The PDF prepared by the democrats referenced in this video can be found here: http://www.rollcall.com/pdfs/healthchart072309.pdf

Linda, I have been listening to the tapes as we discussed. To help you
tailor a plan I prepared this brief journal of thoughts reflecting on each
session.

Session 1&2 -  These drove me crazy because they were focused on selling the series and convincing me to manage my stress.  I was already sold so this was less helpful to me at this point.

Session 3 – Recognizing a negative thought – breaking the habit. This section was of benefit to me. I often do look for outside support; looking for positive reinforcement from within is something I do but I may not always put much trust in. It was helpful to hear that it was ok to just acknowledge the feeling; put faith in knowing that it would pass. I
tend to dwell too much on these negative thoughts – I tend to feel that I have to explain myself or talk until the feeling subsides. I want to substitute my new coping mechanisms for this.

Session 4 - Mixed feelings on this session. I could relate to some issues about my own expectations; deciding what I want in life. Their discussion reminded me of the countless discussions I have had about why I want to be a doctor. At times medical school seems drawn out and takes
perseverance but I really do feel it is one of my personal expectations.
Stress sometimes may test this goal, but overall my interest remains. Anyway, this session was good – it reminded me that what I want for my future is unique. I am the person getting the MD, I know that I am a person with good ethics and a set of skills that would be very powerful to being a doctor. I think I should stop trying to worry about proving to
others that I belong here. I know I belong in this program. I know I will be a good doctor. I think finding a way to not feel defeated by my own doubts and having confidence would be helpful.

On another note, this session also dealt with expectations one has for others. I think that occasionally I may expect too much and be dissatisfied with less, but I also think that I have managed that aspect of myself pretty well. Overall I think I may need to better deal with my expectation to satisfy everyone; sometimes I am too subservient and then I
put pressure on others.

Session 5 - Exercise -  When you and Dr. Maynard helped me plan a review for the USMLE you made sure I scheduled some exercise.   I know the benefits and I try to exercise and diet.  From this session I take that I should be scheduling more exercise.  Thus far I have been doing a lot of walking, but I think I should lift some weights so I can feel better about how I look. 

Session 6 -  I listened to this session with my girlfriend.  I   The mood swings discussed here tend to reflect that of the hostess which seem to deal more with her examples of angry outbursts.  This is an area I would like to improve but I just didn't feel that I learned as much from the author as I would have liked.  My anxiety comes across as hyperactivity and "mania" more than anger.  There are clear similarities between my experiences and those of the author however.   Anyway, as I told you, I am implementing a way to take several seconds before I react.  I squeeze my palm and count out the squeezes with my hands behind my back.  The breathing follows that. 

Session 7 - Being properly assertive. This was one of the most useful sessions for me.  I constantly get defensive instead of assertive. I tend to offer long explanations/apologize.  This was at the heart of my problems with Dr. Ugarte Hopkins and certainly this seems to be what Dr. Durkee noted the first day of orientation.  I need to become better at offering simple explanations and being content with not explaining everything.  I really need help here.  The author helped remind me that "I don't owe elaborate explanations."  Perhaps you can help me practice this skill?

Session 8 -  Gah.... This session drove me crazy.  I listened to the whole thing and couldn't really recall anything I took away from this.   So I restarted it...  Drifting off... I think I am going to come back to this.  Its making me stir crazy.  I am going to shift ahead.