Good Day!!

[mizzou7016]

Wishing everyone the best day possible. I'd like to think that I make a difference in this world but sometimes i really struggle with this. I think spending the last 26 years in corrections has really made me cynical about whether or not I make a difference. The only thing i want to stress is that the only time a person really becomes unsuccessful is when they totally quit trying..keep trying and have hope that you are making a difference

[Gingerbreadman1978]

I am sure you have 26 years in corrections certainly made a difference along the way 👍

[mizzou7016 in reply to Gingerbreadman1978]

Sometimes I'm not so sure...the unknown is nerve racking....dealing with anxiety of life inside the prison...as funny as it sounds...I've spent half my life, although by choice....in prison....can be very stressful

[Gingerbreadman1978 in reply to mizzou7016]

yes I bet it can either side of the bars I watch the real life podcast real porridge Neil Sam worth on you tube bet you can relate to some of his pod casts check him out he is a top bloke 👍

[Mumbutterfly]

People who care about making a difference are the ones who do make a difference. It’s amazing that you still care after all you’ve seen and dealt with. It’s not surprising that you are somewhat cynical but there are degrees of cynicism and you haven’t let it get in the way of your caring.

[mizzou7016 in reply to Mumbutterfly]

the tricky part is putting caring about myself into the equation.....it is extremely easy for me to care about others....and to check on them....and be genuine with them......not so easy to care about myself and make sure that i'm taking care of myself.....makes me feel selfish

[Tealpillow in reply to mizzou7016]

I hear this 100%. I go through periods of clarity where I take care of myself but when depression gets bad I personally become self destructive by putting my needs last. I disassociate in a way.

You mentioned feeling selfish taking care of yourself and that makes me wonder if someone in your life taught you that? Or perhaps it’s something you learned in order to cope while being in such a difficult environment?

[mizzou7016 in reply to Tealpillow]

it is a little bit of both....most of the time I usually find my strength in helping others....but like you I rarely put my needs 1st. It is something i've worked very hard on in the last couple of years to make myself better...it's not easy.....but the things that matter the most to us usually aren't...

[Tealpillow in reply to mizzou7016]

Well said. Just being here reaching out means you care and want to change. You should feel good about that. We can’t change what we can’t see and you have clarity.

What is one thing you’d like to do for yourself today? A special movie, tasty treat, fav candle, etc? Baby steps my friend. You got this.

[mizzou7016 in reply to Tealpillow]

I am working today....so I want to get through the day no worse for wear....when I get home tonight might try and take the time to do some artwork....I am a pour artist....have fun creating....if nothing else I will try to do some prep work for my weekend which is tuesday and wednesday

[Tealpillow in reply to mizzou7016]

These are excellent! By the way — a lot of us post the art and things we make on here so if you ever want to share, please do.

[Mumbutterfly in reply to mizzou7016]

I felt that way too and still do at times. It helps when I remind myself that I’m the only one responsible for my physical and mental health care. When I had kids at home and when I’m at work caring for elderly clients, I put their needs first but I’m still responsible for my own health care, like what I take to eat and staying hydrated and stuff like that. I’m also responsible for my work schedule. Some jobs don’t have that flexibility but mine does. I still have to remind myself that it’s okay to say no when asked to work more hours than I’m able to because of physical and mental health issues. I’m still working on the self care of accepting and loving myself, flaws and all.

[Thankfulforhelp22]

Thanks for this reminder. It’s so true. Best wishes to you.

[mizzou7016]

my art

pour art

[Tealpillow in reply to mizzou7016]

oh good!!! I was just encouraging you to post this. Beautiful work!

[mizzou7016 in reply to Tealpillow]

it's pretty easy....also contemplating getting a guitar on my weekend.....have always wanted to learn....we will see......

[designguy]

I think we sometimes get confused and think that making a difference has to mean doing something really big and impactful and I don't think that is true and is just our ego thinking. Just learning to love and accept ourselves unconditionally can make a big difference in how we treat and interact with others, ourselves and life and make an impact.