Being crippled super store would have been harder for me, but this is a case again of not being physically able. But although I could hobble my way around a family gathering I still wouldn't go because those things don't interest me. I've never gone to a reunion of any kind. They don't interest me. It is okay to be different.
That is powerful, Davit! I need to print that and post it on my bathroom mirror to read over and over! Catherine, I have some things I'm avoiding and feel guilty about as well. I need to search deeper....Hope we both figure it out!!
It is already becoming the past and you can not change the past but you can change how you use it. If you could have gone you would have. This does not mean in future you won't. Avoidance is a tricky word because avoidance is only avoidance if you did it because you wanted to otherwise it is incapability. There can be no guilt attached to incapability. Frustration and anger yes but guilt does not belong. Are there logical reasons you could not go, those you need to work on. Any others don't count and these include "I can't because I never can".
When ever there is something you can't do there is always a core belief behind it.
There is a family event today in my husband's family. I avoided and did not go. Hubby just left with the kiddo and despite him being super nice about me staying home, I feel guilty.
I know that with anxiety (GAD and/or Panic Disorder) avoiding is bad. It helps maintain anxiety.
But I avoided anyway. Now I feel guilty and ashamed. I feel like I let my loved ones down and let myself down as well.
So now, instead of spending a nice afternoon and evening doing fun stuff, I am here feeling guilty and anxious...