Interesting question.  Love the safe rule.  I always think firm and kind.  You cannot change anyone else, but you don’t have to let them change you.

I would suggest focusing on the values you DO share some of the time, so that there is not a focus on only your differences. I think healthy discussions about the very complex issues of our world can be great for our brains, as long as they are in a space of truly listening and not just reacting! Hard to do sometimes, especially with those issues we feel strongly about! Good luck!

I love the idea of me writing down our shared values.  I will do that and then approach our next political discussion with these in mind.  We do agree on many things but those ANTs just keep coming out.  Food for thought.  Love the fact that a Coach and Dr A answers our comments.  Thx.

@MimiGarner We need to get more active users on here to talk about there experiences. It helps to sometimes just speak to others and get other point of views and ideas. Coach Zoe is awesome she gives out very good helpful information.

I don’t know if you are married. I am not and I believe my impulsive brain type has allowed me to get into less than ideal, if not destructive, relationships. I have met other women who do this. I am working everyday on getting my brain healthier so that I can make better decisions. this program is working for me doing the guided meditations and seeking out constructive activities. I also have been writing positive and spiritual thoughts every morning since the beginning of the year. this would be like “I live with ease and the divine mind provides me with everything I want and need.” I work on the ANTS too. this program is really a blessing and I am happier and more confident.

I am not married.  He tells me in private we are life partners but introduces me as his roommate.  So that for starters makes things hard.  And this may be a destructive relationship as you point out so I am keeping that in mind.   I have been working really hard on myself like you are.  I have lost about 25 pounds and went to the doctors to get my numbers and tests done and started to see a psychologist.  He pointed out that you can’t control another person and recommended that I set my parameters on our relationship and not control the outcome. Tough week just trying to stay positive and forward thinking.  I am considering a move for a j new job and should know if that pans out in 2 weeks.  I need to start a daily journal and I am working on ANTS.  Thanks for writing.  Keep up the progress.

Some of  your situation seems very familiar.  I am introduced as a girlfriend and in private he is “committed” to me. I am glad you are seeing a therapist as I have also. But I think that this Amen program has done me the most good.  I met with some women friends today and they have both had situations like mine and we could laugh about it. We are all 3 very well educated, and one would think savvy .I think the brain can hijack us sometimes. I did not want to face reality for a while. I get the most out of the guided meditations for now. Continue to take good care of yourself . We should be happy that we took the plunge with the Amen program.

The Amen program got me realistic about where I want to go and how to go about it.  I knew first that I had to get really get serious about being healthy and figure out why I was so negative and sad.  Found out that I was so deficient on Vit D and B and found GABA helped calm my overactive brain which continued to go in circles.  I am now walking daily. My dog is healthier too.  I am using Tana’s food Journal to keep track of my food and mood and my thoughts.  Another source I found was www.thework.com by Byron Katie suggested by Tana Amen in her Workout and diet work book.  I have not yet delved into it fully yet but my first impressions is that she is going to be very helpful as well.  Stay in touch.  Onward and upward.

I haven’t got my numbers yet but have an appointment. I exercise a lot. I have not tried GABA but added L tyrosine to my supplements and at night I am taking melatonin and am sleeping longer. I go to be early even though it may upset my partner. Sleep is magic. I find the guided meditation makes me much more relaxed. Feeling good in general. Let’s keep working on all this. Fantastic.

Since receiving and starting this program my life is changing for the better.  The last 13 years is now behind me, divorce, corporate bankruptcy, finally selling my old biz, rescuing my quadriplegic sister and getting her safely in a wonder place a 4 yr process, mother died of dementia, bro and sis stole her estate from me and my good sis, was working at something that did not pan out and did not truly love, constantly depressed and in two months, that is now all behind me, and, I may have a job by end of month helping to market and run a golf course in Carson City.  Which means I will be moving there!  The change will do me good. I am feeling happier and more in control of me and my behavior.  I am ready for something new again. I still have to keep the ANTs at bay.  You are doing great too.  Keep sending updates.  I like working and talking with you.