Self-Sabotage

[WretchedKid]

Oh, thank you @MatchaToad !

I agree. Even in the moment, I was not only surprised I didn't shrink into myself, but also surprised I could hold eye contact and be calm enough internally to "play it cool", given my long history with anxiety.

But I also am slowly learning that things don't need to swing between two extremes. I have to find the sweet spot in the middle somehow.

It's an interesting take that regret could be a "threat"... I'll have to do some soul-searching on that. At least I'm getting closer to self-forgiveness each day, albeit inch by inch.

Well, I have so far found a lot of comfort in nostalgia. Going to places from my childhood, listening to songs from my teens, games I used to play... Maybe I'll lean into those things more and hope it aids the healing.

Thank you again for checking up on me! 🙂

[MatchaToad]

@WretchedKid 

That is honestly such a massive win! Holding eye contact and staying calm internally in a high-stakes moment is a high level of growth for someone with a history of anxiety. You should be really proud of that! You showed up for the interaction in a way "past you" couldn't have 💚

I really love that you're finding the "sweet spot" between the extremes. Life rarely happens at 0 or 100, and finding that middle ground is where sustainable healing lives.

Leaning into nostalgia is actually a brilliant strategy. Psychologically, nostalgia provides a sentimental longing that can act as a stabilising force when the present feels chaotic or painful. It reminds you of your continuity, that you are the same person who survived those teen years and childhood challenges, and you'll survive this wave too!

Take care of yourself! 💚

[WretchedKid]

You're a great cheerleader and perspective-giver, @MatchaToad ! Take care of yourself as well! 🙂

[Nala2022]

Hey @WretchedKid, I’m sorry for the late response

I’m really glad some of it clicked for you. Those moments where things start to make a bit more sense can feel pretty big, especially after you’ve been stuck in your head with it all.

And honestly, what happened sounds like such a normal human response. When something feels unfamiliar or important, our brains can do all sorts of things in the moment, freeze included.

I’m sorry things have been a bit up and down. That can be exhausting. But I’m really glad to hear you’re trying to eat better and ease back into some rhythm. Sometimes it’s the small things that help steady us again.

Go gently with yourself 😊

[WretchedKid]

Please don't be sorry, @Nala2022 , but thanks for remembering me! 🙂

I'll make sure to take it a day and a step at a time. I really appreciate all of your help! Take care!

[tyme]

Hey @WretchedKid ,

How are you today? Great to see you around.

[WretchedKid]

Hi @tyme ! I've noticed you here and there. 🙂

I'm too distracted by life to focus on my emotions at the moment, haha... I want to process properly, but deadlines got me tied up until Thursday.

But I'm gradually finding my peace again. Hope you're doing well too!

[tyme]

That's life for you. Somedays are better than others. I've learnt that we've just got to learn to ride the wave. @WretchedKid 

We're here for each other.

Please don't be afraid to reach out.

Most of us here have been through the hard yards, so hopefully you'll feel less alone when things are tough.

Of course, we love celebrating wins too!

I've had a busy day. It's always nice to be on the forums though and catch up with my forums family 🙂

Looking forward to seeing you around more often!

[WretchedKid]

Thanks so much, @tyme ! Same to you!

[tyme]

Do you have much planned for tomorrow? Or the week ahead? @WretchedKid