I know it's very hard to receive news like this. However, cancer is no longer a death sentence. Here's the key: Your sister and you need to live well... rather than living like death is imminent. I suggest you google "cancer support" where you live and see if any organizations come up that focus on "survivorship" and living well with cancer. The best thing you two can do is reach out for support.Read More...

I love these too. They lighten everything and make me smile.Read More...

I'm 34, never had a relationship, haven't even had a date for about 8 years. I guess all of my stuff has prevented me from meeting someone. I don't feel ready to date but my T is all for it, I guess if I wait until I'm ready I never will. I've recently signed up to an online dating site and I'm also stuggling with all the endless questions! Everytime I think I'm getting there and I could start to meet people things get bad and I think well how can I meet someone when I'm miserable and how do...Read More...

Hi GG... you are not alone we are here to listen to you. Liese does make some good points. Sometimes taking any little step will lead to something really good that will brighten your mood. I realize holidays are really rough. And I do understand that being alone can hurt a lot. Maybe you can wander the mall (lots of good sales right now) and distract yourself for a little while. Make yourself something good to eat and watch a silly movie. Right now I'm off to clean bathrooms. Lots of fun.Read More...

Hey Morgs...right back atcha.. love you, BeebsRead More...

PF, I witnessed a fatal accident on the highway a few weeks ago and pulled over to talk to the cops. It was very upsetting. This car was literally ran off the road by another car right in front of me. It was scary and so surreal at the same time. I kept thinking, "that could have easily have been me!" and then there was also a part of me that felt guilty that it was not me, because the girl who did die was only in her early 20s...and I felt that she probably had a lot more to live for than...Read More...

TN, I enjoyed you post, and agree with your T. I haven't been allowing the attachment. My T has been trying to help me in that regard, I think, but like she said, I detach and withdraw from fear that it's not okay. I often times think that I am projecting my discomfort about the attachment onto her, when in reality she has dealt with attachment clients and helped them work through it, so I know she isn't afraid of it. I just wish she were as open and skilled at expressing her...Read More...

((DF)) Thanks for sharing your dream...I think the way it ended is really meaningful, especially since it's different than the norm. I think it shows how much strength you've gained through all of this and a kind of inner knowledge that you can handle this trip. It may seem like it would hurt either way (setting the boundaries or not) but what if the more peaceful ending to your dream is *because* of you setting the boundaries with your parents? It hurts, but you are making yourself safer.Read More...

Thanks for sharing, UV. Very good article.Read More...

Hi Arrested Dev, I really feel for you. I understand what it is to repeat old patterns and the frustration. This is but a moment in time and it doesn't take away any of your progress. You need to recognize your progress even in the face of a slip. This situation can only really hurt you if you use it to beat yourself up. You're not motivated but emotional stress like this causes exhaustion. Get the sleep you need. Process this through thoroughly with your therapist. Look at your personal...Read More...

I can hear in your words how much you love her and care about her and worry about her! I've wanted for so long for my sister and I to be closer. For her to "talk" to me about anything and everything. We don't have that kind of relationship, and never really have, and it makes me very sad. Mostly now she just doesn't have time to talk and she lives 900 miles away. Just let your sister know you are there if she ever does want to talk.Read More...

(((Jane))) (((Monte))) Thanks for the welcomes. The stuff I'm working on now in my sessions is pretty sensitive (self-conscious about it) and probably won't make it onto the OF, but I'm always willing to share one-on-one via PM or maybe in one of the restricted forums in the future.Read More...

((forlorn)) i know the feeling of worrying about what other people think and it having such a big impact on your life and i'm sorry you have this to worry about on top of everything else. hope you're doing ok. puppetRead More...

((LG)) i'm so sorry to hear about what you've been through! I know you care about T1 and it is obvious she truly cares about you, but it must be excruciating watching her fall apart when she is supposed to help you! i hope T2 comes back soon and you can get some helpful sessions with her. hugs and i hope you can look after yourself until then. puppetRead More...

Thanks very much to all of you!!! To be able to put thoughts "out there" and not worry about being judged or have a pen start scribbling madly on my file. I've also done the hormone testing Ninn hoping it would turn out that some type of pill would finally work on my symptoms and be able to drop the mentally ill label. Again, I appreciate everyones input and have taken away something from each of your posts.Read More...

KAshley - I have experienced the same thing. One of my t's even encourages me to call if I need reassurance that I am not completely insane because of it. I know it is not fun, but I don't think you are completely bonkersRead More...

L2F, Yes indeed, the economy is very difficult. I lost my job a year ago and am looking for work at the moment. Its very discouraging. I hope things pick up for you soon.Read More...

BG, I know exactly what you mean about not getting promises being more comforting to you. My T2 doesn't give promises and in a way, its sort of reassuring. I guess perhaps because if and when she does term me, I won't look back at broken promises and feel betrayed. Whereas if T1 were to term me after all of her promises...I'd be so crushed and it would really affect my ability to believe anything anyone promises to me in the future.Read More...

(((LG))) Been offline because I am on college tours with my oldest and so just saw your post. So glad you are working on your portfolio. That sounds great. I love when I get into that space when I can really focus on something. It feels so good, doesn't it? For me lately, it's too few and far between. Why does life have to be so complicated? It makes me really angry. Draggers, it's good to see you. Hope you are doing okay. Hugs, LieseRead More...

I think it's a possibility, Beebs. You were SO not getting your needs met, the relationship was causing enormous frustration and repressed anger (it was not really safe to express it)and in the end it caused hopelessness. This all *could* lead to depressive symptoms. Therapy supposed to do the opposite. You should feel better... at least s ome of the time. When people speak of therapy as being tough and difficult they mean in the way that you are facing long buried feelings, you are looking...Read More...

(((everyone))) I am so sorry. I can relate to the feelings that surface when seeing children interact with good daddies. I didn't call my dad!!Read More...

Still out for a couple of days, due to Father's Day (hard holiday, I'm sure, for a lot of us), family birthdays, my anniversary, etc. Noticed this thread was "active" while checking a PM, so just a quick check-in. Hoping I can find my way back here, as I miss all of you, especially hearing about how everyone is doing. (((Hugs))) and thanks for the kind words and wisdom!Read More...

(((Jane))) As hard as it is when all this crap is happening try to breathe more deeply and go more gently with yourself! Morgs xRead More...

This is exactly what I think it is! I'm so pissed that I made the decision and now feel better! It would have been easier if she was mad at me or if the decision was made and I was still upset, but the sense of relief is NOT comforting! Thanks Liese and BG... It feels so weird to put myself and my needs first...Read More...

oh dear, tacy- we do understand...please keep posting as much as you need to. It's very difficult to go through this and you shouldn't be alone with it. It sounds like your T is being very understaning to you, so that is good. hugs, BBRead More...