Hello again! This is your favorite windbag talking...lol Just wanted to thank everyone for their kind words on the posts I have made.......they are very much appreciated! 
Also thought I'd say that for the next two day, Monday (4/16) and Tuesday (4/17), I will be going on a short hiatus from this site and from the group.
Now hang on, don't go assuming the worst....
I've become attuned to how my mind reacts to life. Think of all those banks of gauges you would see in a power station. You've got to keep an eye on certain gauges to make sure they don't cross the red line. Or kaboom! A very big KABOOM! As much I love listening to other people's stories and, sometimes, just listening, it can create small levels of stress in my mind. They're slow, gradual increases, to be sure, but it's something I have to keep an eye on to keep my mental health on an even keel. For lack of a better term, call it a maintenance period. I care about you all very much, but there are still so many triggers I have to work through yet. And I don't want to wind up exploding on some poor, unsuspecting soul who's only trying to share or has just come onto the site for the first time.
To quote Bill Bixby from the 1970's TV show 'The Incredible Hulk':
'Don't make me angry. You wouldn't like me when I'm angry..."
I'm not THAT bad (not by any stretch of the imagination), but when my tolerance levels are running low, then my own inner Hulk could wind up popping out and I won't have the strength to rein him back in.
You have to take care of yourself, first and foremost. The ones who really care will understand and be there for you if you need anything. Those that don't care.....well...ok then. No skin off my nose lol.
Have a wonderful start to the week! And someone please tell me when Spring is ACTUALLY coming? If I have to look at snow for much longer, I'm gonna........
Yours very sincerely,
Brian
Next steps...
anxiety is creeping back
The first step
Going back to my passions
