Author Topic: What This Is To Me  (Read 1997 times)

Hopalong

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What This Is To Me
« on: June 13, 2006, 11:32:10 PM »
Hi, VESMB friends...

It's taken a while to come up with words for it, but it's dawned on me that in some part of myself, I have found new stability since discovering this board. I mean, I feel safer in my own life because of this community. I feel much less anxiety in general, and a sense of comfort that I'd been missing.

It is just amazing to know that 24/7 there is a space I can turn to. I guess, if I were happily married, I might have that comfort with a spouse...but since I know there are happily married people here too, I still believe this is a special kind of friendship. A literal always-open, online support group. It amazes me.

It may say something about the loneliness or "pod-ness" of modern life, but I don't mind. I do have real-life friends, but as I work full-time and have the daily duties with my mother, I see them much less often than I'd like to. When there's a weeknight event, I just feel drained (aware of the next morning coming at me, ready or not)... I make it to a few church things, but that's it. And the coupled people tend to socialize on their own, or with other couples, on weekends.

Anyway, to be able to talk and listen here, and knowing how many extraordinary, smart, and giving people are literally right HERE...just amazes me.

I just wanted to express my gratitude.

Hops
"That'll do, pig, that'll do."

gratitude28

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Re: What This Is To Me
« Reply #1 on: June 13, 2006, 11:48:28 PM »
Hi Hops,
I feel safe here too. And my husband is awesome, but he didn't live life the way I did. He is amazed when I say something like that I was never touched and so on. He isn't being mean... he just has no concept. That's why this board and all of you are so important to me.
Another reason is the validation. Even while I'm here I can sometimes hear my parents' voices "Everyone claims to be abused nowadays. It's just a way to explain away your troubles." and so on. However, at the same time, they both whine constantly about how their lives should have been different (i.e., they should have had more money but weren't "fortunate").
So, I have really laet it all hang out on here, especially lately, because I know that you all can understand me and that you won't tell me I am just making it up.
So I would like to add to Hops wonderful mesage THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU
Love, Beth
"There is a theory which states that if ever anyone discovers exactly what the Universe is for and why it is here, it will instantly disappear and be replaced by something even more bizarre and inexplicable." Douglas Adams

Healing&Hopeful

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Re: What This Is To Me
« Reply #2 on: June 14, 2006, 07:08:44 AM »

(((((((((Hoppy))))))))))) ((((((((((((Beth)))))))))))) (((((((((((((All))))))))))

I feel that you both expressed this very well.  Like you Beth, my husband is fabulous however he had a very different and loving upbringing.

The members and guests on this board have helped me enormously and I am constantly amazed by how much time, effort and energy which is put in to this board making it a safe place to share and respond.

It’s personally a very special place for me in Cyberspace, made so by the people who share so much here.

Take care

H&H xx
Here's a little hug for u
To make you smilie while ur feeling blue
To make u happy if you're sad
To let u know, life ain't so bad
Now I've given a hug to u
Somehow, I feel better too!
Hugs r better when u share
So pass one on & show u care

Stormchild

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Re: What This Is To Me
« Reply #3 on: June 14, 2006, 08:08:43 AM »
A major shout out to Dr. Grossman, without whom this place would never have existed, if I may?

Thank you Dr. G....
The only way out is through, and the only way to win is not to play.

"... truth is all I can stand to live with." -- Moonlight52

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Dr. Richard Grossman

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Re: What This Is To Me
« Reply #4 on: June 16, 2006, 01:01:00 PM »
You're welcome!

Richard

lightofheart

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Re: What This Is To Me
« Reply #5 on: June 16, 2006, 03:58:22 PM »
What y'all said:

Heartfelt thanks to everyone here for making the board the giving exchange that it is,
and for drawing so much goodness here, such tangible help and strength

a big bouquet to Dr. G for creating and caring for this whole (living) experience
and helping us all meet each other, more people and ideas by the day

and kudos to Hops, for jumpstarting this little gratitude train

 :D :D :D

moonlight52

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Re: What This Is To Me
« Reply #6 on: June 16, 2006, 05:23:41 PM »
LoH   Yep  just what you said  8)
                            Moon

pennyplant

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Re: What This Is To Me
« Reply #7 on: June 18, 2006, 12:07:18 AM »
I don't know how it is possible, physically, but I do feel a sense of connection here.  Even though I'm just sitting at my computer and reading from the screen and tapping out my thoughts on the keyboard.  When I'm not here, I'm still wondering what's going on with you all.  Everyone is interesting and I'm growing as a result of the time spent here.  It's like the times in my life when I've had a friend or two who brought out the best in me.  Being here sort of feels the way that felt.  Similar kind of sharing and similar kind of comfort.

PP
"We all shine on, like the moon, and the stars, and the sun."
John Lennon

cat

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Re: What This Is To Me
« Reply #8 on: June 18, 2006, 02:04:40 AM »
I would agree!  There are members on this board who have helped me through some very stressful life crisis.  Their advice helped me to find my voice (or sometimes keep my voice) - yet allow me to speak it on this board.

It's been a great relief.