Hi whimsygirl,

That reply was so very kind. That serenity prayer...I know it well from my years as a 12 step-group facilitator; and strangely enough, that was what the priest told me to focus on after my last heart-to-heart with him...I'm sorry to hear about your friend who has ended contact with you. I know that reaching out to people who are important to you is so useful to me...Actually, when I was heading home from my office today I talked with a dear friend of mine who is a retired therapist. He has had his own struggles with depression and war-related PTSD. It was so comforting to talk with him, especially when he said, "I know, I've been there"...and reading what you had to say about "being there" was helpful to me too.

As for your "close to the heart" points, I don't know why we're tougher on ourselves than we are on anyone else. We are our own worst enemies at times. If a friend came to me with the same situation, I would be supportive and encouraging. Maybe it's a little like "Stuart Smalley", but I guess that it's time to be my own best friend.

One thing that I learned in my years of providing therapy to people was to never question whether or not the compassion and suppor that I gave to others was useful. Your words were very meaningful! Thanks.