@gingerw, @hopeful32250 , @seaspray, @artscaping, @fiesty76@colleenyoung, @johnbishop +
Hello, Ginger. Thank you.

Yes, this makes sense. It's part of what I do now. I refuse to claim the illnesses w/which I've been diagnosed. I refuse them, I don't own them, they certainly don't own me and I don't include them as part of my body. Diagnosed, yes or maybe. Mine or my - NO. They no longer define me. Wow! When did that happen? It has helped change my entire attitude toward illness and toward my life.

Actually, Ginger, it has relieved much of the pain and discomfort!

I've been working on these changes for some time now. That's why these Connect groups have been a Godsend for me. I share with folks who understand, some who are dealing with many of the same issues, maybe even for the same or similar or worse reasons. That's such a blessing... awful, eh? Sounds like I'm thankful for others' suffering. No, I'm thankful to know I wasn't chosen for some sadistic reason by someone somewhere to be the only person who feels this pain or anxiety or has so much at once. It's comforting to know I'm not alone.

I think one of the worst things about illnesses and pain and certainly PTSD is the isolation. The aloneness. I don't feel that anymore, even with quarantines. I have you, Teresa, Jake, John, Sue, Chris, Colleen, @seaspray, @fiesty76 and all the other angels on this site. And, you have me. My experiences. Then comes healing.

I have less pain in my life now than for 40 years. Less physical and emotional pain. I just realized that - off most pain meds....no cortisone shots, no script pain meds but robaxiin for cramping, cymbalta for fibro/anxiety and MMJ. All the others I rejected.

My, Connect, changing my thinking patterns and habits, becoming much more positive. Somewhere I changed. Now, the real me is coming back. I hope many others experience this with their relationships with themselves, pain, family, friends - get this help from this place. What a phenomenal gift you have to give.

So, more research into DBT. One day I'll share it with my son. His PTSD is severe and this will be important to him. It appears to be related to changing cognitive thinking. Interesting.

Thanks. Lots to think about. Maybe someone will read this and it will lead them on a similar journey. I hope so.
Bless you and all who walk here.
Elizabeth