Yes, @heartathome, I can be kind to myself. I'm feeling a little bit more hopeful so today hasn't been a total wipeout. You can ask all the questions you like.
I have been on the forum for about 5 or 6 years. The folks here have helped me through some very difficult times. It's been truly an education too, to read what others are going through. It's good for our souls to get insights into the suffering of others which we would never have otherwise known. We all live in our own little worlds.
Many years ago, I was too ill to look after myself and I asked a social worker if there was somewhere I could get board and lodging. In the whole of Melbourne, the only place she gave me was a heavily stigmatized boarding house for 300 mostly men, many of whom were alcoholic. I was aghast, but my psychiatrist told me to go there. I always did as I was told.
When I got there, all I saw was mayhem and despair. About 6 or 8 psychologists and social workers worked there but were to leave permanently very soon, leaving the residents in chaos. My psychiatrist and I always worked as a team. He supported me and I supported them. You would not believe the changes that took place as I showed them respect and remembered each person's name. I made them feel important—which they were. We became an enormous, well-ordered 'family' and it was heartening to watch the changes.
While others were rejoicing that I had joined the down-and-outs as one of them, I was having the time of my life. It was the making of me. I not only found out what I was made of, I now see the down-and-out through very different eyes, after all, I walked the same path to get there too. I understood. This is what happens to people when those who are supposed to help them with arising problems throughout their lives do not do so. They fall through every crack and slide down the social ladder. And they hurt. They expected me to turn tail when I walked through the door, but I stayed for 2 years and 8 months. I became a better person for the experience and wouldn't have missed it for the world.
My experiences have been painful, but they enlighten us. I'm grateful for them.
To be honest my friend, I can't remember the thread of conversations here either!
I wonder why I told you all that? 🤔
