Verschaeve - Badass ways to end anxiety & stop panic attacks!: a counterintuitive approach to recover and regain control of your life: die-hard and science-based techniques to recover from anxiety and stop panic

Id like to especially thank my panic attacks and a subtle emotion called debilitating anxiety for standing by me for fourteen years.

You, the anxiety and panic attacks, were always there for me, even when I really didnt need you to be. Even when I would have rather flossed the teeth of a great white shark than deal with the symptoms you gave me, you were presentday in, day outalways available to pay me a visit. It seemed so effortless to you.

It had been a long time since I felt like myself, thanks to you. Theres a saying, Everything you want is on the other side of fear. The problem was I didnt know how to get to that other side because you were blocking my view.

I used to be embarrassed and ashamed. I felt weak and didnt want to be seen with you in my presence. I was afraid what other people would think of me if they noticed you hung out with me so often.

Yet, you have made me the man I am today.

If it werent for youand especially breaking up with youI would have little emotional intelligence. Its thanks to you that Ive learned to choose how I feel, to choose how to deal with the obstacles life throws at me. That has made life and fully experiencing it so much easier.

Im now stronger than the old version of me, before the anxiety and panic attacks started.

Youve also made me enjoy the little things in lifethings other people take for granted. There were so many activities I disliked or totally avoided at the time that you still chaperoned me.

When I drive my car now, go to the supermarket, sit in an airplane, wait in line, travel to far-away places, talk to other people, walk into a crowded space, sit in a meeting, give a presentation, eat a meal in a group setting, or do any of the other things that previously scared me, I do so with a sense of gratitude and happiness that gives me a big smile each and every time.

I now feel at home, wherever I am and Ive learned to trust my body. I now get to actually enjoy all of the experiences life has to offer, thanks to you, panic attacks and anxiety.

And now Im looking at you, my dear reader.

Overcoming my panic attacks in 2004 has allowed me to help tens of thousands of people ever since, through my website ilovepanicattacks.com, the newsletter, the audio course, my first book, and everywhere else I try to help.

Its hard to explain but even after more than a decade of helping people, I still get a lot of satisfaction when someone transforms their life by successfully using my tips and techniques.

I dont say this to boast. Im not special! I say this so you, the reader, know that what follows shouldnt be taken lightly. It has already helped a lot of people.

I will step on your toes, undoubtedly. I will say things that will make you believe I must have lost my mind. I can assure you, I havent.

Ive been where you are and found a way out. The way out is not always intuitive. Its not always easy. If it were, everyone would find it easily and no help would be needed.

Did what I found work for everyone? No. It didnt. Im not an angel with miracle powers, sadly. But I wouldnt still be here, investing so much of my time in helping people and making it my lifes work if I didnt see that an overwhelming majority of the people who try it are able to get better.

Ive seen people transform their lives when they themselves and those who surrounded them had already given up. These people believed their anxious state and the avoidance that often accompanied it was something that would be there forever. They thought they would just have to learn to manage it all, especially since they had already tried countless therapies before. They were luckily wrong. Youll read some of their stories throughout this book.

My goal in this book is to give you that same transformation.

Please write down todays date on your calendar. This is the day that your life will start to change. Youre about to learn strategies and make changes that will help you improve far beyond the anxiety issues that you bought this book for. And youll have your panic attacks or anxiety to thank for it.