I'm so happy you are doing this. I've been in/out for years. Therapy has helped me deal with many issues, including abandonment issues from my father. It was bad but 14 years ago, I found out he impregnated my sister in her late teens and removed from the church. He was a Bishop and I had always admired him, being envious of his new family. My redemption was that I was the luckiest sibling of six others. I was the only one who wasn't abused by him and they envied me I may have to go back to therapy soon to deal with the political upheaval (craziness) in the country.

I think it’s a mindset. I’ve been reading a book called Try Softer. It’s about being kind to yourself. The writer is a Christian.

Great advice Steve, I try to do this every day by hiking by myself and decompressing on trail, even if just half an hour. I am glad the therapy is helping you. You are a strong person and I always looked up to you for all you went through and how you stayed focused and talk honestly about all the emotions you went through.

Glad you are in therapy. Self care is so important, and those little things you do for yourself really add up. For me listening to entertainment podcasts, or running to Maverick and getting an Icee ($1.60 for a small) are inexpensive ways to treat yourself. Also rearrange your furniture in a room you frequently use helps mix things up in a positive way too.

LOL, I can hug myself all day long or worse...