Thankfulness...

[RupertBrown]

This is just a simple thank you to all the members here...

You've helped me more than I can express. Talking about my inner workings is hard for me. Trauma as a child taught me you just shut up, put on a happy face and keep moving forward. And you don't ever, under any circumstances, let on that anything is wrong. Clearly most of you can guess how well that worked out for me. Now after almost 40 years I'm trying to find a new way forward. It has not gone smoothly. But without the warmth and compassion (and let's be honest, the anonymity) on offer here, I wouldn't even be trying. So again... thank you. To each and every one of you. If I can return even a fraction of the help I've gotten I would be glad.

Sincerely,

Rupert

[Agora1]

RupertBrown, over the years, even with anonymity, because of the subject matter,

we get to know each other pretty well. We go through difficult times

as well as good times. Emotional times as well as physical times. We're all here

because we want to be and we need to be because no one understands us like

the next person in this community. Thank you for your post. It's nice to know that

what this site represents is working. xx

[Annamiles]

How to make a dating app? The first step is to determine the scope and functionality of the app. You'll need to decide what features the app will have, such as messaging, profile creation, user matching, etc. Once you've determined the scope and functionality of the app, you'll need to understand the relevant regulations and ensure your app meets those standards. After that, you'll need to design the user interface and develop the code, test the app, and launch it in the app store. mlsdev.com/blog/120-how-to-...

[Mrspjsmom]

You have returned much more than a fraction of kindness, understanding, help and support. Your post was lovely and much appreciated. I for one often think I don't matter. (childhood issues of my own) Reading this was a wonderful way to start my day. Thank you.

[fauxartist]

It's always a work in progress recovering from mental injury....no matter if it's child abuse, neglect, abandonment, PTSD, trauma, etc.... and for me, it too has been an up and down emotional roller coaster most of the time....but even though it's a bumpy ride, we keep going forward, and that's the healing process...

[RupertBrown in reply to fauxartist]

Thanks for understanding, Faux. I've been away for a while and it's nice to see some familiar "faces". Hope you are well!

[fauxartist in reply to RupertBrown]

Taken it a day at a time..

[Nothing_but_books]

I feel silly saying this, but, you're welcome.

If I could express myself half as well, I'd say "You took the words out of my mouth."

Uhm... and thank you.

[RupertBrown in reply to Nothing_but_books]

I keep seeing conflict and misunderstandings and even hurt feelings around here. While some of that is inevitable when large (or even small) groups of people interact, it can be all the more destructive given the nature of this community. Thought I would try to put some humility and warmth out there to balance the scales! I owe this community much, and it's a debt I don't take lightly. As always, sending you peace and strength.

[Nothing_but_books in reply to RupertBrown]

We have a respite for now. I'll take it.

Peace and strength are both hard to find with trauma along for the ride. I appreciate the encouragement. I'm trying.

You sound so up. How are you doing?

[RupertBrown in reply to Nothing_but_books]

I wasn't doing so great since about early December. The last 2 months have been particularly rough. My wife is having some health problems which directly affect her anxiety and we're starting to reckon with the financial impact. Unfortunately the health problems are pretty serious and we don't have all the answers yet. But after spending some time here in the last week or so I am feeling a little better. The people here have a way of showing me that it's not all gloom and doom, that there is some good out there.

How have you been? Sounds like you're keeping up the fight. Sometimes all we can manage is to hope that's enough!

[Nothing_but_books in reply to RupertBrown]

Rupert, I'm sorry. It's wonderful you're standing by her. Health problems trigger more anxiety. That makes the health problem worse. And so on. It's so important to get off the merry-go-round as much as possible. I know how hard that is.

My ongoing divorce is one of the toughest things I've ever gone through. Fear for the future is interfering with my sleep. I'm doing what I can to keep whole.

[RupertBrown in reply to Nothing_but_books]

All we can do is put one foot in front of the other, I suppose. That and be there for our fellow souls. Each of us is stronger than we know and even more so when we stand together. We'll all keep doing what we can to keep each other whole!

[RupertBrown]

Thanks for the kind words. I don't know about shining, but I'll sure as Hell keep fighting!

[Nothing_but_books]

Sometimes a cigar is just a cigar. 😂

I'm pretty sure  Hidden wasn't referring to Danny Torrance.

[Nothing_but_books]

Reeva, forgive me my slight. It was unintentional. I know Rupert is an avid reader, and I was referring to Stephen King's The Shining. It was a little joke, never meant to upset. Danny is the little boy who "shines".

[Nothing_but_books]

Thanks for responding.

No apology needed. It was a good lesson for me: new members may feel uncomfortable when our talks leave them out.

Hey, I'm giving it my best shot. Happy's a little out of reach... let's go for fighting the fight.

[Boston001]

A good vibes post. Thank you!

[RupertBrown]

Vibes are better when shared!