron bars, we were so free. NOT chained to our fear, can't you see?
After we achieved our big, big, task, Happy we were you need not to ask.
I, myself bubbling over like a bursting tap, My friend more quiet, exhausted, but not a nervous wreck,
Close to home at McDonald's we gave us a splurge, For something good and awarding we had an urge.
We took it home in front of our T.V. set, Happy, not sweating anymore having our highly earned snack. K-SYDNEY

When the storm in you gets too loud, and you forget for a while what life's all about,
When nerve against nerve starts a war, and the pit of your stomach feels so sore,
When hot flushes sweep over you again and again, and you think any moment you'll go insane.
You feel like a police-man on patrol, tensely holding onto yourself, just only to lose control.
Because you think that's the only way to overcome that terrible fear, then you remember that you have to lose it first, to gain it my dear.
When you feel that, you sink deep deep into the ground, and never again will you come out of that unreal feeling all around.
When you think that the furniture's moving toward you, and you can't see the sky anymore with its lovely blue.
When spots dancing before your eyes are so black. and more and more you feel your nerves will crack.
When you feel that everything has tumbled to the ground, and you'd never get that peace back that you once already found.
THEN REMEMBER THAT YOU WERE ONCE BORN WELL AND THAT YOU CAN RESTORE
WHAT NATURE GAVE YOU SO WILLINGLY, WITH PATIENCE ONCE MORE.-KAREN N.S.W.

NEEDLE POINT TOWER
Up so very tall in the sky, The Sydney Tower so graceful and high, In the heart of the city, like a long stemmed rose, A beautiful architecture, to God so close.
For an agoraphobic a goal he can never achieve, But listen to my story, EVERYTHING is possible I now believe.
With a friend I went to have a look, Crowds of people, ' let's go home and read a book'
Up and down the people go, PEOPLE EVERYWHERE, they feel no fear, Perhaps I, should I try? NO, NO, NEVER, I DIE, I see it all so clear,
I might get stuck up there Loose control and have to wait too long for the lift. Fearful, frightened, panic, scream, no doctor, ambulance, All those thoughts through my mind there drift.
Sick in my stomach, pain in my head, Run to the toilet, HOME, I want to hide in my bed.
But something kept me, I can't explain, A little voice whispered, YOU WANT TO BE FREE OF YOUR CHAIN!
Two hours long have already passed, I still sit here, DEPRESSED, I can't do it, my sickness will forever last.
I give up, I'll never recover, I'll never get well, For me life will never be happy and swell.
I rundown the stairs, it's over, it's done. I'm a hopeless case, frustrated, I never have fun.
But my friend kept on pulling me again up the stairs. Don't run away now, don't give in, tackle your fear, prove that you can do it." And with some orange juice I flopped again in some chairs.
'You can do it, you can do it', and with tears in my eye, I stand in the queue to buy the ticket and go up so high.
'You can do it, you can do it, there's nothing to it'. And further I walked blind from my tears, I had to achieve, The Sydney Tower to get back my real self and my believe.
Unreal to the lift I walked, 'NO MORE' I want to sit in my room, Outside for me so many flowers to bloom.
And as I put my coin in the slot, I had to talk to the lady a bit. 30 seconds up and 31 seconds down , Can I do it, not behave like a clown?
Will you take me down if up there I crash? Head over toes in the lift I have to dash?
Oh yes, I've been told and there gave me a friendly lady guard, Now INTO THE LIFT, I PUT EVERYTHING ON ONE CARD.
But as it filled up I got such a fright, Out I ran in fear to feel again all right.
Oh wonderful people who work for the tower, You helped me so much, did everything that was in your power.
A lift all of my own was operated for me, This time NO RETURN, IN, I wait for my death watch and see.
Inside now, closed like a coffin, there was no door, Couldn't' stand anymore and sat on the floor.
But listen Aggies, listen, read and see, Half way up I started to feel BETTER and FREE.
And as I stepped out, close to the clouds, high up in the sky, I broke out in tears,
OH, SO HAPPY, I felt so high. I MADE IT, I MADE IT, I LAUGHED AND I CRIED. Oh, anticipation before hand you gave me such a fright,
Put all my thoughts into proper gear. Not waited for such an awful long while, I could have thanked God in a much better style. AGORAPHOBICS, EVERYTHING YOU CAN ACHIEVE, IF IN YOURSELF YOU DO BELIEVE.
Up so very tall in the sky, The Sydney Tower, I CONQUERED, so graceful so high,
Like a beautiful long stemmed rose, To God in Heaven so very close. KAREN C. HUNTSVILLE N.S.W.

FOR TODAY

JUST FOR TODAY: I will try to live through this day only and not tackle my whole life's problems at once.
JUST FOR TODAY: I will adjust myself to what is, and not try to admit everything to my own desires.
JUST FOR TODAY: I will try to strengthen my mind, I will study. I will read something that requires mental effort and concentration.
JUST FOR TODAY: I will exercise my soul in three ways. I will do somebody a good turn and not get found out, if anyone knows of it, it will not count. I will at least do two things I do not want to - just for exercise.
JUST FOR TODAY: I will be agreeable, will look as well as I can - dress becomingly, act courteously, criticise not one bit, myself or others.
JUST FOR TODAY: I will have a programme - I may not be able to follow it exactly, but I will have it. I will save myself from two pests: hurry and indecision.
JUST FOR TODAY: I will have a quiet half hour to myself and relax, during this time, I will try to get a better perspective of my life.
JUST FOR TODAY: I will be happy and enjoy what is beautiful and believe that as I give to the world, so the world will give to me.
JUST FOR TODAY: I will be unafraid and I will have the courage to change what I can for myself and others. KAY- N.S.W.

ACHIEVEMENT
I awoke this morning with conflicting thought, of the day that lay ahead. Would I go back to the place I feared, or another store instead?
My thoughts raced back to another time, when I couldn't stay in the queue, I wondered what other shoppers would think? if I fainted, what would they do ?
I practised the breathing technique, and counted each breath I held. With shaking knees I walked in the door. feeling dizzy and light in the head.
Then I realised it was only a thought, and thoughts can't hurt me I know, So I got through my shopping with relative ease, and back to that monster I'll go! RUBY QLD.

IT IS A JOURNEY
Slowly, positively and successfully taken, A journey of gathering all the time, New and fresh concepts along the line Of proven techniques others have taken That have guided them all the way to the end.
You are not on your own for your body is working To get you out of this and the fears that are lurking. Study what's before you there are many steps to go Select them carefully and use what's appropriate for now.
Build on the steps as you journey this path, For each one will add to your quality of life. The end is in view for others have made it And your victory by all will be celebrated. CATHERINE -ADELAIDE S.A.

ANOTHER NOTCH
Today I put another notch, In my achievement tree. I've kept a record of the things, That really bothered me.
Going out alone I found, The worst one of them all. Then all the other things I feared, Including large and small.
Each time I overcome a fear, I mark it on my tree, To show the mark of my success. That is the other me.
I've crossed them all off from my list, Of things that I can't do, So come along all 'Aggies' And join my tree club too! RUBY - QLD.

BOATING BLUES
I received an invitation, For a cruise around the bay, But I am afraid of water And knew not what to say.
Each time I think about a boat, My heart beats really fast, I tell myself I'll be all right, But still my fears last.
Feeling very apprenhive Of the day that lay ahead. I wondered would I panic But kept my cool instead.
I still don' like the water But know I'll go again, Each time I make the effort, More confidence I'll gain.
I know I must let time pass. To overcome my fear, There is no quick solution, But success is getting near. PAULINE-HOBART-TAS

Agoraphobia IS It really IS.
There was a time She couldn't get away from it Except temorarily,
For it returned - Like a cat creeping Upon it's prey.
She was always thinking And she wondered, What was the use?
Back in the deep Recesses of her mind, There was the thought - How long until It would strike again?
It undermined her ambitions, Sapped her vitality, And weakened her emotional stability.
How could she get rid of it ? When would it end? No one could tell her, So she sought herself.
Many skills were needed That proved so worthwhile- She began to understand everything it took from her, she learned,
Until she realised She then had the control She had found the weaknesses
Why she staggered and fell - She practised what she knew
Then at last she could Say with sincerity, IT'S GONE ! SHE'S FREE !
No matter what others say, The answers are there For those who know that Agoraphobia IS IT REALLY IS. JILL -ADELAIDE- S.A.

Dear Ladies, isn't it a shame, I look in the mirror and see my ugly frame !
Sick and tired I am of my looks, Got to start hiding my face behind books. A little 'hair-do' would do me good !
But ONLY a cut, so it is very quick, Don't like to tell the counter, 'let me out, I'm sick'.
But as I raced up and down the street, Looking for an empty hairdresser's seat,
NO LUCK, 'You think you come and you get done!' Really, that would spoil an Aggies' fun.
There, my trained eyes spot an empty shop, HURRY, HURRY, my car and stop.
Nobody in it, don't have to wait for a while, Then I explained , I'm an 'aggie, even would like to have a perm, But can't sit very long with that awful 'germ'.
Hey ladies, they started and quick I was done, Not even out of the shop I had to run !
They gave me come cordial, all in with the service, It tasted like 'lollywater' but made me less nervous.
I look like a mop now, isn't that good ? Goodness, do I feel in a terrific mood !
It doesn't matter that again, I have to hide my face behind books. Surely for 55 dollars I changed my looks !
But I have to be honest, after explaining, those girls understood, I have a new 'hair-do' and look like an underworld crook.
My purse is empty, I am in a shock, But would do it again if I could turn back the clock. It was such as experience after many years, And it even faded some of my fears.KAREN C-N.S.W.

When someone walks beside us On the road we must keep,
Our burdens seem less heavy - The hills are not so steep.
The weary miles pass swiftly As bravely on we stride;
And all the world seems brighter With someone at our side. KEN-VIC

The Undiscovered Aggie
Feeling faint or strange, Perhaps through overstrain Or acting rather insane Pretending you have a pain!
Well stop! and think about yourself, Do you panic very often? Or do you only now and then, Let your barriers soften?
There's nothing worse than hiding feelings That need some sorting out And there's also heaps of things to read
To help you understand Your problem that you have to face. Because I have been there myself And I used to feel a big disgrace
But I got over it with help I hope with all my heart for you To have a fast recovery And find yourself as we all do In health and discovery. D.S. PERTH W.A.

SURGERY SAGA
Can you wonder the doctor nearly falls on the floor! When he sees an 'Aggie' walk through his door?
'Oh Doctor' you say as you sink in the chair, 'Can I open a window, I'm gasping for air,
'My head is all hot, my hands icy cold - 'I keep going dizzy, your desk I must hold.
'First I feel sick then my knees start to knock, Then I decide that I'm dying of shock -
'Shock at the thought that I'm going quite mad. 'Oh Doctor, my case it is really quite bad.
'My eyes they won't focus on things in the shops 'This indigestion is awful, I'm living on slops.
'What causes my heart to beat at this rate? 'What causes my teeth to chatter, so great?
'What makes me shake like a leaf in the wind? 'Doctor, I do believe that you grinned ! '
There is nothing wrong, you really don't say ! 'Just a few more valiums will make me O.K.!
'But doctor, they're not the cure that we seek. 'I know we won't all get well in a week.
'It takes courage and patience and help from above 'But most of all help from those we love.
'Just write my prescription, I'll get on my feet 'And once again fight my way up that flippin' High Street.' SYLVIA - KENT U.K.

GOD'S GIFT OF LIFE
Life is as the sea it seems, Ebbing and flowing amid our dreams,
And we mere mortals must abide The ever-changing mood of the tide.
As the storm clouds gather to burden the heart, So the sunshine follows to warmth impart
Warmth to nature, faith, courage and love Amid blindness or fear of His absence above.
The trees even bow their heads for a while, Till new leaves uncurl and greet spring with a smile.
The old weeping willow so sad and forlorn, Still emits beauty among those who scorn.
And so are our lives inter-woven with nature, No matter the creed, no matter the culture.
We are all as one, our needs to be met And by His Grace, and His strength our goals may be set.
And if dreams can be truth and we take not the chance On God Himself and gifts of life to enhance.
Then so wrongly we utter words of confusion When we simply may ask for His peaceful intrusion. LILIAN -ADELAIDE -S.A.

OH TO BE FREE !
So oft, I look through my window and wonder why should it be ? I am, as I am, like so many others, that I'm not free,
To walk, to dream, to be in control, to do the things I once enoyed,
The simple things that please "Oh to be free". I gaze at God's creation, soft fluffy clouds, changing skies, the flowers and tall majestic trees.
The birds in flight, ever so free, the sound of the thrush, blackbird, and dove, the calm blue tranquil seas.
I ask so soft "Why dear God, why should it be? - I long so much to be free. As free as I was, as a child - running skipping, dancing and singing. It was a beautiful feeling - to be free.
What is the purpose of it all? There must be a reason, there must be an answer "for us all"? I give thanks for my family and friends, roof over head and food in abundance, And eyes to see the face of my loved ones, the glorious sunsets, the moon, the stars in the heavens above.
Ears to hear the song of the birds, beautiful music, the sound of trees, laughter or children, soft falling rain.
I give thanks to God's creation every day - dear God may I ask Just one more thing ?
That I be healed and set free, So I can be a shining light to others who hurt, who feel trouble and lost like me, So they too, can be set free. 'OPPY' FRANKSTON VIC.

I am still fighting with my fears, I know it won't go on for years; But now and again there are a few tears.
But now is the time that I'll be strong. No one knows how much I suffer. This is where I must be tougher.
I feel so different every hour - One minute sunshine - the next a shower.
I haven't faced, I've only raced The fear in me was happy to chase. But now that I am letting go, The happiness is beginning to flow.
Now with the help of a special friend All my mistakes I know I can mend. JANET - FRANKSTON V.I.C.

Its hard sometimes when your plans go wrong, It seems so hard to overcome a fear,
But always keep on keeping on - Recovery for you is so near,
And no matter what, you can still smile
Because - always, always it is worthwhile. DARYL - DARWIN N. T.

FEAR

Like liquid heat it starts in the very furnace of my body.

It spreads like molten ash through my whole being,

until I am at its' mercy.

It knocks the breath from my chest.

My heart sounds like a hundred galloping horses.

The strength of this thing has me weak.

I fear I cannot go on.

It has me in its' control.

I am caught off-guard, off-balance.

I fear the feeling until I realise that it is only that.

A feeling!

by Lesley, Adelaide - S.A.

THE TERROR WITHIN - PANIC ATTACK

It starts somewhere deep inside,

a feeling;

it turns and churns,

and grows so big, it makes you sick.

It makes you scared, so terrified,

and yet it's only a feeling!

This is nothing to fear,

it's only a feeling;

go along for the ride,

don't stay inside, just live life

however hard, go out into the world and strive!

Sometimes your whole being is shaking and weak,

but don't let it have control.

Face this demon and it will back off,

so be strong and don't give in.

Keep smiling and see the good things in life,

and know that you will soon be alright!

Unless you have suffered this dreadful curse,

you will find it very hard to understand,

it makes life so difficult, just existing is not enough,

but if you give your caring and love to those who suffer,

they will indeed improve, it takes time and patience,

but in the end it will be worth it, to have a life again!!

By Lesley, Adelaide- S.A.

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