[New Here, Still Finding the Words]

I remember that—you are doing the right thing by reaching out. 

[First day on this forum]

Hi Fiona, and welcome--though sorry to hear that you "fit" on a site like this.  You'll find a very warm, welcoming and supportive community here--it has been a godsend for me.  

 

[First time post, very new and very scared! X]

Hi @Maya20 I was very scared and nervous when I first joined this site too.  It will pass, and you will find acceptance and support here.  Welcome.

[I'm new and THANK YOU]

Hi Matt, and welcome.  I know what you mean about happy and shaking—it is a big step to start intentionally seeking out places and people who will support and “see” you.  It’s powerful and new, and exciting.  Congrats on reaching out for what you need!

[Just saying Hi]

Hi @sarahoknow and welcome.  You will find a lot of acceptance and support here.  I am glad you found this site.

[Good days & bad days]

Hi @WaterfallSoul I am glad you found this site—it is full of support and kindness, and lots of people who can relate to parts of your experience, even though only you know your whole unique experience.  You are welcome here!

[Welp here goes nothing... Hello!]

Hi @Cam♂, and welcome.  I’m glad you found this site and I look forward to getting to know you better.

[New]

Hi @HurtingMommy.  I’m sending you healing thoughts and empathy.  

[New here]

Hi @Engenbran, I hope you are starting to get used to the site.  I remember when I first joined feeling completely unsure of how to even “get around” the site.  I’d never been part of any online community before.  It is a good place—I am glad you found it.

[Hi]

Hi @SPNEmB it’s good to meet you.  I know you’ll find support and kindness here, and yep, NOT your fault!  

[Hi im new and need some people to talk to ty]

Hi!  I’m up and I am glad you found this place.  I’m glad to hear you if you feel like company.

[Unsure Newcomer]

Hi @KindaConfused, and welcome.  I remember feeling something like what you express here, and as hard as it was, I needed to look around, take my time, read some stories, and let it sink in.  If someone had volunteered answers or opinions at that point, I am certain that I would’ve run away—never mind that I thought I was ready for answers. 

You are welcome here, and I am glad to meet you.  I learned that the “share your story” part is sometimes graphic, and there were times that I needed that.  You might too, or you might not.  The “gathering place” seems to be where people post daily trials and get reinforcement.  Look around and feel free to reach out if you need it.  

[Hello]

Hi @drgncro i am glad you’re here and I look forward to getting to know you better.  Welcome!

[Ready to talk]

Hi @PBJ17, I looked and listened for quite a while before even joining!  I’m glad you’re here—take all the time you need.

[First post]

Hi @clg, congratulations on taking a strong step forward.  You are very welcome here!

[New and Nervous]

@NssAngel9, it means a lot to us too.  It’s good to have a place to talk, and also have a place to support others.  

[New and Nervous]

Hi @NssAngel9, welcome!  I was really nervous when I joined a couple of months ago, and I am really glad that I stuck with it—it IS good to process and feel my way through things with others who “get it”.  I look forward to getting to know you better!

[Newbie]

Hi @l3anne, and welcome!  

From a purely practical standpoint, maybe start with some of the Gathering Place posts, and maybe the blogs.  The Fun and Games part is low stress too.  Share My Story is powerful, and you’ll want to consider what kind of mood you’re in and whether/when is a good time to look in there.  You’ll be struck right away by how kind and supportive people are here; I am glad you found this spot!

 

 

[Noob here, first post]

Hi, and welcome!  I think you’ll find this a healing place to be, and I know you’ll get lots of support here.  

Take all the time you need, and for what it’s worth, I kind of thought you were “supposed to” share your story here, but after being here several weeks I’ve realized that it is just one of many ways you can interact with this community.  So don’t think you have to be in any kind of hurry, ok?  Take your time, get comfortable, look around—all on your own timetable.

i look forward to getting to know you!

[Thank you]

Hi, @Heart.  I think you’ll be safe here.  I was worried about that when I joined, but I has turned out to be about the safest place I’ve ever been.  Welcome.

[.]

Hi @Striver.  I am glad you found this site.  I’ve been here a couple of months and it has been a lifeline for me; I hope it will be the same for you.  

I get why you’d be wondering, and I think you WILL fit in.  The fact that you have to wonder makes me kind of sad, but then, I wondered too  when I joined—wondered if I could trust people here, wondered if I’d be “found” here, wondered if I would fit in...

i can tell you honestly that there are times that I don’t want to respond to male members.  Just like there are times that I don’t want to respond to people with certain stories, or particular turns of speech.  And then other days I seek out those exact same voices.  What I mean is, my impulse to connect at any given time is about ME, and where I am at that day—it is not about the other person.  You are very welcome here.  Good job seeking out support and community!

[Trying to understand what happened]

Hi!  I am so glad you called a hotline for help, and that they sent you here.  You’ll find lots of support and company here, and just being among people who understand is very powerful for me.  

[Hello People]

Hello!  You are very welcome here and I am glad you came!  Look around and get acquainted with the site, and I think you’ll start to feel at home.  You’ll definitely find people who support and understand you.

[Hello?]

Welcome!  You’ve come to a good place, and it is a pleasure to “meet” you.

[Hi, a little scared and feel like an imposter]

Hi and welcome.  It makes sense that you’re nervous, and you can take all the time you need to look around, get to know the site, and decide how much or how little you would like to share.  You are welcome here!