Fancy a cuppa , Connect now 2

Hi @AlwaysMyself,

I am usually lurking around on the Shoulder-to-Shoulder spaces, but I sometimes venture out and join in these discussions! I'm a floater.

I'm a big coffee lover, but strictly decaf! I completely own not being able to handle caffeine haha. I've also just gotten a new pup, so that mixed with small kiddos and the usual life things (like making a dinner that everyone will eat) keeps me pretty busy!

I'd love to know more about you if you're willing to share 😊 @AlwaysMyself @Shaz51

What kind of puppy @GalaxyGuide

How are the kiddos with puppy

Are you kiddos little

I have 4 step children who are all adults now and have 3 grandchildren and the 4th one born in April

@AlwaysMyself , @MissGremlin

Wow. Puppies are hard work. Was the guide pup a labradoor @AlwaysMyself ? I dont think id be able to give the dog back at the end of twelve months! It's a very special thing you did! 💚

Ah, that somatic journaling template is so cool @DogMan79!!

Once you have noted these sensations down, what do you do to soothe or regulate? 💛

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@AlwaysMyself wrote:

@AuntGlow @NightFury

I don't do gratitude notes myself, except when part of the youth mentoring program - we would all do one each week. Then at the end of the program the coordinator would make a display of some of the notes.

I find it very difficult to find things to be grateful for. Again, because i don't "lie" i dont feel i can write something that i am not actually grateful for. But my MH makes it very difficult to feel grateful or appreciate much other than people around me and their provision of supports or trust.

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Oh, that sounds really wholesome. @AlwaysMyself

I understand what you mean. Maybe a different prompt would sit better with you? 🤔 Does anything come to mind? 💛

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@NightFury wrote:

I haven't tried it @AuntGlow but I have wondered whether it was something that would be nice to try. I don't know...my brain is like...but it should have started on Jan 1st.

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YES! I totally get this. If it helps, you could align it with another meaningful day - like the start of the Lunar New Year (Year of the Fire Horse) on February 17th. 🥰 @NightFury

@GalaxyGuide puppy 😍😍😍😍 like @Shaz51 i am also keen to hear what type. I like all animals, but ive always been drawn to dogs especially i guess.

Oh, i should ask about the kids too - i always forget because i am less child-focused than animal-focused 🤣🤣. Are they pre, primary or high school ages?

I imagine it can be abit creative as to what everyone in the family will eat lol. My family was "this is what mum is cooking. Dont want it? Welcome to make yourself toast/cereal/cook" lol. Except when they had steak she made me sausages instead cos that was easy to do at the same time.

I have a group of friends i meet with frequently at meals and the host house cooks that week. Between our various dietary needs its always a bit of thinking! Base dishes with "optional toppings" work very well though for this.

@heartathome yes, it was a labrador. My family did a golden lab when i was a young teenager (this was the first dog i ever lived with), but mostly my mum with us reinforcing training commands and helping with care. Then when i was around 20 i took a year off work and did my own, with a black labrador. 🥰. She was very sweet, so enthusiastic, and so so tiring! Very clever girl, but a timid in new situations so she was unsuitable for a guide dog and was too energetic/strong for the pets as therapy needs at the time. I knew i couldnt commit to 10+ years of a dog, but i had a friend who she was perfect for the family - because she was already house trained and safe with young children. So I got to request for my friend to take her instead of myself 🥰😊. She lived a long happy life, and even had other cats, bunnies and another dog at various stages of her life. Along with 4 children to play with! She did get a bit tubby though 🤭🤫.

@Cuddlebear in case you are interested to hear of my former black lab puppy i raised for guide dogs australia in the past.

@Shaz51 i also bought myself a bottle of dare iced coffee yesterday as a treat for my good work. Sitting with a glass now. 😊. *cheers*

@GalaxyGuide i can understand the decaf thing. I used caffiene to wake me up mentally for work (iced coffee or cola). But sometimes caffiene if too strong makes me feel frazzled. I was thinking yesterday after my iced latte that i might need to order it with 1 less shot of coffee in the future.

I don't drink "normal" (hot / unsweetened) coffee.

@AuntGlow @NightFury

Last week someone i know said they feel more aligned to CNY because of how busy it is at 1dt Jan being just after christmas, so that is when they choose to do their "new year" considerations and changes. 🥰

But also... any time is a good time to start? Even if its not at the start of a "year".

Hmm alternative prompts than "gratitude". I don't know. I am really struggling with this type of thing, same as why I didn't/couldn't post a ✨Sunday Intention Setting✨ . Its the limbo and the apathy. (Wont say more on this thread for reasons you will both understand haha).

But i can say that i am very grateful for my mum helping me yesterday with my study room 😊🥰.

... and i am relieved my dog did not destroy anything whilst i am out this morning?

I could have a "i'm relieved my dog didn't..." journal 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

@MissGremlin @NightFury @Cuddlebear you've heard a few stories of that mischief munchkin and can probably relate from yours sometimes too??

Well, you have definitely come to the right place. @Abby6_2025 🥰

I am so sorry to hear about what's happening with your brother, that must be so tough... do you have any professional supports at the moment?

I agree that any time is a good time to start - whatever feels aligned for you. @AlwaysMyself @NightFury 💖

You know, that's totally fine. This is where you're at right now and we don't need to force or change anything - maybe acceptance and compassion is most important right now?

Aww, thank you mum!! What do you like about your study room?

And yes, that sounds like a great journal idea - definitely something to be greatful for!! 😂