Sometimes we can't do all the work on our own

[AnnikaR]

Hello, thanks for having me. I'm completely new to the whole forum thing, so I'm figuring out how to navigate everything, and appreciate your patience when I might misstep. I'm a counselor-in-training and am finding this huge disconnect between the messages I would give to clients with situations similar to mine and the messages I give myself for those situations. I'm realizing that I have a lot of my own work still to do. I thought I had done quite a bit already, but then life happens and I'm starting to really realize that the way I interact with the world may be through a lens shaped by my earlier experiences. There are problems I didn't even realize were there. So I'm looking forward to having a space here where I can maybe process some of that. It's hard to find a place to talk about these things without fearing making others uncomfortable or fearing judgment. So thanks for everyone being on here and the wonderfully supportive messages I have browsed and seen so far.

[MeBeMary]

Welcome to you again, Annika.

I am sorry you have reasons to be here, but be assured, you will find much support.

It is so common o view others differently than oneself. Hopefully you can see yourself in a new light, as you find yourself as one of the community here at AfterSilence. Our members have a way of correcting some mis-evaluations about ourselves...and it is hopefully in time that we believe them.

Wishing you the best as you travel down this path of healing.

Mary

[AnnikaR]

Got this one in the right place, I think 😅. Thanks again!

[MeBeMary]

No worries.  

[marcyabadeer]

@AnnikaR hello and welcome to after silence! I am sorry you have pain from traumas that brought you here, but we are so glad you’ve found us. You are not alone  

sam

[8888]

Welcome @AnnikaR to After Silence.  I’m sorry for what brought you here but I’m happy you are here reaching out for support.   Good job taking this step in your healing process.  You are not alone and what happened to you wasn’t your fault.  Take your time exploring and post when you are ready.  If you have any questions feel free to message me. 

[Poppy_]

Hi, @AnnikaR - 

Welcome to After Silence! I'm sorry for the pain you've endured that led you to this community, but I hope that you're finding comfort in knowing that you are not alone in your situation. I'm hoping this site helps you to find healing on your journey and you find some answers that you're looking for. 

If you need anything at all, please let me know! 

Best wishes,
Poppy

[missfrier]

Dear annikar

I am sorry for all that you have been through.   You have been so brave in reaching out to us, please know that this is never easy!   We are all here for you and we want to support you.  You're not alone in your healing journey and are always welcome to lean on us for extra support.  You can post as much or as little as you like.  We are here to support you in the way you need.  I have found this community to be very helpful.  Everyone is so understanding and non-judgmental and I am hoping you feel the same way once you've gotten to know us a little.   

All my best,
missfrier

[Mave]

Hey, @AnnikaR!

Welcome to After Silence! I am sorry to hear of the trauma that brought you here, but I hope you find comfort with this community. Sit back and share whatever you feel comfortable sharing. There is no rush; we’re in no hurry. I understand there being a disconnect between the way you talk to others and how you talk to yourself. You’re already doing an incredible job by recognizing that. We’re here to support you and help you process whatever you feel and want to share. You’ve made a great step in your recovery. If you need anything, please reach out!

Mave

[Struggling88]

Hi, AnnikaR, and welcome! 

[AnnikaR]

Thank you @MeBeMary @samantha2009 @8888 @Poppy_ @missfrier @Mave and @Struggling88 for your kind words of welcome. I definitely feel out of my element joining this group and have experienced so much invalidation about my experiences since they haven’t been as overt, so in some ways I feel like I don’t belong, but I continue to be met with so much warmth and validation. I’m looking forward to getting to know people better on here. 💜

[Mave]

You're welcome, @AnnikaR! And you definitely belong. We're here for you!