sounds simple, but it's been working

[skigirl]

New tip, sort of similar to the special bulb someone was talking about for their bathroom lighting. My bathroom is set up where there's a closet and a separate room for the toilet, each room with its own light. So instead of turning on the really good lighting over the big mirror, I've been using only the toilet-room light or the closet light. Took my shower in the semi-dark, then when I got out of the shower, just standing in this back-glow lighting I took a look at myself and was pretty pleased with what I saw. Didn't have a spotlight on all my flaws and couldn't have seen a new pimple if I tried. I know, "normal" people should be able to go in their own bathroom with all the lights on and not destroy their skin, but we have to do what works, right? I'm thinking maybe candle lighting next. This at least gets me through my prime-time picking, when I'm tired from the day, but too keyed up to go to bed. Also, I have three smiley faces on my calendar now, to show how many days I've gone pick-free. Three days is a lot of days for me to go without picking. I know I can add a fourth smiley face!!!!!

[M]

Yes, I agree, backlighting is a great idea! You just have to get used to it. I have a shower directly behind my back as I look into the mirror over the sink, and when I turn just the shower light on and not the lights over the mirror, I have a much more positive attitude about myself!! Candlelight is fun too, more relaxing and nurturing . . . something to look forward to - just don't knock it over with a towel or something : )

Another thing I thought of would be a timer that you set when you begin your nightly regimine that would remind you that it's time to leave the bathroom. And this brings me to another thing I found on the internet . . . the WatchMinder, it's a vibrating watch that you can keep on your wrist or in your pocket that you can set for up to 12 alarms per day with little messages that you type in for each alarm. No one else can hear it, but you can feel it! You could use this to discretely remind yourself throughout the day to keep yourself busy. You could set it to go off during your most vunerable times of the day repetitively to keep you away from the mirror, etc. - it's around $79.00, but I bet there are other vibrating timers out there that are cheaper and do similar things. Just a thought.

[bd8300]

great idea, for those who don't have another light, maybe purchase a night light.

[skigirl]

The timer thing is an excellent idea. I can't say how many times I've regretted the hours and hours I've lost to this crazy habit. It's like I'll FINALLY leave the bathroom when my shoulders, back, and neck are so sore that I can't possibly twist myself into position for picking any longer, and it'll be like 12:30 when I go to bed. Especially when I'm exhausted from my day and need my sleep the most. BTW, I now proudly have four smiley faces displayed on my calendar. That rocks.

[skigirl]

Had a serious discussion with my husband last night again about calling it quits. We've been trying to decide if we should stay together since about the time we got married, but a lot more in the past six months. It's wearing me down, because that's all we talk about. But anyway, this would have been a time I definitely would have picked before, but I'm proud to say that I have added another smiley face to my calendar. Stayed away from the mirror and used back-lighting and just relaxed and went to bed. Gave myself permission to just let it go and not work the issue to death. I found myself during our discussion with my hands wanting to roam to my scalp or my arms, but was able to control it for the most part. Just had to keep reminding myself. I was so nervous and needed a release, but it wasn't worth tearing up my skin for. So apparently I'm making some progress. Had to share my triumph!!!

[Me2]

Awesome!

Fay