[Baxter1]

F-

The dog (Baxter) has absolutely helped me get this far. Taking long walks and just getting out if the house definitely helps clear the mind. As for GAL I definitely had to force myself in the beginning, after a while I started to look forward to it. I’m an introvert so getting out there is tough but worth the effort. Sounds like you’re doing well, keep it up!

[Flummoxed]

Thanks, Baxter1! Hoping to get to your level soon 😂 As a fellow introvert, I didn’t think I’d see the day when time at home wasn’t the recovery cure, but here we are. Three cheers for Baxter (the dog)- for being such a great companion, especially during this time.

[Flummoxed]

Journaling:

Look at me go- a whole week since my last post. Not going to lie; I'm a little proud.

Not much of an update regarding the MLCer- I did get one reach out from Monster regarding his next steps, served with a rationale that sounded like it could make sense to someone who didn't know what they were talking about. I'm staying dark for the time being, practically going ghost. Cook away, you confused man.

I did end up meeting up with my friend last week and it was a blast- to no one's surprise on this forum. We've made plans to meet again this week. Over the course of this past week, I've also got the chance to meet with my therapist, donate a bunch of furniture that no longer brought me joy, started learning tarot, found a great local bakery from where I can pick up some fantastic bread, handed a family guitar over for repair, picked up some fiction novels from the library to attempt to read, and got lunch and visited an art gallery with my brother. I also started spending my evenings in the backyard, tucked under a blanket, taking in the chill and catching the sunset. It's a beautifully peaceful moment that I hope to take advantage of for as long as the weather allows. The moment is promptly followed by the hottest tea and an indoor blanket to support recuperation efforts.

I have my dogsitting stint starting tomorrow and I'm very excited to have a little company for the next couple of weeks. I'm spending this week adding as much to my calendar for the next month as I possibly can. Any advice on fun holiday activities for solo person? It'll be my first year and I'm all for creating new traditions, but any and all ideas are most welcome! I will be getting and decorating a tree.

This past week, I've noticed the first thing I think about when I wake up has no longer been my STBXH or the change in my reality. A baby step, I know, but such a welcome change. It hits me a bit later in the morning, but my first thoughts have been things I'm looking forward to or what a wonderful time I had the day before. I'm finding I feel way better overall when I don't think about him at all. I've felt my anxiety growing over the past few days, and it really came to an uncomfortable level today- I need to unpack why that is the case. I took in an epsom salt bath, which definitely helped.

GAL-ing is helping considerably- that and getting rid of things. I'm selling my guitar and gear next week when I pick up the restored one. I feel so much better with the old furniture gone. Slowly increasing my donations and purging my life of the things that were used and/or abused without my consent. I know it's more of a mental thing than anything else, but it feels very therapeutic.

Happy Thanksgiving to all who celebrate. I'm thankful for my loved ones who have been so incredibly supportive, new and old friends for making life so much more exciting and enjoyable, for this forum for providing such a safe and unbelievable venue in which to work through this season of life, for furry friends for teaching us the importance of being in the moment and finding joy in the little things, and to the universe for directing us to opportunities for growth and betterment. Even though I would not have voluntarily chosen to be where I am today a year ago, I am thankful for the lessons I have learned along the way thus far. We only have so much time- I want to spend it with the ones I love, being loved and doing the things that bring me joy, and taking in the beauty of the world around me.

[Reinventing]

Fluxommed, you sound like you're on a great path. It has it's ups and downs emotionally for sure, but you're giving yourself a great chance to heal and make the most of a painful situation, and thrive. I see some adventures coming your way!

I was at the store today and overheard one of the employees say to a younger employee, "every day is a gift". It was said with sincerity and a smile and that was all I heard of their interaction as I walked by.

I thought to myself, what pain did that person go through in their life to come to say that? How did they come to that realization? It is true, every day is a gift.