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I ask myself "what's going on right now?" and then I answer myself. I do recall being on a walk one day and feeling the pain sensations increasing and saying "i'm safe, i'm safe" and that didn't cut the mustard for me. I now know it's because my brain did not believe the words. I figured out that asking myself questions was more helpful.

*pain!*
Hey, what's going on?
-I don't know.
Well, are you stressed?
-I guess.
What is stressing you out?
-I feel like the neighbors think I'm crazy because I walk so much.
Okay, is that likely true?
-I mean, probably not because most people are just thinking about themselves.
Is there anything else going on?
-Yeah, I want to go to the grocery store at 7 because it's less crowded, but I also want to go to Ulta which doesn't open until 10 am. The timing isn't working.
Could you go to Publix after Ulta?
-Yeah but I don't like going to Publix when it is busy because the people make me mad.
Why?
-Because I don't like how they (shop, walk, smack, talk, select, smell, look).
Can you get over it?
-Yes
How?
-I will listen to a podcast and be sure to pace myself. I will buy something fun (peanut m&ms) and munch while I browse. I will smile at the other shoppers. I will give myself some MERCY so I can give others the same.

...relief sets in.

That is literally the kind of internal dialogue I had to learn to do to start figuring all the myriad things that f*****g infuriate me. What's super humbling is that much of my disdain for people is a longing to be more like them. I YEARN to be more relaxed (walk slower). I've worked so hard to find food freedom, so I'm jealous of someone's cart full of junk (live your life!). But, judging "feels" easier. It has served to place me into a very isolated existence. I am now sooooo grateful to be coming out of that mindset. This is why I am grateful for my TMS.

Sorry, rambling.