Hi Anita

Thanks for your kindness and understanding!

I try and communicate with people online the way that I communicate in real life.

I think it was one of your posts that wasn’t addressed specifically where you mentioned that you didn’t want sympathy or empathy.

I wasn’t sure if that was a one off or an indication or if you were seeking a new communication style. I didn’t want to hurt you by overstepping in a way that you weren’t comfortable with.

It’s okay for people to have different preferences and I do appreciate when you share these things.

I’m glad that you weren’t hurt. I wouldn’t want to make you feel uncomfortable. ❤️ 🫂

Maybe the reality of being alone is that I prefer it as a concept or an emotion to a practical reality. I used to have panic attacks when left alone because my biological mother left us alone often at a young age. I like having a calming caring presence nearby. A dog is enough for me to feel safe. I used to feel uncomfortable when left with my own thoughts, but not anymore.

I don’t think anyone deserves to be alone, it is a shame that life is that way sometimes. ❤️

Hi Anita

Sorry I planned to write to you yesterday, but it turned out to be a bit of a rough day. I’ll try to write as soon as I’m able. Thinking of you! ❤️

I’m sorry that things are so difficult for you and your loved ones at the moment.

I agree that one day, one moment at a time is a good strategy.

I find that gratitude practice is really helpful for appreciating life even when it has difficulties. It is really hard to do when things are difficult at first, so I skipped the rough days. Eventually, it does get easier though and it opens up to seeing the good even on bad days.

It isn’t a quick fix. But in time, it helps.

Another thing that I found to be helpful is to practice mindfulness during an activity that I enjoy. For example, walking the dogs. Focusing on that moment, putting one foot in front of the other, looking at the trees, seeing the dogs enjoy themselves. It helps to ground me. If worries creep in that is okay but back to focusing on the moment when I notice. It is important to take time for ourselves when we can.

You deserve to be happy Anita! I think you’re a really special person. I believe in you! ❤️

Hi Anita

I think that being scared is okay. They are your loved ones and it shows that you care. I’m sure if things get worse people will be allowed to leave Israel and take shelter in other countries. Perhaps it might be worth discussing this with them and figuring out how to plan for something like that?

Being there for them is more than enough.

Has the depressed person ever hurt themselves or anything before? Do they drink? Are they experiencing any significant life changes?

It is sad to see people that you care about hurting. Remember to take a break and take care of yourself when you need it. You cannot help others if you burn out. ❤️

Hi Britney

I guess, I’ve always dated other people who have their own traumatic experiences. So no one has really judged me.

I’ve always I always dated people after being friends with them for a while first and been open about my PTSD. No, I’ve never taken a partner to my individual therapy. I hear that some people do if they have something that they want to discuss.

Is there a reason that you are asking these questions? Do you have any concerns about these things in your own life? ❤️

Hi Omyk

Congratulations on all of the professional success! It sounds like you’ve been incredibly busy. I can imagine that cramming the socialising of 4-5 months into such a short period whilst you are stressed being so busy is a bit overwhelming.

It’s another time, where you pushed your needs aside to get on with the task at hand. Well done on taking care of your responsibilities and providing for yourself and your family, but I hope that you can find some time to unwind a little somehow after all of that. You’ve worked really hard and deserve to relax after all of that. ❤️

I feel like work socialization is pretty surface level unless you particularly trust and click with someone. What do you think? You seem like you have a rich inner life which you might not necessarily share with colleagues?

What are you ideally looking for in socialization? Emotional support? To discuss your inner world? Something else? What kind of people do you enjoy spending time with?

I feel like it is harder to socialize as an adult. Everyone has their own busy lives. It takes time to build a strong connection with people, if they want it. A lot of people don’t have the time.

Good luck on your journey exploring all of this! ❤️

Hi Peter

I feel like a lack of self-compassion is very common these days. It is true, compassion and self-compassion are inherently joined. I think it is really important to work on self-compassion which will inevitably lead to developing compassion towards others.

Thank you for sharing such excellent quotes, as always! ❤️

Hi Anita

More war is never good news.

It is honestly okay to let that love go.

I understand it is truly horrible to experience and so frightening. The lack of love, remorse and care is something that no child should have to experience, let alone from a parent. There are no excuses.

Forgiveness is not about your mother at all. It is about you. Freeing yourself from the pain of your past.

Feeling the feelings as they arise, expressing them and letting them go. You are already doing the right thing and everything that is necessary for you to do to heal. Just keep living your journey, let it flow and ease. ❤️