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Spring, new beginnings and life here at the forums

Unknown userMember07 Sept 2018, 12:27 pm AEST

Spring, new beginnings and life here at the forums

With spring in the air, a few updates in the forums and the introduction of our new Community Manager @s-jay, I thought what a great time to refresh ourselves by sharing what we love about the forums.

You know the forums is in its fourth year?! Some of you have been around since its beginning and others are just getting to know this space. As with anything that grows, such as a flower or tree, there is a process of change and development in its look and feel sometimes but the roots still remain and only grow stronger. We have had a few changes through the forums as it has blossomed over these years with the fabulous nourishment provided by all of you!

So, let’s take this springtime inspiration to share:

What you love about the forums?
How it has made a difference in your world?
How would you describe the forum in one word to a friend who may benefit from the community?

This will also be a great way to let @s-jay know more about our wonderful forums! 🌻🌱

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In response to: Spring, new beginnings and life here at the forums

QueenieSenior Contributor10 Sept 2018, 7:33 pm AEST

Re: Spring, new beginnings and life here at the forums

What do I love about the forums?

The forums (both LE and Carers forums) gives me an opportunity to be heard in a safe and non-judgemental environment. It has given me opportunities to learn about myself and grow as a person and as a member of a community of like minded individuals. It is also a place where we can come on our best days and darkest days and know we'll likewise be supported and give support (which let's face it, helping others out gives you a good feeling to the ol' self-esteem).

How it has made a difference in my world?

When I first joined the forums, I was in a place of utter madness to describe it for less of a word. I was in hospital and had been for some time and had little to look forward to in life. Through conversations and sharing experiences on the forums, I have taken positive steps along the road to recovery (along with a few bumps and bruises along the way, hey who said recovery roads where straight lines?). I now have not been hospitalised for over 18 months which is a new record in my book. My doctors are pleased and scratch their heads when I explain it is an online forum which helps me the most with support from people I know, but have never met.

One word to describe the forum...

Community

In response to: Spring, new beginnings and life here at the forums

eudemonismSenior Contributor10 Sept 2018, 7:43 pm AEST

Re: Spring, new beginnings and life here at the forums

@Shaz51yea life is still very burdensome especially because of addiction... i got my cat, my dog and my python to worry about.. and i also got myself to worry about.. life definitely ain't easy thats for sure..

In response to: Re: Spring, new beginnings and life here at the forums

Shaz51Senior Contributor10 Sept 2018, 7:51 pm AEST

Re: Spring, new beginnings and life here at the forums

I totally agree my friend @eudemonism, I a have my mum, ML , my step children and my husband my firend and i sending you my lov @eudemonism

In response to: Re: Spring, new beginnings and life here at the forums

ethSenior Contributor10 Sept 2018, 8:29 pm AEST

Re: Spring, new beginnings and life here at the forums

Hi @Former-Member and @s-jay Thanks for the tag @Shaz51

So much has been said that I agree with, especially by @Mazarita @CheerBear @Bunniekins and @Shaz51. It's hard to add to what they've said. I've been around the forums most of the time since 2014, very early days, tho' I didn't know that when I joined.

What do I love?

The way we can come on at any stage of wellness or illness; when our recovery journey is progressing or stalled; and find support and people of like mind and also give support which often lifts us out of our own troubles. The way genuine love is shared and anonymity allows free expression. And particularly the way moderators pick up on those in real strife and also when there is inevitible conflict on a rare occasion. It's only natural that in such a large community (and we are) there will be differences of opinion and philosophy at times. And there will be times when someone needs real life support as well as that found in the forums. Most of all I like the way we inform and learn from each other's lived experience.

How has it made a difference in my world?

I've been largely isolated for many years for various reasons and it's never taken very long to connect with someone on the forums and share what each other is going through. It's helped me learn to connect and communicate again. And proven to me that I'm not alone. Sometimes it's almost unbelievable how much we can have in common once we get to know each other well.

But it's also taught me that there are times when I need to have personal boundaries about getting involved in another's situation. As someone who was a disability carer at home and at work for decades, it's a good lesson for me. To know when I have to put my own mental health as a priority over everything else. And often my friends on the forums remind me of steps I can take to restore balance. And we give each other patience and understanding at difficult times in a (mostly) non-judgmental way.

One word

Empathic

In response to: Re: Spring, new beginnings and life here at the forums

MaggieSenior Contributor11 Sept 2018, 4:59 am AEST

Re: Spring, new beginnings and life here at the forums

The forums for me are a way of connecting with others going through similar struggles, challenges and achievments, no matter how small or large they may be. I joined because real life connections for me were difficult, non existent more to the point. Expressing myself isn't easy, so writing it down, then editing ( did I say editing ) helps. There are so many times I give up on myself, then come online to someone offering support in so many creative ways. That helps so much. I also feel sometimes I can offer support back, which for me is as important as receiving it.

One word to discribe the forums....Light.

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