Just checking in.

Yes getting notifications via email @CheerBear

It is a beautiful day here but I honestly don't feel like getting out of my jammies - enjoying snuggling up on the couch too much with Toby. I don't have many days like this anymore so I am making the most of it while I can. The next module of DBT starts next week so will be back to that and appointments then.

It will be fun spending some time with Pudding - even more so that you can have the play time but not the ongoing responsibility - I must say it doesn't feel like that with little Tobes though - it is a joy to have him in my life.

Your fluff cloud does sounds like a super cool way to fall asleep and now you have a new way to help when sleep becomes more tricky. That is pretty awesome

@CheerBear @Zoe7 @Teej @Former-Member @Kurra @utopia

Next module is Interpersonal Effectiveness @CheerBear It is probably the one I struggle with the most - partly due to me liking my own space and not wanting to associate much with others. This is the reason my pdoc wanted me to do this module before I stopped the course - and my psych is definitely on the same page there. They have tried to get me to do things with other people but I really do like being on my own. I have branched out over the last 6 months - working with the Suicide Prevention group, meeting up with my fb friend and returning to work - that really is enough for me for now.

I often call Toby a rabbit because he reminds me of that energiser bunny when he starts running around the house. They are a lot of work but it is well worth it. Toby is a really easy dog to look after though - he is happy having snuggles and has a back yard he can play in that is safe and secure. He does spend most of his time by my side and that bond we have fills me with joy and happiness. ...but you have your LF to look after so an added responsibility of a dog would be a big thing - plus you have 3 cats so the poor dog would definitely not know where to look lol

I love that image @Faith-and-Hope - pretty much sums up the love and care we all have here for each other

I have gone through stages in my life where I have been around other people @CheerBear but I always seem to get super hurt so I made a very conscious choice to not let that happen again. I spent so much time when I was young being on my own - mostly locked away in my bedroom or at my grandparents to be away from Dad and the other people in my street that had hurt me for so long. I guess I learnt at a young age that the only one that could really protect me was me.

I did have friends in my 20s that I used to do a lot with and also did a lot with the people I played sport with - but behind the scenes there was the ongoing abuse from my partner so I definitely could be in a room full of people and still feel very much alone.

The dichotomy here is that I am really good with people despite me not wanting much to do with them. I can mix with/talk to people from all walks of life and more than hold my own in a social setting when I need to - I just don't want to be in that situation anymore. My pdoc and psych both thought I was on my own because of anxiety but it is not the case - it is how I have protected myself from any more trauma - and rightly or wrongly it has worked for me.

I know that as humans we do need some form of social connections but I find that through work - and to me that is okay. I love seeing the kids achieve things and it gives me pleasure when they have those little a-ha moments. Then I come home to the peace and quiet (and safety) of my home with my fur babies - and that is enough for me.