Catching Up... And Looking UP!

Time For An Update...

Well, here I am again - things are still quite good. At the moment I feel a little irritated for some reason, but I'm not letting it get to me. I figure that there is a reason for it, and I am looking for that reason. I just don't let the emotions come to fruition - this keeps me from getting angry. I feel that anger is not a viable option at this point in my life. I haven't gotten furious since the day I had that fight of rage towards my car. I realize now that it was not the correct action to take.

Dealing With Life...

As far as everything else is concerned, I have been doing much better in dealing with people. I now hold much better conversations, and show a genuine interest in what the other person has to say. I find myself listening more than talking. It's so much more enlightening to hear what someone else does, or how they fight off the demons. Sometimes I learn a thing or two because of this.

Being A Leader...

At the last few support group meetings, I have shared my strategies of dealing with life and its challenges. The ones who tried them happily reported that they have indeed worked! I was totally floored for two reasons: 1) I was able to help someone successfully, and 2) They appreciated what it had done for them. As a result, I was asked to facilitate the next meeting, and I will be attending the local DBSA convention on the 22nd. I look forward to talking to others who are in the "same boat" as us, and to meet the featured speakers.

What Does It All Mean?

I've come to this conclusion - I've been put upon this Earth to communicate, entertain, and help people. Amidst all my time of unhappiness, the things that I've endured have become tools to help others, as well as myself, through very hard times. I truly wish to touch those who feel that they are not good enough, those that have been abused mentally and physically, and anyone who feels that suicide is the only way out. I don't wish to throw my values and suggestions at them, but to help them implement these into their daily lives.

Thoughts On Therapy...

The easiest way to help someone is to let them find it for themselves - we can offer guidance that can give them a general direction of where they want to go. I honestly believe that's what a good therapist does. Too many of us go to therapy expecting to be "fixed." It doesn't work that way. It's all about you, and you must exert the effort required to get to where you want to be. YOU are the only one who can decide that you want help, and that you want to take responsibility in your life.

Every Day Is A Lesson...

Every day seems to hold a valuable lesson for me, whether it comes from a book, or just visiting a friend. I learn how I can discuss things with people I know, how to win over a little girl's heart, or what people really want from us. When I make a mistake, I take note of it (next time I'll...) but I don't beat myself up at all. I know that next time I'll be more aware of what's going on. Life is like learning in school - sometimes we get the lesson straight away; other times we may need to go over it in order to learn the how and why. It is truly fascinating to me, and I sincerely hope that it is for everyone.

In Conclusion...

Yes, my pc is still down, but that's ok. At this point, I don't foresee myself doing much with it anyway, simply because I'm having too much of a good time in my life right now. Read: it's not a necessary part of my life. I can deal with just checking my emails once a week, and the occasional blog entry.

Enlightenment In Many Ways...

Be assured that I have been doing LOTS of writing and recording thoughts on my microcassette recorder - nothing is going to waste. In books that I read, I underline key phrases and things that are pertinent. Listening to audiobooks and doing meditation exercises during the day and just before bed also help immensely. I would reccommend these to anyone as a starting point in their treatment. I started with guided imagery about 4 years ago, and kept going. I am going to take yoga as well, and check into holistic medicine. I am curious about the many treatments and perspectives of others, including doctors, psychologists/psychiatrists, and the like. I am extremely grateful to get to this point in my life. I could say that I wish I would have done this years ago, but I don't believe that I would appreciate it nearly as much. Everything happens for a reason - from bad things we can derive good things. I'll be glad to go into details later about my observations.

As always, thank you for taking the time to read this, and your genuine concern means alot to me. I wish you all good health and success in life. I'll be back soon. Just remember this:

"SLOW DOWN AND ENJOY YOUR LIFE! NOTHING IS SO IMPORTANT THAT WE HAVE TO RUSH THROUGH IT ALL THE TIME. NOTHING."
- Danny