Weekly Prompt #26: What can help you feel less alone in your struggle?

@ASilentObserver

I think practicing mindfulness, seeing the silver lining and pulling self care cards all can help me feel less alone.

The more things I do to invest in myself the more I feel capable of weathering the storms that come upon me.

I think that's because it makes me less dependent on others and more able to be independent and validate myself.

Doing nice things like an advent calendar journey, a DIY face mask and writing in my  gratitude journal is also helpful.

When I can find comfort and courage in my independence, I create more space to then to be effectively interdependent.

I'm still bad at it: There's all these twists and burns. But if I can just keep going maybe I'll eventually be okay.

@communicativePond1728 yes keep going ❤ you'll get there. And you got us to support and listen to you when it all gets tough ❤gives you a giant festive tiny hug ❤

@Tinywhisper11 thaaaaanks! 🎄 I've been listening to lots of Xmas music thanks to you 💞

@communicativePond1728 That sounds like you have found some practices that help you feel more capable and independent during challenging times. Creating space to validate yourself through mindfulness, gratitude, and self-care seems to give you courage and comfort. What aspects of independence feel most empowering for you?

@ASilentObserver oooh another good question,  dang! 🤔 Because I like adventure but also the familiar, and am an ambivert and INTJ  something that touches all those bases feels best for me...

@ASilentObserver staying busy and exercising 

@tealLion9329 that's awsome ❤ I think I might do the opposite of those things though😁 merry Christmas ❤

@Tinywhisper11 lol saaaaaaaame

@tealLion9329 That makes sense. It can be challenging when you're feeling overwhelmed by negative thoughts and emotions. What types of things have you found to help you stay busy and exercise?

@ASilentObserver I recently got into painting so I've been doing my own projects that I use to decorate my room with and I'm hand sewing a blanket for my bed

@ALeXaNdEr0712 aww honey, I know life can be hard, especially when you think noone cares. But I hear you, and we are all here for you ❤❤merry Christmas ❤ how are you feeling now?

@ALeXaNdEr0712 I'm doing ok ❤❤ so yesterday you felt idk. How about today?? Are you feeling at least meh!????

@ALeXaNdEr0712 well crap is not that bad, could be worse you could be completely utterly crapalisious😁 yep crapalisious is a real word ❤❤ gives you a giant festive tiny hug ❤❤  I painted a blue rabbit today😁 what did you get up to??

@ALeXaNdEr0712 doing stupid stuff, still counts as doing something😁 I do I love arts and crafts ❤ it keeps me sane 😁😁 the bunny is called gizmo😎 do you have any pets??

@ALeXaNdEr0712 Hi Alex, proud of you for sharing your thoughts. It sounds like you value feeling less alone in your struggles. Feeling understood and cared for can bring comfort during difficult times. What feelings arise for you when you think about having someone check in and offer their support? 

@ALeXaNdEr0712  understand Alex. you are experiencing many difficult emotions. Feeling frustration, anger and sadness are understandable. You are worthy simply for being you - please be gentle with yourself during this time.

What can help you feel less alone in your struggle? 

Probably communicating with my partner, spending time with the little one, and coming here to 7cups to find others who are going through similar struggles. I tend to also be harsher on myself rather than others, so sometimes I take a step back and say "if someone I loved was going through what I am going through ,what would I say?"...

I definitely wouldn't be as harsh. It teaches me to self-reflect a bit and try to come up with a solution to, from the struggles or obstacles in the way.

@ImpudentIncognito yep sometimes we can be out own hardest critics. But your doing so well, for all the carp you've been through, your still standing strong. I'm proud of you ❤❤ I hope you your lil one and partner have a magical fairytale xmas ❤❤ 

@ImpudentIncognito Thank you for sharing what helps you feel less alone in your struggle, impudent. It makes sense that spending time with your little one and communicating with your partner can provide comfort. Practicing self-compassion by asking yourself how you would support a loved one in your position is also helpful. 

@ASilentObserver

ASO, I haven't the vaguest idea.  Please tell me the answer to your question.  Right now I need support.  

Thanks.

@purpleTree4652 😥 hugs you tightly ❤ are you ok?

@Tinywhisper11

Hi, Tiny,

I'm not sure.  Thank you for asking.

(hugs)

@purpleTree4652 hugs you tightly ❤ we are all here for you sweetie ❤❤

@purpleTree4652 I hear you. It sounds like you're feeling overwhelmed by your struggles right now. Feeling alone in our challenges can make them even heavier. Feeling understood and supported can bring comfort during difficult times. Is there anything that has helped you feel less alone in the past when dealing with tough emotions or situations?

@ASilentObserver

having people to talk to and having them listen to me.  I've only found that through 7cups.  I've never had people in my life who supported me.  Well, I had one friend online for about a year and a half.  But she pulled away from me.

@purpleTree4652 I understand this must have been difficult without people who understood you. It is touching that you found support through 7cups. You deserve to have caring people in your life who make time to listen without judgment.

@ASilentObserver what helps me feel less alone, is 7 cups ❤ and talking to my carers and the old folks who live here, I love listening to their stories😁 also talking to my son in heaven and to God ❤ and sleeping I really tired now, I think I'm gonna call it a day. ❤ obs what about you? What helps you?

merry Christmas ❤❤

@Tinywhisper11 I am glad that you have found comfort in connecting with others through 7 Cups and sharing experiences with those around you. It is wonderful that you have a strong support system. Taking care of yourself by getting enough rest is important too. I hope you had a good rest Tiny. 

@ASilentObserver

When others respect my voice, do their best, assume nothing and are mentors, cheerleaders and guides to me then that's what works for me.

@communicativePond1728 It sounds like feeling respected, understood and empowered in your journey is so important to you. When others take the time to truly listen without judgment, believe in your strengths, and gently guide without dictating, their support must mean a lot. 

@ASilentObserver truth. truth (from others and from myself) can support. i wish i never have to pretend anything just would like people are sure and telling true without faking rigidity and if someone is lonely whats stoping you from hugging them? tell them you love them and it doesn't matter if they will fail you are with them and will not hurt them if tey tell truth.

@considerateWalker6214 It sounds like connecting with others through honesty and compassion is important to you. Just being present with someone who cares can make all the difference. What kinds of support do you find most helpful in difficult times? 

@ASilentObserver which helps me to solve actual problem. problems look clearly while being honest. 

@ASilentObserver I don't know.

@ASilentObserver

What helps me to feel less alone is this app. Lately i have been feeling really bad again but this app is keeping my mental health at an ok level😂