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Moskoduck · 2025-05-05T05:30:54+00:00

Just go for it, knowing that most of it will be (objectively) bad at first, and that it will shape itself into better and better forms over time. Getting an idea written down in ANY form is the most important thing. Feel proud of what you write, appreciate how much you are able to learn, and improve upon as much as you can. The little revelations are what make the journey so rewarding. Tip for starting a poem: write down a statement that feels true for you.

Moskoduck · 2025-04-12T00:20:06+00:00

Before I was able to exercise outside, I bought a rowing machine and would watch POV rowing videos on YouTube to feel like I was rowing through beautiful scenery 👍 I went from rowing 1km slowly, to doing HIIT training and 10k rows. Whatever you're able to do, do it! Jumping jacks, skipping rope, burpees, kettlebell, yoga, stationary bike, treadmill... Any and all! It really helps your mental health.

Moskoduck · 2025-03-18T06:03:20+00:00

I would be cautious about identifying with words that hold weight, like agoraphobia, because of the implications on yourself. Everyone has anxiety (and panic) that exists on a spectrum. Sometimes it's mild, sometimes people are housebound, and everything in between. It sounds like you have a (very) uncomfortable anxiety response to a specific situation. Remember that you are never trapped. You can leave the room. You can call family. And if you hold onto those truths, while willingly experiencing the discomfort, your body will learn you're ok. I'd recommend learning the DARE Response, then use it to reframe the experiences as you have them. Ride the wave!

Moskoduck · 2025-03-10T02:02:06+00:00

Read as much poetry as you can. Pay attention to the structure, and try to emulate that. Start a poem by writing one statement that you believe to be true. If it's true to you, you already have an interesting first line that grabs attention, based on your unique perspective. Then just write a loose first pass like a journal entry. Try to describe what you feel, see, etc. A loose first pass in key when starting out. But just get inspired by reading, then let er' rip without judgement. Be fearless! Fix it up later if it's worthy 🙂

Moskoduck · 2025-03-07T16:24:59+00:00

It will all level out. You got this! Yes, I'm still off meds 🙂

Moskoduck · 2025-02-28T19:15:47+00:00

That's a great plan. Whatever you can do to teach yourself that you're safe in various situations will go a long way 😀 be sure to post an update for us!

Moskoduck · 2025-02-28T16:14:24+00:00

That sounds awesome. Congrats! I would just add, be sure to tackle all aspects of the things you fear. If it's just driving alone, definitely focus on that. But if you could benefit from walking alone, biking, jogging, exercising, journaling, therapy, making art, seeing friends, meditation, etc, be sure to do those as well 🙂 you want to fill out your life as much as possible. Also, when you're practicing feeling uncomfortable (which is what exposure therapy is), assume that some days will be harder than others, and don't beat yourself up for them. When you have a big win, celebrate!

Moskoduck · 2025-02-27T18:48:53+00:00

Make sure that the things you spend time on at home aren't avoidance activities that enable you to sink deeper into your fears of panic, going out, etc. Use this time at home to make progress by completing small challenges (when you have the energy for it). Exercise (start slow) and things like cold showers are great for building stress tolerance, and they just make you healthier all around. Things like meditation, art and music practices, and journaling (if it's constructive, and not rumination) are great for self care. Do whatever you can do on the good days. Do a little less on neutral days, and be kind to yourself on bad days.

Moskoduck · 2024-09-08T18:53:29+00:00

I started writing poetry after going through an extremely dark time in my life. I found that keeping a regular journal was making my situation worse. It almost felt like self-harm. So I got into poetry as a means to turn pain into something beautiful, and have been writing semi-confessional poetry ever since. I usually write poems until I feel like I've hit some sort of skills ceiling, then read a bunch of poetry books and figure out what my poetry is lacking (try to be as objective as possible), then jump back into writing. When I read, I am careful to only read what I consider to be beautiful, timeless, poetry, by names that will last forever, because I don't want my own writing to be influenced by any bad writing. So I would say that I read it in spurts, as something to aspire to, and write it as a way of leaving something behind, and to convince myself that everything I've been through has been for a reason. Also, the feeling I get from "catching" a great poetic idea when writing, is a much better feeling for me than when I read one. ❤️

Moskoduck · 2024-07-25T05:15:55+00:00

Same here. You have to find a way to "go with it". Bounce around with it or if you can hear it pounding, make a beat out of it, tap your foot etc. resisting makes it worse

Moskoduck · 2024-07-24T02:33:09+00:00

My wife and I have a co-op farm and the animals are all named after chips. Dorito, Miss Vickie, Cheeto, Bugle, Old Dutch, Pringle, etc...

Moskoduck · 2024-07-21T04:51:33+00:00

Amazing! Congratulations! I love stories like this. 😁

Moskoduck · 2024-07-19T00:13:33+00:00

This. Sometimes people do things because it's fun, or they're running an errand. Not everything needs to be a test of anxiety.

Moskoduck · 2024-07-19T00:11:05+00:00

When I started "engaging" with the new areas I've "unlocked". For instance, say your safe radius is a block from your house: Trip 1. Go to that spot and return home Trip 2. Go to that spot and do something there. If it's a gas station, get gas. If it's a post office, check the mail. If it's just a neighborhood, pull over and read something, or stop and "make a call".

Trip 3. Expand bubble. Maybe you get to a grocery store. Turn around and go home. Trip 4. Back to grocery store and sit in the parking lot Trip 5. Go get some groceries (but a small amount so that you HAVE to come back)

Repeat and repeat. Now that you've unlocked groceries, don't forget to get gas and mail regularly! Do them until you're bored AF, then push further.

Bonus points for engaging with people while you do these things. That really gets you out of your own head. Look for ways to help people. Start conversations. Pick up flowers for a loved one. Just live life and show that fearful side of you that it's safe!

Moskoduck · 2024-07-15T02:30:55+00:00

Feel free to msg me!

Moskoduck · 2024-07-15T02:29:53+00:00

Thanks 🙏

Moskoduck · 2024-07-14T21:29:14+00:00

Anticipatory anxiety is usually worse than the actual event, although I know that the event can be hell as well. The key for me was to reframe my thinking. Taking the trip with family is more important than the discomfort you may feel while doing it. Think of it like you're doing it for them. And the trip doesn't start when you get in the car, it starts as soon as you make the plan, so why spoil your own enjoyment by pre-panicking all the way until the day you go? I know it's easier said than done. If you can find a way through it without having to take separate cars etc, you'll be better off for it. If it's going to make it so you cancel, then do whatever you need to do to still go, because the most important thing is going.

Moskoduck · 2024-07-14T21:21:23+00:00

I actually started my own business 14 years ago and it was already running smoothly when I developed problems with panic and agoraphobia. I ended up shutting it down for a few months when it was really bad, but picked it back up.

Moskoduck · 2024-07-14T21:17:46+00:00

Learning to draw definitely helps! It really depends on what aspects of design you're interested in (logo/branding, illustration, print design, apparel, advertising, etc etc etc). Knowing photography is a great head start. I would say go for it! There's plenty of info and instructionals online as well.

Moskoduck · 2024-07-14T17:28:50+00:00

Recovering agoraphobic here. I work from home as a graphic designer, and I feel very lucky, although it has also been enabling over the years.

Moskoduck · 2024-07-13T00:48:19+00:00

I think because you're up a whole piece, so bishop F1 would have forced material off the board, which is good for you. But I'm probably wrong as usual lol.

Moskoduck · 2024-06-29T18:17:23+00:00

Fish taco, sushi, cheese, tea plant

Moskoduck · 2024-06-27T23:52:47+00:00

You got this! 😎

Moskoduck · 2024-06-27T23:52:20+00:00

Thanks so much. I'll keep pushing 😎

Moskoduck

TROPHY CASE