Happy New Year 2024

Hi @Zoe7, @Gwynn @TAB @Shaz51 @Former-Member @tyme @Bow @NatureLover and everyone in this community.

Coming back to reflect on this post and the question asked about what made you smile this year. It's a hard one as I found 2023 a challenging year. Since my husband's mental health breakdown in February 2022 there have been improvements but also set backs. The old saying 1 step forward and 2 steps back is so true! In 2023 I came to terms with accepting the loss of extended family and I hope 2024 will bring me peace and healing as I work through dealing with this grief and loss as well as my husband's complex-PTSD and my own mental health.

The things that have put a smile on my face in 2023 are my children, their laughter and their hugs. I have felt relief at my husband starting his own individual therapy and also gratitude for having a diagnosis for his mental health challenges. I have been grateful for my Dad and my Mum's continued support although it may be wavering a bit on my Mum's side. I have found comfort in my own understanding of how my parents have their own ageing related changes of mood and personality which may not be linked to the wider family conflict. I have found love and support in my friends and have been grateful for all of it.

Sorry to make this message so long. I guess I had to write it all down to reflect on what have truly been the best moments of 2023. I really hope 2024 is a better year for us all. I am planning to start EMDR therapy in February to help with the feelings of loss, shame and guilt. I really hope it all ends up making me a stronger yet still empathetic person. I do truly want peace, healing and to give my love which I have a lot of.

Lastly the other best thing that happened to me was finding g the SANE forum and this community.

May you all be blessed with all the things to help you in your journeys of healing. ❤️❤️❤️

Happy new year @PrincessLettuce 😊

Hugs @Healandlove

Will be thinking of you in February with your EMDR therapy ♥️

@Shaz51 thank you 🙏🏻

happy new year forum friends well the first day is over already ,things are pretty quiiet here for the momment which I kind of like but its not likely to stay that way as some severe storms are suposed to sweep through over the next two days and believe you me Im not looking forward to that ,I have a really strong fear of thunderstorms in my adulthood and not really sure why but it just terrifies me each time ,last week we also had severe storms sweep through and I was awkoen at 5am cowaring in the hallway of my house wrapped in my doona like an eskimo ,any suggestions for coping ideas would be helpfull friends? Ive tried distractions as in trying to be indoors like at a shopping mall somewhere where I cant see the thunderstorms seems to help ,but lately Ive resorted to basically ducking for cover and using the doona as a form of safety so to speak ,its the worst feeling of anxiety ,it may be the feeling of unknown ,fear of not being in control of the weather situation,anyway heres to hopefully a calm overnight time before then

Happy new year @Jynx , @Melbcoffeesnob

😊😎

Happy new year @Shaz51

I hope 2024 is an amazing one for you! You deserve it!

Did you have a good holiday break?

Aww thanks @Shaz51 right back atcha!!

💜😊

Hope you both had a good Christmas and a happy new year 🎉 😊 @Jynx , @Melbcoffeesnob

Ours was quiet and nice

Son 3 and family did not make it up , had car problems on the way ,

Had a week off and Mr shaz was nice and relaxed xx

Aww sounds lovely @Shaz51! Except the car trouble, what a pain!

I'm glad to hear Mr Shaz has had some time to chill, always nourishes the soul to take the time to slow down 😊

Wish you the same @TAB 🙂