Hi @Zoe7, @Gwynn @TAB @Shaz51 @SmilingGecko @tyme @Bow @NatureLover and everyone in this community.
Coming back to reflect on this post and the question asked about what made you smile this year. It's a hard one as I found 2023 a challenging year. Since my husband's mental health breakdown in February 2022 there have been improvements but also set backs. The old saying 1 step forward and 2 steps back is so true! In 2023 I came to terms with accepting the loss of extended family and I hope 2024 will bring me peace and healing as I work through dealing with this grief and loss as well as my husband's complex-PTSD and my own mental health.
The things that have put a smile on my face in 2023 are my children, their laughter and their hugs. I have felt relief at my husband starting his own individual therapy and also gratitude for having a diagnosis for his mental health challenges. I have been grateful for my Dad and my Mum's continued support although it may be wavering a bit on my Mum's side. I have found comfort in my own understanding of how my parents have their own ageing related changes of mood and personality which may not be linked to the wider family conflict. I have found love and support in my friends and have been grateful for all of it.
Sorry to make this message so long. I guess I had to write it all down to reflect on what have truly been the best moments of 2023. I really hope 2024 is a better year for us all. I am planning to start EMDR therapy in February to help with the feelings of loss, shame and guilt. I really hope it all ends up making me a stronger yet still empathetic person. I do truly want peace, healing and to give my love which I have a lot of.
Lastly the other best thing that happened to me was finding g the SANE forum and this community.
May you all be blessed with all the things to help you in your journeys of healing. ❤️❤️❤️
