Good morning

@AuntGlow I studied the Cuban Revolution as a student and I love sports so I did that in my PhD.

That's okay! You don't need to do everything all at once. @GezzaP

I have those days sometimes too... it's so hard when we are processing grief, loss, or sadness. I know things with your sister are really tough, so you may need some time to come back into yourself, you know? And that's more than okay.

Wow, it must have been amazing to facilitate their creative expression. What made teaching hard? And conversely, what did you enjoy about it? 💛

@AuntGlow The hard thing about teaching was the students who didn’t do the reading and sat there like stunned mullets. It was the good students who made teaching worthwhile.

this morning I have paid off a huge debt I incurred when I was last manic so that’s good.

hoping to drag myself into a bath today will have to put heaters on as it is cold in my bathroom. Should do some washing but can’t face it.

my sister sent me a horrible text yesterday and that has upset me.

I get that, it's always so rewarding when someone is invested in learning and growing - it can be tough when people aren't able to engage with the things we are sharing, can't it? @GezzaP

HUGE! Good on you. Paying off debt is tough, but I am sure this is such a huge weight lifted. You should be really proud of yourself and also really compassionate towards the part of you who was feeling manic at the time. 💛

I am sorry to hear that your sister sent an upsetting text... what have you been doing to take care of yourself? Here to listen.

@AuntGlow I managed to shower, wash my clothes and go to the shops. I also had lunch but still feeling hungry.

Between 9am and 12.30pm only had 2 smokes this is amazing for me. Now I’ve got to work on first thing in the morning as I smoke too much and it is affecting my health. I have smoked for years. So sorry I ever started but back then most of my peers smoked.

Was relieved to pay off debt. It was a big one and I feel so stupid for getting into it. Reckon I got scammed into it. I blasted them for it but couldn’t get out of the debt.

@AuntGlow Are you there? Yes it is hard to teach people who are not invested in their learning. I had 2 puffs of a smoke and then put it out. Think I might have emphysema but can’t face up to it and go to GP at the moment.

Look at you! You're slowly taking steps towards self-care and it seems to be helping. And the smoking - amazing!! It's so tough to shift a habit (I need to work on sugar), but you're still giving it a go and that deserves to be celebrated. 🥳 @GezzaP

Maybe you can explore the GP when you're ready? Do you think you'll have a look at the Someone Health website soon as well?

I won't be here for the next couple of days, but I look forward to chatting more on Sunday! Keep going! You're doing amazing work, and it's lovely to see you supporting others. 💛

@AuntGlow I looked at the link but haven’t been able to use it yet. Just not up to it. Have to do it in the morning when I’m more awake. I get so tired in the afternoon and evening.

Supporting others seems to help and they give support back too.

I was pleased with my achievements today. And reducing the smokes was good too. Now I have to work on controlling my smoking when I first get up. That’s the worst time of day for me.

That's okay @GezzaP! I know you will when you're ready.

I really like this, that's the beauty of peer support.

I wonder if an in-person peer support group would be helpful for you too?

How are things going with reducing your smoking? ☺️

Maybe baby wipes can help .

Some people are sensitive to showering and dont like it.

Or cheaper option take a face wash wet it n rub some dove soap or other soap on and cleanse wipe best can.

Often a lot of us have it tight financially but maybe you can afford to hire a cleaner to come once a month and clean for you.

Theres home delivery inline grocery shopping and microwave ready meals.

Dont be so hqrd on yourself.

My partner smokes .

I dont.

I quit over 17 years ago.

He has severe back pain and ptsd so he doesnt want to quit.

I have once met old gentlenan if around 85 who happily smoked .

Apparently Einstein Albert said quitting smoking is torture.for him it was.

I met a fabulous man [edited by moderator] who was music teacher and he smoked.

Loved him moment i saw him.

Instant.

He was my boyfriends mentor but felt such connection .

He died of lung cancer though.

I whsled at funeral and visited his grave although i inly met him few times.as such.