New years!

Well it's new years day and I'm sure I'm not the only one who has decided for the umpteenth time that today will be a new beginning, that today the picking will stop. This time I am taking a new approach - I got gel nails (HAH... I know, I know). My though process with it is: I will disarm my weapon of choice creating a barrier between wanting to pick and actually being able to do so. I understand that this is a topical solution but I equate it to kids having their thumbs wrapped in gauze at night to discourage them from sucking. I figure having this barrier will give me that crucial few seconds to recognize my triggers more acutely, keep my attention on the present rather than getting lost in the compulsion, and allow me to face the underlying anxiety rather than being able to give into the compulsion. I feel a sense of guarded optimism. I know in my gut I can over come this, I just need to get a handle on the habit part of it and work out the emotional part of it simultaneously. I also think that because my picking tends to lean towards more of a twisted self-care act (apparently I'm wounded and this is how I show myself comfort) I though I may be able to replace it with something less disruptive and damaging. Here's to a new year, a new try, and hopefully some new results. I'd love to connect with some of the people on this form, there is nothing better than the support of people who are struggling with similar issues :)