CBT for dummies

So is it the feeling that makes the thoughts, or the thoughts that make the feeling?

What came first? The chicken or the egg?

Sitting here on the ground of a park around the corner from a client I really want to say its the feeling that came first. I felt sick so my mind went into a frenzy of whats wrong with me, whats going to happen and what I need to do to get the heck out of here. Popping skittles does help a bit to calm the nerves. Or does it just take my mind away from schemeing and on to simulated citrus flavour?

I am going to tell myself that the thoughts came first and make a mental note to add this phrase to a "get well soon" card to myself. The little thought demons plant an idea in my head "im sick" "im feeling tired and faint" "the world is unsteady" "im weak"...they go on! And they've made camp here so they can send stealthy ninja messages without me even knowing it. These thoughts implant themselves into my cortex and the rest is evolution at its finest. There is a threat here and I need to prepare for it. Bam! Amy gets flared up and ready to protect me. (Amy is my nickname for my body bouncer amygdala. Shes really good at her job, but sometimes gets a little hit headed and triggered by a clubber with an attitude.) Amy then calls her boys aka the sympathetic nervous system and shit really hits the fan. Lets just say its last call early and the club is now closed.

So...thank you Amy but this time we freaked ourselves out and missed out on the profits from the dollar-dropping private-boothers who just want to have a good time. Lets work together on keeping the club up and running a little smoother, yah?