I think I have probably told every person in my sphere about my speaking this Friday at my first book signing.  I laugh because the book is all about positive energy and I am going around putting out fearful energy.  I am one of those who wears my heart on my sleeves kind of person, and that can be difficult when you are a psychotherapist.  Some how you are expected to be super human when you are in the healing profession.  Not!!!!

I found this excerpt on a blog and it speaks to how I am feeling, but before I write it, I received so much love and support from my family and friends during this time of increased anxiety, I needed to share some of their wisdom.  Some said “you will do great”, one person said “take the energy from the audience when you speak”, others said “just have something to say”, another said “you can get in front of a camera can’t you, why would this scare you?” , someone from the 12 step program said “the opposite of fear is faith”  and on and on. 

I thought this excerpt spoke to my feelings perfectly:  “Today I will surround myself with people who value my own worth as well as their own.  Even though others might not express their appreciation, still I know that the world was created for my sake too.  What more personal assurance of my own belonging to the universe can I find than the fact that a divine power has placed me here and arranged all the bounty and beauty of the world here before me.  I feel appreciated today not just for what I do, but for who I am.  I acknowledge my abilities and talents as well as the special essence that is me.”  Rokelle Lerner

This my friends will be my mantra for the next 48 hours.  I realize my biggest fear is being “judged.”  At times my co-dependency rears its ugly head and it is painful, but as always, I will walk through my pain without having to numb out or escape it.  I know it is only temporary.  Okay, everyone wish me good luck and cross your fingers if you believe in that sort of thing.  Again, thank you to my beautiful friends, family, and collegues for believing in me.

Sherry Gaba, LCSW, is a psychotherapist in private practice, author of “The Law of Sobriety: Attracting Positive Energy for a Powerful Recovery”, and Life Coach on Celebrity Rehab on VH1.  www.sgabatherapy.com