[DePressMe]

I would like everybody in this forum to know that I miss them. I have not been replying or reading posts in this forum too much lately. Right now, I am finding myself a little overwhelmed and I am taking care not to get triggered. The bad part is that I really miss interacting with all of you. I hope to get myself on stronger ground soon.

Maybe until then, we can start a thread on some positive things in recovery from your abuse or in life. What are some good things that have happened as a result of working at recovery? Have you had a good therapy session lately? Anything in your life getting better or going well?

For me, as a result of therapy and PsychCentral, I have started to open up more to friends. I have even built a couple new friendships. Before I isolated myself and rarely interacted with people. It feels really good to make connections with others. I think my trust level has gone up.

[Kiya]

(((((((((((((de)))))))))))))))))))

[RACEKA]

I've been opening up more with my T and PDOC. I've been able to start feeling. I'm even able to cry, but only in front of T or PDOC or alone.

I'm 47 and started taking piano lessons. I've had 2 lessons so far! That was something I wanted to do as a child, but my unloving mother wouldn't allow it. She can't stop me now.

Good Luck!

[Cyran0]

D, I think it's good that you're keeping yourself safe and limiting how much you take on. Kudos for that and for the amazing strides you've made of late.

While I'd happily trade what follows for having never been abused, there are a few strengths I've developed from the events themselves and the journey after.

I have a great capacity for understanding the emotional point of view of other people. Intuitively I can see the world through their eyes, no matter how twisted that reality might be. From the prim and proper church goer to the suicide bomber in a market square, I can put myself in their shoes and this talent is a large part of why I can write.

The abuse forced me to the margins of society and so I grew up looking in from the outside. In essence, I studied people. The self destructive aftermath of the abuse led me to many situations, places, and realities that I wouldn't have otherwise known. And finally, therapy gave me insight into how the inner world works. All of this has somehow combined into more than just insight but in the ability to step into another person's shoes.

So abuse and recovery has had a great impact on who I am and how I see people. It's, at the very least, contributed to my talents, and while I'm not grateful, I am proud of my abilities.

Cyran0

[mtd]

Yes! I agree! It is so important to take the time to express what is going well for us today, even the small stuff. We deserve more in our day than struggling with the pain of the past and we have the power to create that for ourselves by looking deliberately at what has gone well. It is hard, I know. But we are worth the effort! As we grieve and work to find ways to cope, we need to take at least a moment each day to find something to smile about -- even if that something is simply the beauty of our courage each day as we rise to meet our struggle and know that we are not alone.

Thank you very much for this reminder.

mtd

[Kiya]

This took some time to think about. But i guess i can say that from working with my new MD (who is more like a T than an MD and sent me to my current T), things are going better within my brain chemistry. She looks for things most MD's miss - like actually testing for adrenal fatigue and with it the levels of seretonin, (I always forget all their names...) dopamine.. all the rest. So she has had me on suppliments (vs. meds) to boost those levels naturally.

Well, I have noticed my thinking and problem solving abilities becoming sharper! Over this past week in my new temp job, I've thought of things that interveined in work crisis and made really good decisions. To me they are a really big thing (and my ego wants kudos from my work) but I know *really* that is how people are supposed to function and I am just on the developing end of it. The numbers are suppose to be up around 180 and mine are at 60... this is up from 48. My last t ridiculed me for not having any problem solving skills. Whoooo babie, look out - when i hit that 100 mark... =)

[Kiya]

also... i am glad i have figured out early on that I am dealing with DID/MPD. I am watching my mom struggle with it. She'll be 68 in 2 weeks and she's switching more and more and having whispered conversations that she doesn't know she's having. It is getting more pronounced and she won't accept when i talk with her about it. so today i am thankful that I already know what I am dealing with and won't have quite her same struggle.
kiya

[sujunew]

thanks de for this thread, and I hope that things are ok for you.
I have become much stronger in myself since starting this journey; I have been the most honest with myself that I ever have been; and I have finally learned to open up to and trust someone. So while it isn't ALL good, these accomplishement for me are amazing.