Hi!!! How are you doing? So good to have you drop by. We need to see you more often here. This is a safe place to be. I want everyone out there to have a voice. We are better together. Take care, and come back soon. I think you will find it as enjoyable and as comfortable as I do. Like my favorite spot on the sofa!

@mamasitalucita, Those are beautiful words, "We are better together".
Rosemary

thanks Mamasitalucita

We are, indeed, better together.  We all have come through many storms, and many, many deserts, to get where we are.  If we reach out to each other in compassion and friendship, we can do anything.  There is still suffering, there's still a part of life that is more difficult for many of us to travel through.  But together we can see life for what it is.  A journey that can be joyful, when we share it.

@rosemarya, I have a lovely, kind, neurotypical friend who uses the phrase 'We are better together" referring to her parrish. I cannot take credit for the phrase, but I love to use it myself when referring to our community. Those of us who are on the Spectrum are a pretty tight knit bunch, once we find each other. We amazingly have so much in common. We are all different, with our likes and dislikes, our job experiences, and so much else. And yet, at the same time, little quirks pop up here and there that seem to be unique to our group. So there are lots of great "Aha!" moments. I agree with you. Those are indeed beautiful words, " We are better together." Until next time, @mamacitalucita

It takes time to build trust. I suppose that is why it has always been so hard for me to make real, long lasting friends. I tend to keep my guard up a bit, waiting for the other shoe to fall. But not nearly so much, the more transparent I have become. Time and circumstances have taught me that there are many levels of friendships. These days it is much more comforting to simply be grateful for the ones who have come into my life. Each one fills up a part of me that needed healing, wholeness, community. And the ones who didn't stay? Well, they taught me a lesson, as well. Don't take tomorrow for granted. We might not have it. But don't be afraid. Breathe. Drink that first cup of tea or coffee, or whatever beverage you consume first thing in the morning. Look up at the sky, and please, gentle soul...tell yourself this one thing: you are worthy. You will find your place, and you will find members of your tribe. Here, there, not all at one time, necessarily. But you will find them. And they will find you, too. Peace, until next time, @mamacitalucita

@mamasitalucita and @rosemarya

We are better together is a favorite phrase of mine because it is so true! Connect exists because Mayo Clinic understands that "we are better together."

I formed a support group at my church last year for people dealing with chronic illnesses, we call it Living & Thriving, and "we are better together" is a way I close my emails to our group!

Teresa

@mamasitalucita Yes, it is wise to build friendships slowly - to know who to trust. The folks that we can bare our souls to should only be those in our inner circle of friendship. That is a very wise approach for those on the Spectrum as well as those who consider ourselves neurotypicals!

Teresa

@hopeful33250, that is so awesome that you started a support group at your church! You know, I feel like my life has been so much better since I have been participating in the various groups here at Mayo Clinic Connect. We are, indeed, better together. It is so important to have someone to talk to when there are physical challenges in life. Mental illness is still a stereotype. People are afraid to speak up, which puts them further into isolation. I am very grateful for Mayo Clinic Connect!

I agree with you, @mamasitalucita. I too am very grateful for Mayo Connect. For many people it does represent a life line, a safe way to leave their own isolated world and begin the process of sharing with others.

Even for those of us who do not live isolated lives, Connect is a way to share our experiences and gain strength. Mayo Connect is a win-win experience for us all!

Teresa