Trauma Support Community Check-in for Thursday October 29 2020
Hey you wonderful people :) How are you all doing? This is an official - unofficial check in. My first actually :) official or unofficial - So I’m a little nervous.
Where I live the weather has started to turn colder - so what better way to warm up than a campfire? They’re usually a nice way to relax and unwind. A place where friends can gather and enjoy each other’s company and talk about whatever comes up.
Hopefully since you’ve all seen me around here and there - you’ll all feel comfortable enough to stop in. Pull up a chair or a log and feel free to share whatever is on your beautiful minds. If you’d rather not talk - that’s ok too. We can sit quietly and just enjoy the quiet together.
Please remember - you’re not alone. There are many people that you can reach out to - no one has to go through it alone.
Be gentle with yourselves and your thoughts.
*J*
@adaptableLake3534 @AstronomySkies @AveryLove @BeenAKiwi @BillyJoeBobb @blueScarf9326 @BrokenDreamsPalace @CaptainTrev @CaringBrit @CoolBeans29 @crimsonLime6525 @crxxtvfl0w @depressedsatellite1452 @emylly @Feathersfall @FigureskatingEquestrian @Fireskye13 @Fleggles @Gagaintheroom @gentleLand5245 @goldenSpruce1512 @Grandmaof10 @gregariousBeing5071 @hillsideblues @HonestWarrior6624 @HopeNChayil @HumanPersonThingy @Hydrangea03 @InfinityandBeyond23 @Itisbailey @jr50 @jupitermatilde @Kekesea11 @Kickiree @Lilly28 @lovehummingbirdsCindy @lowkeyem1001 @Lubo123 @Mellietronx @mkaitx @mytwistedsoul @navyMango2804 @neatBlueberry3608 @NevaehRose @Nolanhm @NoneTheWiser @nonethewiser @notmyselftoday @npos25 @oceancruiser48 @OffDutySeraph @ottersngiggles @pencilmarks @PinkestOctopus @rainbow3140 @Randomperson453 @ReallyRuth @Rebekahwriter13 @Redhawk6547 @redmark @Rosa9570 @SarahAlaina15 @sensitiveShade5337 @Silverviolets @sleepingd0gg0 @SoulSupporter102 @spectacularSunrise7824 @stickercollection @Summer899 @SynSavory @Taylorz27 @tealOak8933 @The0Vetoed0System @ThreadbareThinker @TransparentPuzzle @Turtlegrrrl8 @u1146 @Understandingempath @UndomesticGoddess @weepingwillow5489 @WelcomeToChat @Worrior22Warrior @Writersworld
<333 I'd rather not talk, but I'll for sure listen! <333
@The0Vetoed0System Hey how are you? It's nice to see you here :) I've seen you on a few other threads - I'll have to revisit them and introduce myself properly. It's good to just listen sometimes isn't it? It helps give you an idea of the people around you doesn't it? I hope you'll find that all of us here in the Trauma community are understanding and caring. Of course - there's never any pressure to talk. But we're all here to support anyone and everyone who needs it :)
Thank you so much for joining me today
@mytwistedsoul
I agree! One of the reasons there are so many problems in this world is because people don't listen. If we all stopped and listened to each other, we would learn things and fix things we never would have if we kept talking. But, if we all listened then nothing would get done. I've talked a lot on previous forum posts, so I think it's my turn to listen for a change. I look forward to getting to know you too! Thank you!
Sincerely
The Vetoed System
*Pulls chair up to campfire, hands out marshmellows and sticks* It's a little colder here too, I like campfires
Hello @mytwistedsoul (or do you perfer being called J?). Thank you for being brave and posting even though you are nervous 
I know I've seen you around, though I have trouble remembering at first without faces. (I think your pfp has changed since the last time I saw it?)
I've been feeling up and down, though more down than up lately. I've been thinking about the future, a topic that tends to scare me. I think I want to work in the mental health field, or raise mental health awareness, maybe by using my artwork.
You're right, we're not alone. I think it's easy to feel alone when everyone is just around some corner or it's dark so that you can't see them. Those are the times you need to reach out, or call out. I'm thankful for digital devices that help me reach out when everyone is too far away to physically hear me.
*Looks up at stars*
It's hard to reach out. The culture I've gown up in, it honors "Doing it by yourself!" and it tends to not value or promote asking for help. I wonder, can I help change this culture, or if not, can I help create a new culture that values reaching out for help? I know either way I have a responsibility to fill.
I think the help I need today is just to be heard, so thank you for listening.
*pokes at campfire*
How about you? How are you doing, what's on your mind?
@HunterRose Hey It's really nice to see you here :) Marshmellows! Awesome - thank you!
Either one works tbh - some people call me Soul too - but J is good too. What ever is most comfortable for you :) I did change my pfp - we decided we needed to dress up for Halloween so - for now it's a pirat - lol! But you'll find it's allmost allways a rattie in the picture
I'm sorry to hear you've been dealing with the ups and downs - I think the downs can be so hard to deal with - especially when there seems to be more of them. The up's are often far and few inbetween. The future is scary alot of times isn't it? There often seems to be so much at stake to ensure a good future. I think your idea of using your art work to raise mental health awareness sounds like a wonderful idea - it sort of combines two of the things you're interested in. Like art therapy. With that you could take your work in the mental health field and your art to help others use art as a way to express themselves
I completely understand that - in many ways I think it's easier to reach out through digital means then it might be to reach out physically. It's so hard to reach out in the first place. Especially if you're told to do things yourself - to handle it on your own. Reaching out isn't a sign of weakness - it takes an incredible amount of strength and courage to say that you need help. I admire you for doing so today :) I think you could pave the way towards a more open minded culture when it comes to reaching out. Perhaps this is where your art work would help? It sounds like something that I think would be very fullfilling
Thank you for joining me today :) I'm allways happy to listen to anything you may want to talk about - I may not have all the answers but there is allways an ear here for you should you need or want :) No pressure though of course!
Today - has been - hmmm - ok so far lol! Thank you for asking :) Tbh - my mind is on the fact that recently it was found out that Superman had a monkey named Beppo - I didn't know this LOL
I hope you have a good day or evening - depending on your part of the world. Please remember that we're here for you should you need to talk
Aw, the pirat is very adorable
I suppose I'll call you @mytwistedsoul so it shows up in your notifications, then Soul or J to say stuff like this -
Hello J, nice to officially meet you!
I've been thinking about my values and reserching careers today, and art therapist was one of the possibilities that showed up! The uncirtainties of the future have me nervous, but the possiblities have me excited.
Haha! I've never heard of Beppo before this either! Glad to hear your day is going okay so far - I hope it continues so
Thank you for listening to and encouraging me today, it has helped add to the "ups" of the week. I'm gradually learning to believe in the "Reaching out is a sign of strength and courage" mindset.
Hope you have a good night/day!
@HunterRose Thank you :) Its very nice to meet you too!
I can understand why the uncertainty would make you nervous. This is your future and you want the best for yourself. I think it's normal to be nervous about that. But like you said - the possibilities are exciting - I've allways heard that half the battle is finding something you enjoy doing. Then you have a career that you look forward to doing every day
You're welcome - I'm allways happy to listen. It is hard to reach out - especially if we were told we shouldn't or if we were made to feel bad when we did. I'm slowly learning the same thing - that it is a sign of strength and courage to be able to do it. I think it will take time to become really comfortable with doing it. I really glad it helped add to the ups of your week :) Knowing that adds to the ups of my week - thank you!
I hope you have a really nice weekend! Remember - we're here for you if you need anything. Take good care of yourself :)
@mytwistedsoul ❤️ Campfire sounds amazing. I can already feel the warmth thinking about it. We can have some apple pies and peanut butter jelly sandwiches alongside xD
I have been having some embarrassing delusions about doorknobs communicating and seeing things in them that are not actually there. They all sound silly and cannot be true. But I am doing ok and keeping up with things
Thank you for this check-in ❤️
@hillsideblues Hey It's really nice to see you here :) We definitely need the warmth today! It is cold out! And you brought apple pies and PB&J sandwiches! Awesome!
I'm sorry to hear about the delusions - it can be embarrassing when things like that happen. I hope that you can get a break from them soon. I have a bad habit of talking out loud in public inside of talking inside - if that makes sense. I know it has gotten me some really weird looks. I think you've been doing really great with sharing what you're going through. I'm really glad to hear that you're doing ok :)
Thank you so much for joining me here today and for the pies and PB&Js - lol - now I'm hungry
Take good care of yourself
@mytwistedsoul
Hi! 
I'm ok ish. I have an exam today, and the class only does like 4 big grades, so I'm a little nervous, but it's all multiple choice and true/false questions, and I'm a good test taker when it comes to that.
I'm 98% sure I got a concussion last night (PSA: heavy doors are dangerous) so that's a thing, but I've had one before, so I know what to do to heal well.
I think the depresso part of PTSD is getting a little worse currently, but for me personally it's just numbness, not stereotypical depresso, so it's harder to recognize in myself (I call it depresso to make it sound a little more fun, like espresso--but I don't like coffee so idk why my brain finds it funny--& it makes me smile for a second when I say it)
I was really happy last night cause when I was cross-stitching, from across the room my friend thought I was holding an actual picture, which means I'm doing the design well
That's about it for now 
have a nice day!
@HumanPersonThingy Hey - It's nice to see you here today :) I really like your name :)
Good luck on your exam! I would be alittle nervous too if the class only does 4 big grades. At least with true /false you have a 50 percent chance of getting it right :)
A concussion! Holy cow - I hope you're taking good care of yourself. It's good that you know how to care for it but I'm sorry that you've had to deal with it before
I'm sorry to hear that the depression is getting worse but I love what you called it :) It made me smile too! Kind of like if you get depressed in the Bahama's - does that make it a tropical depression? Sometimes we need to find those little things that make us smile or even laugh at times. It doesn't really make things go away but it keeps them alittle more bearable
Cross stitch has allways looked so hard to do! That would be a great compliment to hear - maybe sometime you would be willing to share some of your designs here at Cups. No pressure of course :)
Thank you for joining me here today and sharing whats on your mind :) I hope you take good care of yourself - especially with the concussion
@mytwistedsoul
Hello 😊
First of all, I want to tell you that I loved your post. Is this really your first one? You did a great job!
A campfire sounds great but I'd rather have a trip to the beach since summer is getting close here 🤣
Umm, ok so I'll share whatever is in my mind. Last week was a disaster but this one is being nice. My mom gave me new rollerblades and I've been practicing and learning, and I love it. It is a wonderful way to keep my mind away from bad memories and thoughts, and to keep my body healthy.
I've been feeling good these past few days and I decided to go back to class after skipping classes for more than a month. All my classmates were watching at my cam all the time and asking me why I've been away. I didn't know what to say. It was akward. I decided to step back. I'll try tomorrow again.
I have a lot to catch up with but I've been trying so hard and I turned in all my assignments. My grades aren't that bad and it motivates me a little.
I don't know what else to say. Have a nice weekend everyone💖
@Kimmkimm Hey it's nice to see you :) I'm glad you like it - it is - lol - I'm really glad it's going so well thank you!
It's allmost summer there? Winter hasn't even started here yet and I allready think it's too cold! A trip to the beach sounds wonderful!
I'm sorry to hear that last week was a disaster but it's really good that this one is being nice. Rollerblades sound like alot of fun and a great way to keep you busy and active. It's wonderful when we find things that we love doing that help us with the bad memories and thoughts - isn't it?
I think it's a good idea that you're listening to how you're feeling and taking it slowly and stepping back as you need to. I think that alot of times when we try to force ourselves and rush things we end up making things alittle harder for ourselves
It's really great that you've turned in all your assignments - that in it's self says how hard you've been trying. Even if there are things you need to catch up on yet - I have no doubt that you'll be able to do it
Thank you for joining me here today. I hope you have a good weekend too and take good care of yourself. Be careful and have fun with your rollerblades!
@mytwistedsoul
Thank you. I will.
I am doing well this afternoon. Today we ( me and my Husband) need to go to the Bank and do a few other Errands. I also need to go give my Horses some Grain later. I have only been here, maybe five or six days. I am doing so much better it is noticeable. I even had a very Triggering situation that would previously have been incapacitating happen just a few days ago and I was able to come here, talk it out and it turned out okay.
@Breezy2013 Hey it's nice to meet you and see you here :)
Sounds like a busy day! I hope you and your husband are able to get the things done you need to. You have horse? I bet they keep you busy too - beautiful animals
It's great to hear that you've been doing better since coming here.I'm sorry to hear you had a situation trigger you but I'm glad that your coming here and being able to talk about it helped. There are alot of really awesome people here that are willing to listen and help when these things happen
I hope the rest of your week goes just as well :)
Thank you for joining me here today - I hope you take good care of yourself
@mytwistedsoul
Hey there! It is nice to meet you! I love this weather!!! I have been hanging out in hoodies and blankets in my hammock at night, and just enjoying life. I am a pediatric nurse, and I just got a new job today so I'm excited!! I got started on a medication for my PTSD nightmares a few months ago, and my life has changed for the better. Just taking life one day at a time. It is nice to meet you all!!
@Itisbailey Hey it's nice to see you here :) It's nice to meet you too! Can I send you the cold weather we have here then? Lol!
Wow a pediatric nurse - that is so awesome! Congratulations on the new job! That would be exciting! I'm glad to hear that the new medication is helping with your nightmares. You definitely need to get good sleep with the work you do. It's great that it's changed your life for the better. One day at a time is the best way to take it I think :)
Thank you for joining me here today - Take good care of yourself and I hope you have a great first day at work!
@mytwistedsoul
“A little nervous” means you care, and that’s great.
Are there “unofficial” check-ins ? We should have more of those !!!
Great check-in !
It engaged people and promoted meaningful conversations.
The Campfire is a great allegory.
It might be cold outside, but it’s warm here.
It might be dark, but here there is light.
It might be solitary, but here we are among friends.
There might be frightening beasts in the dark, but they keep out of here.
It might be hostile out there, but here there is only love.
So let’s sing Kumbaya, roast some sausages and marshmallows over the fire, play games, and enjoy the party while the fire lasts !!!
@WelcomeToChat Hey it's nice to see you :)
Thank you - I do care for everyone I talk to. I understand what its like to be alone and unheard. To suffer in silence. Thinking that no-one cares - that you're just a blip on the screen
I had wanted to try a check in for along time tbh - so I asked if I could give it a try. Sort of like a test drive lol! It went better then I could imagine thanks to the great members who stopped in :)
I like your description. It's perfect and paints a beautiful image
As long as it's not christmas carols! I'm not quite ready for that or to hear let it go from Frozen - 2 dozen times a day lol!
Thank you for joining me here today - it's really nice to see you so active with all the members. Take good care of yourself
@mytwistedsoul
Your Check-In was great and it worked amazing. Check-ins have a purpose, exactly the same that your ”campfire”. You accomplished 100% that purpose, of bringing the community together to promote bonding and stimulate healing conversations.
In the current check-in schedule, there is more than enough space for more people. Even if that were not the case, just rotating weeks, etc. it would be possible to accommodate any number of “checkiners”.
So, as the test-drive went great, go for the car ! I have no doubt that it will be great for the vitality of the group.
BTW, thank you for your compliments on my post!
As songs go, I chose Kumbaya, because it’s a spiritual that’s almost mandatory in campfires down here in Argentina. Our translated version doesn’t have any religious references, though. All the other campfire songs are local folk that everybody knows. I wonder why Kumbaya ended up as “the” campfire song here. The Scout movement, maybe?
Thank you for such a good time we had today. I look forward to more of your check-ins.
You are great !
Marcelo.
@mytwistedsoul
just going to sit for a while by the fire with you all, been hiding a little too much recently, not good for me to do
also just wanted to say you done awesome for your first check in
@crimsonLime6525 Hey Lime :) it is really nice to see you here. I've missed seeing you around - you're often in my thoughts
I'm sorry you've been isolating and I know sometimes we need to do it and you're right - too much isn't good for you. I understand how hard it can be to leave that and come back to people though. So it really means alot that you visited me here :)
Thank you for saying it was awesome :) Thank you for joining me here today too. I hope you take good care of yourself :) * leaves a pack of hugs* Just in case - ok?
@crimsonLime6525
Hi Lime. Its good to see you.
@mytwistedsoul Hello it was comforting to see your words that I am not alone. thank you so much
@sadeggie 👍👍👍
@handsomeLight Hey it's nice to see you :)
How are you? You snuck in lol - I allmost didn't see you hiding here :)
Thank you for joining me here today - take care of yourself
@mytwistedsoul I'm good thank you how are you? Yeah it was my first time here.. I was wondering how to post here I mean I only Can reply but can't post 🤔
@handsomeLight I'm glad to hear that you're good :)
At the top and bottom of the page there should be a blue button that says post to thread. That allows you to post without without replying or tagging anyone. If that isn't there let me know and we'll have to figure something else out :)
@mytwistedsoul there is none
@sadeggie Hey it's nice to see you. Welcome :)
I'm glad you found comfort in my words. I do mean them :) So many of us spend too much of our time alone. Here you'll find people who understand the things you may be going through. We're here for you.
Thank you for joining me here today. I hope to see you again :) Take good care of yourself