Milestones or Steps Completed! Share and Celebrate Here :)

I will find/get what you need as long as I don't give up in my darkest hour.

Completed step 56 on my growth path. I have rediscovered how important it is to intentionally schedule walks, cups of coffee at a coffee shop, time to read, and time with good friends. These replenish me and dont just happen. I need to take initiative and not just when I am feeling down and depressed.

I have learned that no matter where I am or what state my mind is in, it's okay to be there, but don't stay there keep moving forward.

I try to remind myself of what I call the fishbowl effect. Say a person walks into a therapist's office to ask for help leaving their partner/significant other. The therapist asks why the person is wanting to end the relationship. They respond "I can't be myself when I'm around them." to which the therapist asks "Have you tried being yourself and see what happens?" to which they immediately reply "Oh no! I couldn't do that; they'd leave me if I were myself!"...

It's a fishbowl because the person is creating their own self contained problem. In this example they want to feel like they can be themselves, especially around their partner (a very reasonable thing for anyone!). The thought of even trying to be themselves around their partner is not even an option because their partner might leave, which brings them back to the thought of leaving their partner. As the quote goes: I've had a lot of worries in my life, most of which never happened. - Mark Twain

By no means am I trying to say all of our problems are self constructed! On the contrary, I appreciate this reminder because it can simplify the complicated, and can reduce some perceived problems, especially through life's difficult times.

Only in the privacy of our own minds, perhaps through isolation or being a bit withdrawn, can we construct a convincing enough thought or idea that becomes our fishbowls. I do it all the time, almost always unintentionally. Sometimes with very small things and sometimes large. The beauty of interaction with other people is they can (usually) spot it right away and say, 'hey, how can you know for certain?' or 'have you thought about it from this perspective?'.

The TL;DR:

No matter the problems we face in life, even if some of them are our own construction, surround yourself with healthy, loving people, no matter the situation we face. Even if we are introverted or a bit withdrawn, we need human contact: love, compassion, support, friendship and so much else. Thanks to all of you here on 7cups who make up a part of my community!

What I learned on 7cups recently: How many wonderful and amazing people are here.

Step 800- I've learned that not every job is going to work out for me & I need to accept that.

Also, my friends like me more than I think

I have completed university second year now in my last year and having my head shots for acting this coming week!!! :D

I completed lisener training.

Growing and recovering takes time, don't be too hard on yourself.

Letting go of worry about things I cant change right now really helps ease my mind and allows me to think instead of just constantly overthinking a million different things at once.