[ToeJam]

Like many here I guess, I have been feeling empty and pointless, not being sure what holds me from doing something stupid. I'm lucky in so much as having a very supportive wife and thus far a decent t... But bad days are exactly that - bad. The calming and distraction techniques given by my t sometimes work, but some triggers are more powerful than others and I can find myself spiralling into a surreal state before I realise I should be doing this or that.

As such I've decided to set myself two long term goals (months to a year) that will be something for me that I enjoy... And will be a reminder to me that should I do something stupid, they won't be completed. Hopefully this isn't daft and another case of kidding myself... And one is a social situation (grimace.. I don't really like people all that much).

Going to take up archery (used to enjoy it while at Uni) and the one that is more likely to be stuck to as solitary - write a book, a fictional novel.

Curious if any else here have at least one thing that holds them as an anchor... Selfishly I guess from my side in so much as knowing it's helped others... But it would be nice as well to hear how others have found something that they can hold on to.

For me it's as simple as having something planned in the future. Whether it's just meeting with a friend, going to gigs, stuff like that. I have a gig in April and one in August to go to. Plus a first birthday this Saturday (dreading that one though).

These are things I try to remind myself of when I have the dark thoughts, I try to make myself hang on until then. And quite often it has passed by the time I get there.

[Altered Moment]

I have to say I am rudderless right now and looking for that anchor. Good for you for doing that. Purpose and meaning are very important for us.

[Rohag]

As I am stress-intolerant, the "goals" I have for myself are not accomplishment goals; they are activity goals: I will do x, y, and z every day or at least most days of the week. I do not impose on myself time durations for these activities; I try to tell myself it is enough to have engaged in them.

You are a creative, ToeJam. I'm glad you are planning to do some writing.

[Curupira]

Congrats. I find goals really helpful. I have a daily goal to check with a friend. We both have mental illness so we make sure the other person is doing ok.

Right now my goal is to get back to healthy, physicaly and mentally. I am letting doctors
Poke and prod me to figure out why I keep losing weight. And I am trying tk do something every day that makes me happy.

[TheOriginalMe]

My anchor is my dog. My goal is to take her out everyday for at least an hour. Once I've done that we can sleep on the couch all day.

Just by being here on PC I've achieved another sucess as until six weeks ago I'd never reached out, never admitted being lonely and friendless.

[dandylin]

I like goals; goals have to be pretty short-term for me though...or I keep pushing them to the back of my timeline. Good luck with your endeavors.

[ToeJam]

Well, had my first archery session today... and it went well.

Mask was on and I did the 'social' thing ok... but I knew I was there for the activity, not the people and it was actually quite therapeutic.

Also was a nice self esteem moment. Bareing in mind I hadn't done any archery in over 15 years... and even then it was very adhoc and amateurish... the instructor had nothing but praise for my posture and handling of the bow... felt all warm and fluffy inside haha

Nice club, and nice members

[Idiot17]

glad to hear that the goals you set to achieve for yourself are working in your favour.

let it continue doing so!