My special place

I wonder @Snowie - is that really just 'who we are' or is it 'how we're conditioned'? I think masking, as well as our inability to rest, are more products of our social context than of the human condition itself. For many generations now we've lived in a system that posits 'rugged individualism' above community support and mutual aid. Is it any wonder it's resulted in this pervasive idea that to be 'good enough' we have to fit a certain mould?

Anyway, I've had to stop myself from rambling about that a whole bunch because I apparently have very strong feelings about it!

Do you think this friend who you 'ran away from' is someone you'd consider reaching out to again?

Thanks @Jynx

I certainly don't fit the mould, never have. Even growing up I was different. Struggled to make friends. Would rather my own company over others.

I did try and reach out to this friend awhile ago. I got no response so just gave up. Since then she and her family have moved interstate anyway. No chance to catch up anymore.

Hi @AuntGlow I’m ok entertaining family tonight. It’s good watching the teenagers interact together.

@Snowie Mm I think many of us here have had a lot of struggles in the whole 'fitting in' thing. Finding people who truly 'get us' is so hard hey. Glad you do have hubby 💜

How is your weekend going? You too @Eve7 😊

@Jynx 'fitting in' was never me. Maybe it was just who I am, maybe it had to do with what I went through as a child, I probably will never know.

I've been this way for so long now that perhaps I just have to accept it now.

My weekend is going ok. Went car shopping yesterday. Today is certainly an indoor day, hasn't stopped raining.

Maybe you do, maybe you don't @Snowie - you've reminded me of a quote actually:

"The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change." -Carl Rogers

Rainy rainy days hey! Car shopping sounds like it could have been super exciting, or super stressful and overwhelming 😅

Hope you're staying dry and warm 😊

Sorry, I can't support posts again.

That is a good quote @Jynx I haven't heard that one before.

My psych has talked to me before about accepting who I am. I guess if it was easy then I would have already done it!

I think there are a lot of variables that go into accepting ourselves, it is not just black or white.

Car shopping went ok. We've narrowed it down to two different makes/models.

Today I've clean a lot. Has kept my hands busy and also my mind. Good distraction.

@Snowie Me neither, siiiigh 😶

Yeah it's hard to practice self-acceptance in a world where we're kinda constantly flooded with messages about how we're not good enough. I think it's something we can practice though, like a skill we can get a little better at each day.

I wish I cleaned for distraction... instead of video games and stuff haha. Maybe my house wouldn't be full of clutter! Are you having people around for xmas?

I do think we can practice self-acceptance @Jynx My psych said to me once that it is a marathon and not a sprint. I liked that reference. Perhaps in time I can learn to accept me as who I am. Maybe that might make it easier to 'show' the world who I am.

Oh I've moved couches, tv units, chairs in my clean today. I've vacuumed, moped, dusted.

Just a toilet, bathroom and laundry to go and it should be right for Chrissy day.

I'm having H's family and my mum for Christmas day.

My kids surprised me today. They went and got a Santa photo for me and then gave me the photo. They are 20 and 18 so didn't expect it. Made me cry!

@Snowie I love that too, very true of a lot of aspects of recovery I think!

Nice, you smashed it!! Maybe I will get round to some vacuuming later lol 😂 Glad I'm not hosting anyone! But I hope it's a super lovely day for you and the fam 😊

That. is. SO. WHOLESOME!! Aww bless, haha we never really stop being kids, do we?!