@Appleblossom @eudemonism

I know what you mean. I like to talk about common interests in the group. Its good to get out the negative things but its the positive abilities and shared interests that keep us feeling alive and well

I see you are into animals also and music. Music is great for mindfulness. I also like comedy. I can't laugh as much as used to but i think that is a matter of perseverance and re-wiring once medication stabilises fully also. 

I know what you mean about not being able to screen what pops out sometimes. I think that has to do with missing ques and not being able to sense or realise how others are feeling. I do it more than often and then feel bad about once its pointed out to me. I try now to really make sure that i'm not misinterpreting a situation but i'm not always successful in my efforts and can still offend people by laughing or saying something they consider to be the wrong thing for that situation. It annoys me that i can't get this right. "practising" socialising as you put it is the best form of learning how to behave in different situations. 

At least you are trying to put one foot in front of the other and make plans to do things that are meaningful. If we do things that give our life purpose we feel more grounded and in touch with reality. Setting little goals for me is the key so far. Its still only early days and I have a lot of social anxiety still.

I agree that some artistic communities are inclusive of diversity.  There may be somewhere for @eudemonism and others to fit in. My art is not really for an audience though. Its for the pure enjoyment of creating and how that feels. Its mindfulness in itself and for me, there is no other feeling that compares to being creative. I tire easily now though and cannot draw or paint for as long as i once could but the feeling of enjoyment is still there and that's whats important. The constant battle with the art critic internal audio is just something that i have to put up with i guess.

I hope you are listening to some nice tunes and being creative somehow. I find jazz (without lyrics) very good for shifting my thoughts into a more positive mode.