Traumatic Experiences Community Daily Check-in Saturday 29th of September, 2018
First of all, you all have made it through a whole week since we have last talked and I just am so very proud of you! 
How has this week been to you?
How are you feeling today?
Also, for today I have thought to bring a topic to you, something that I have some experience as well myself and I just really look forward learning more about it from and with you! :)
Grounding is just such an important thing that can help us to not get lost in our own mind or just reminder ourselves that we are at a safe place, right here, right now. Of course there are many different ways and techniques of grounding and it can really change from person to person what helps or what not.
Some common techniques, as it can be seen on the above picture, involve slow, deep breaths or just observing and feeling the world around us or just distracting ourselves. Of course there are just so many different techniques and small twists you can make on these that there would be not point starting to go to through all of them but you can read a bit more about it >here<.
For now I thought I would share some of mine, thecniques that help with my anxiety . :)
For me having a teddy bear with me helps. Not necessary to hug it - although that adds a lot to it - just knowing that it is with me helps a lot and the other big thing for me is music, I can get lost in music and just really forget the outside world or even my thoughts. Going for walks is an other thing that helps and just taking deep breaths and soaking in what I see and sense and if I can catch some of the cats around it is just to best to pet them!
What about you? What kind of techniques and things help you stay grounded? Calling a friend, spending time with a pet, a soft plushie, music or something else?
I would really love to hear from you as I really want to learn from and with you here about this and many other things!
A list of amazing people: @inventiveOrange1 @HearingYourHeart @TreesandWine @guyb @Sharkradio @MKjart @Lilyflower0817 @caterpillargirl @Survivetoalive @exuberantTriangle2562 @coraline23 @Ivorycat5573 @fearlessPear8268 @SemicolonSurvivor @weare1 @weareall1 @Annaka1 @moonchild95 @summernight69 @sheaintgotnoshoes @rationalWillow8882 @AMusicalSilence @catsith @energeticPenny8 @Rebekahwriter13 @behindhazeleyes @sensitiveShade5337 @singercrystalspirit @wittyTree8219 @Ocendade @Rpjrx @Brooke12 @tenacity37 @Axeman53 @kkSp3nc3 @Softforesthsp77 @AriannaPink @sereneSoul23 @promisemehope @IPreferWinter @Zombii @Godborned @Jessica86 @resourcefulPond1641 @Lilibuth12 @Tir @Michelle0608 @The_Final_Chapter @BubblegumPuppy68 @ScarletPear1945 @CaloenasNicobarica @Hoxenos @Christine1980 @TheresaWilliams @Compassionatelistener108 @LovelyChantel @Pureriver56 @unassumingSummer6022 @Reedrainshimmer @resourcefulPond1642 @Kuma0187 @NonHoPaura @courageousNorth9872 @NacienteLuz @Helpfulsoul64 @TheHoneyDoll @Saif1for1Resilience @butters45 @purpleWest8143 @silverIceCream21 @Dandelionmoon @Bumblebee16 @consciousawakening @Shaiya365 @archerzvy @JJi @CopingwithTrauma @musicheals61 @disneynerd23 @Longday08 @sittinginahoneymoon @Quietbeach @loyalYard9488 @thatdramaticsoprano @understandingJackfruit9057 @amiableZebra3993 @Waterstreams057 @placidFriend3007 @AndreT @orchard9786 @sociableSailboat9634 @Calmlake1999 @emotionalMaple9419 @calmballoon3183 @disneynerd23 @MomRNFNP @Pdanziger @easymap6620 @MoreThanAConqueror18 @candyhaunt @namelessgirl99 @plumLake851 @streamoftears @quixoticRaven @Redhawk6547 @Sk1ttles @Shayc1 @Samdoc99 @Mikathewolfdog @Tacomytaco @stella17 @blinkk @PaperCrane1123 @Equalnotabove @felicia96 @CartoonDarling @Tayboi @Compassion21 @lilblackcat89 @ashes @selfdisciplinedTriangle5384 @amiableSummer3420 @FangsInsanity @Anj0806 @Spoonog @rissadawn @brokenflutterby @g00dwitch @No715 @SpruceRaven @tidyMoon3222 @helpfulHuman4992 @Djs3 @dynamicHemlock1736 @Hope3729 @hardworkingStrawberries3477 @courageousCake401 @humorousBeing8966 @NancySV1 @mysticPhoenix883 @oceanmom @gymnast9460 @Nonbinarywaffle7706 @Tbeth @felixfriend @Chels @8883ef @DaisyLion @forcefulSkies @spotthedot @courteousNorth5140 @Alcynically @ArianaMay @SB @affectionateNorth4018 @J12g34 @FloweringBunny @loyalDrum2337 @nolongerafraid @CaringBrit @Ambrosia @practicalIdeal2007
I promise we are actually working on a form so you can be added or removed it from this list by it buut for now you can still just ask it here or PM me or @Kate about it :)
@redmark
Remove me
Hey there @Tenacity37 *offering safe hugs*
Thank you, I will make sure that you will not be tagged in the future, although I would like to ask is it only these check-ins today or just check-ins overall? I mean, by default I would consider it as you want to not be tagged in any check-ins from now on but I have just asked to make sure. :)
Stay strong and awesome!
@redmark
everything
I'm a 2 at the moment
not slept, neighbour doing reno and banging loud things, got a broken tooth which hurt so bad I cried for like an hour and I'm not one for crying and it felt weird, little ones are upset but hubby got them soft not ice cold pudding, medicine and a movie to watch so he will build a pillow fort for us and we can hide all day. Hopefully going to increase to a 4 or 5 soonnnn.
Hey there @LifeIsMyCanvas *offering safe hugs*
We are just so glad to have you here with us!
Oww...that broken tooth sounds awful, I am really sorry to hear about it :(
I do really like those plans you have tho! I mean, I hope that they will be able to get your mind off of your tooth and you will be able to still have a - relatively - nice day with your husband and that your neighbour will get much quiter soon! :)
If there is anything we may be able to help with or you just want to share anything on your mind we are always here for you as well and we would be glad to listen and support you as best as we can. :)
Stay strong and awesome!
@redmark
fanx 
@LifeIsMyCanvas awww hugs if you want them ouch on the tooth and such a caring hubby you have canvas sorry not been here past few days had problems of my own chronic pain had me passing out alot so was just resting
@CaringBrit
We missed you!! Sorry to hear about your chronic pain... it's a nightmare to live with! Take gentle care of yourself
@LifeIsMyCanvas it will be long term but im at least thankful pain relief i have loads left since doctor gave mee some for my foot problem i had bnot long ago so they came in handy
im ok today not as drained so im getting some of my posting done and such
@LifeIsMyCanvas
I hope you feel better lovely
@redmark
Love this topic You did an awesome job
@LifeIsMyCanvas Aww, thank you very much! I am so happy you liked it! *hugs* - only if you are okay wiht it, of course
i use music too as a grounding method im a Live DJ and it does help whenever anxious or in chronic pain too i lose myself in the music
Hey there @CaringBrit *offering safe hugs*
Yay! It is really nice to hear from you around here! :)
Oh....you are a DJ? 
That's so awesome!
I mean, anyways, I am glad to hear that you are finding music useful like that as well, it sure can be really awesome to just get lost in the music and leave everything else behind. :)
Stay awesome!
@redmark yup you havent seen my famous DJ shows on here yet -shocked- lol i host regularly ish in LHR and Events room speaking of 12-4pm EDT events room im DJin my radio station meets 7cups rules so has been vetted by the admins kate laura etc i play music for everyone from my own radio station and i take requests etc
sunday 12-4pm EDT that is
Oh @CaringBrit ... LHR stands for Listener Hang-out Room I suppose...which would explain it as I only have this member account. >.<
None-the-less tho, sounds like a lot of fun, sometimes maybe I can catch it! :)
@redmark members get fun too this sunday im in the events room 12-4pm EDT
@CaringBrit Oh, I will try to check it out! :)
Sundays are a bit busy for me around here tho, but I am sure I will be able to find some time for it :)
@redmark if you want i can if you pm me ill pm my radios link along with a request form and you can tune in no matter how busy on site you are all you do is press play relax pretty much
#i wish I could just be normal
Hey there @lightVillage54 *offering safe hugs*
It is always really nice to hear from you around here!
I am sorry to hear that you are feeling like that tho. I know all these things can be really hard to go through and it can be just so hard to be "normal" after it but you know I have found that normal can mean a lot of different thing for a lot of different people. I mean, it just can be such a loose term making it probably unachievable as you will always keep finding something not "normal" about yourself so...what do you mean by normal? Do you think there could be small steps made to it?
I mean, just by being here I think you are making the right steps and I am really proud of you anyways just better defining your goals like that sometimes can help a lot working towards them.
Stay strong and awesome!
@redmark maybe not ‘normal then but at least to not be the cause of so many issues for ppl I love :( I keep trying but keep failing :( I dont know who I am or where I belong..I dont know what Im doing here or what my purpose is anymore..Im tired of being in and out of hospital and Im sad at seeing ppl I love being hurt.
@lightVillage54 I see, I am sorry to hear that you are getting through such hard times. *offering safe hugs*
You know it's scary. Even to this day I am actually afraid to let people close to myself as well because it is just scary how easy you can hurt someone who loves and trusts you and lets you get close to them. On the other hand tho I have found that it is not necessarily a bad thing. I mean, not hurting people close you but now I have some people who I have hurt here and we have been talking it through and figured things out and actually having an ever better relationship.
I mean, going to struggles with others can really just make the whole relationship so much stronger in the end and I am sure those who love you understand that you are trying your best and that you do not mean to hurt them. I know it is hard to believe but you are a valuable person deserving to be loved and supported even through hard times and I am here and many others are here for you and out there in your "real life" as well there are people who just love you for the person you are, through good and bad!
You can always talk with people about this as well, although I can imagine it can be hard to believe their answer when they most likely say "It is okay", but it really is, it is just part of loving someone, or so I have found so far. :)
@redmark im
not sure if I can do all this again :( I signed myself back in but if I cant get past it this tym then I never will nor will I try to..this is my last chance. Thank you though
@lightVillage54 You are still here you know, which is awesome and just shows how amazingly strong you are and I am really proud of you for just that! :)
I can imagine it has to be hard to try and try without much success and I can imagine it an wear you down but what I know is that you are very strong and I think you are making progress. I mean, even after all that happened here you have been just so strong and reached out for help again here and I am just happy you did as I have got to know the amazing person you are.
I mean, do not be so hard on yourself and...well...I am an optimistic and probably naive person but I do believe in that you can better and we will be here helping you and I am sure others around you are willing to help as well and together we can get through this! :) *offering safe hugs*
@redmark
I'm trying to be okay today. So far I have not been all that successful.
Grounding is something I am working on. When I'm overwhelmed or there is too much going through my head I often dissociate (I don't have alters). Sometimes grounding can keep that for happening, sometimes not. I'm trying to find other ways, or things I can do. I fear that one day my mind will simply decide that I'm not safe at all anymore and I'll just be gone, locked away and hidden forever.
Hey there @practicalIdeal2007 *offering safe hugs*
We are so glad to have you here with us!
Oh...I am sorry to hear that you are not that succesful with it but I am glad to hear that you are trying your best to be "okay". :)
If there is anything we may be able to help with that we are always here for you so feel free to reach out to us anytime here.
That sounds like a lot for sure but I am really proud of you that you are trying your best to stay on top of things and improve your skills of grounding yourself and learn new techniques! :)
It can certainly hard tho when there are just so many emotions and thoughts rushing through you... Have you found something yet that works for you? I mean, if you have something you may be able to build a bit on that and make it more succesful! :)
Stay strong and awesome!
Hi red
I'm struggling, this week has been busy. I've had to be social so much and I'm exhausted. There's people staying over that I don't really know and I'm not allowed to hide in my room. And I had to call the police about a fight in town and I'm scared, I don't like getting involved. I wish I could just rewind and start the weekend over.
Hey there @FloweringBunny *offering safe hugs*
It is always really awesome ro hear from you around here!
I am sorry to hear that you are having such a hard week tho. I mean, I can totally see how hard it can be to have people over at your place without even be able to hide in your room and get some time for yourself. I do hope you will be able to have some time for yourself soon tho to just recharge and relax a bit. :)
Also, that whole fight thing sounds scary for sure! You have done the right thing with reaching out for the police tho and I hope they will take it from here. :)
Stay strong and awesome!
Using Grounding techniqes and mindfulness are daily necessities to keep me grounded. I like using ice cubes and aromatherapy and when those aren't working I use my gravity/weighted blanket. And Boo bear is always there of course.
Today is a 5. Not good, but not all bad. Trying to get my kids to adult and stop coming to me when they are in need of money, etc. I feel like I should have prepared them more. 😕
Hey there @affectionateNorth4018 *offering safe hugs*
We are so glad to have you here with us!
Boo bear sounds really awesome for me! :)
Also, aromatherapy - and just nice smells in general - are something that I do like as well and I am really glad to hear that you do have your waighted blanket. I mean, you are doing a really good job with having so many tools and techniques as I know these can be really hard to learn and start to do but you are doing a really good job! :)
Five is good - or better than bad anyways! ^-^
It's not easy to get out to the real life for sure, so I guess I can kind-of understand your kids but on the other hand you are right, you cannot support them forever so I am sure that with time they will find there place and they will get better with managing their money! :)
Stay awesome!
@redmark
Thanks for your reply! :)
I've been using different techniques for over 15 years. Some work one day, but not the next, so I need a wide variety to choose from. Lol
The weighted blanket is the newest addition and I wish everyone with anxiety issues would be able to try them. They are awesome!
I am feeling pretty good managed to tidy up the garden and have had nearly a week without a bad migraine :) I find working in the garden grounding :)
Hey there @Lilibuth12 *offering safe hugs*
It is always really awesome to see you around here!
Yay for no migraines! Fingers crossed that things will stay that way for you as I know how frustrating and just painful migraines can be! :)
Also, good job tidying up your garden! I mean, I guess gardening is sort-of-literally gounding a bit, isn't it? :P
Stay awesome!
Week was up and down
Today's like a 6.5/10
I'm stressed a lot so much my muscles are clenched up every second it seems
Taking a long bath, listening to music, being away from my family, writing, reading the Bible sometimes, drawing, something to focus on like taking pictures, reading kid books for some reason, singing helps
Hey there @wittySpruce8187 *offering safe hugs*
We are really glad to have you around here with us!
6.5 sounds pretty nice, I am glad to hear about it! :)
I am sorry to hear that you are having so much stress in your life at the moment tho, it sounds really hard but I hope that you will be able to get some rest soon and just recharge a bit. Is there anything we may be able to help you with? :)
Those are really amazing things you have listed there!
I mean, I am with you on that kid books one. I do not know why but I somehow love that innocence of them or I do not know how to call them. I mean kid books, movies aimed more for kids and all those stuff it can be just somehow soothing for me as well :)
Stay awesome!