Posted by Tim on 22/9/2016, 1:27 pm, in reply to "Feedback from Manchester Beginners workshop, September 2016"

Decided to try out on the M40 services today what we learnt in the workshop. Urgency of 6 (those who attended will understand). Decided it wouldn't matter if I peed or not, just took my place at a urinal (remembering the etiquette!) and absorbed the environment. I didn't go, but on this occasions I wasn't bothered - it didn't matter. Thought I'd head up to the next junction and then back home via the services on the opposite side. I hadn't anticipated that the next junction would be closed however!! 20 miles later I was eventually back at the opposite services and absolutely bursting to go. Normal strategy, even in those circumstances? Use a stall - without a shadow of a doubt... But this time I found a urinal that met the rules and went without any hitch. So I kept some back, went out, loitered for a few mins and then went again at another urinal. It was busy too - lunchtime, lots of guys coming and going and using the urinals close to mine... So now I'm feeling on top of the world - as far back as I can remember it's the first time that I've used a urinal in a services, I felt just like one of the 'pack', and on top of the world. The stall remains an option when needed, but no longer the only one. I'm looking forward to more practice work... Also, I'm still thinking about all we learnt last weekend, but two particular points helped today. Firstly, it wasn't just the theory and practicing, but also understanding the psychology of the guys who don't have AP - I saw everything we'd talked about today and it really helps reduce any feeling of intimidation and normalise things. Secondly, although our group came together for one weekend, I came away feeling we'd known each other for months!! As such, I no longer feel alone in this - it actually felt as though I could still hear words of encouragement whilst I was giving it a go... Thanks again Andrew and Ian - and the rest of you for that!!! (P.S - I'm not planning on documenting every success on the board, but this one was very special to me - it proved that what we'd learnt actually works, and that reinforces my determination to push on to new levels and situations. I would however urge anyone who is struggling with this condition to understand that they're not alone, but also that they can begin to change things through attending one of the beginners workshops - never thought I'd hear myself saying that - wasn't at all convinced it could work after at least 35 years of having this!!)

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