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Just Sara A Bouquet for Pearls - share your appreciation for other members
  • replies: 715

Every now and then, members share a beautiful Pearl of Wisdom. How often do you think to yourself; "OMG that's great! I wish everyone could see this." Presenting someone with a bunch of flowers is a generous way of acknowledging their insightful word... View more

Every now and then, members share a beautiful Pearl of Wisdom. How often do you think to yourself; "OMG that's great! I wish everyone could see this." Presenting someone with a bunch of flowers is a generous way of acknowledging their insightful words. I hope this thread stays active through members giving out praise regularly to people they feel deserving, and therefore keep generosity of spirit alive within the pages of BeyondBlue Forum. My bunch of Red Roses (my choice) goes to Wishful for the following sentence; 'Personally, I see no reason to be praised in me, but I'm learning that seeing through the eyes of others can be more accurate!!' I so hear you Wishful. Just beautiful... Try to keep your leading comments short to focus on 'their' words. Choose specific flowers (or a gift if you like) to present to them. Sign off respectfully and sincerely. I hope this takes off... Spreading the love...Sara

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Quercus My Black Dog is a LIAR
  • replies: 3

Hello everyone... I thought it might be nice to have a place to acknowledge the lies our black dog feeds us... And then tear them apart! Can I start? Today I broke another toe and because I feel crap and vulnerable my black dog started whispering in ... View more

Hello everyone... I thought it might be nice to have a place to acknowledge the lies our black dog feeds us... And then tear them apart! Can I start? Today I broke another toe and because I feel crap and vulnerable my black dog started whispering in my head... Clumsy Useless Stupid woman Hubby will be angry. He told you to wear shoes inside after last time. Then as I iced and rested and watched as hubby mowed the lawn and tried to keep the kids off my foot it starts again... Lazy Look at you sitting around while he works He will be angry at you He will resent you No wonder you are fat You won't be able to exercise so you'll get fatter He will leave you You're a pathetic excuse for a human being Just. Give. Up. Yeah no surprise I feel like crap huh. And then as I put my kids to bed my son smiled and said he was excited to do playdough with me tomorrow while his sister and Dad go to swimming lessons. And it gave me the kick in the arse I needed. My black dog is full of s...t I broke my bloody toe again. Foot is black. It hurts. When I walk the bone clicks. How is that not permission to rest?! It is not reasonable to expect me to work in the garden when I can't put on a shoe. I am not lazy. Even hubby who works his butt off rests sometimes. He's not angry and if he is then tough luck. I am allowed to ice my foot and have a slack day. I'm human. We stuff up. It happens. I'm not pathetic or a poor excuse for a human being. That's my poor self esteem and life experiences talking. Today is a slump but tomorrow you will try again. You are ok. And you will be ok. Anyone else want to have a go? It feels pretty good to call your black dog out on it's BS. ❤ Nat

wantalife 6.5 hrs till I go away on my detox/rehab mission for few months.
  • replies: 11

I've self written hieroglyphic tattoos down my for arms with scars of self slicing... I have had a gut full and fixing this shit!!. no communication while I'm gone.. Will miss you guys. but it is what it is..

I've self written hieroglyphic tattoos down my for arms with scars of self slicing... I have had a gut full and fixing this shit!!. no communication while I'm gone.. Will miss you guys. but it is what it is..

Robsyw Reducing alcohol
  • replies: 9

Well I have known for a while that I need help, but today is the day and I have decided to reach out and work my way to getting well. I don't have a lot of support or people I can confide in. Unfortunately I have begun to live wine a lot more than I ... View more

Well I have known for a while that I need help, but today is the day and I have decided to reach out and work my way to getting well. I don't have a lot of support or people I can confide in. Unfortunately I have begun to live wine a lot more than I should, its becoming a nightly habit. I suffer mild depression and anxiety and I know I have been drinking to deal with these things, along with stress.. I just get so wound up and by the end of the day I just want wine to try help me relax, I just don't know when to stop. I am a mum to 4 kids, 2 older and 2 younger. My two young kids are special needs kids, one who is autistic, adhd and dyslexic and the other has a rare syndrome and hypo/never sleeps... Life isn't easy, I know that's no excuse, but that's what I have been doing. There is alcoholism in my family, both my parents, my dad has ptsd due to being a Vietnam vet, so seeing them drinking like fish while growing up probably hasn't helped. I don't want that for my kids.. Thankfully my older kids don't drink a lot , I haven't always been a big drinker, but they see it, but the younger two is a worry.... I don't want to keep the cycle going... I feel so alone in this world, hubby just says "pft you cant stop, you have tried so many times, you are just an alcoholic" like that really encourages me. He makes fun of me about wine in front of people I know, its embarrassing. I just don't know what to do to stop this end of day habit that is becoming a problem. I worry about my health and whether I will see my young kids grow up or see any of them get married and have babies.... I just want to take control of my life again, I'm just not sure where to start . Sorry for the rant, thanks for anyone who listens..

Flowerchild07 Diet : This 'REALLY' has helped me 'ALOT!!'
  • replies: 1

We all know having a good diet, getting plenty of rest and exercise all play a key part in us feeling better. In the past 3 weeks I have been doing this, and after 30 years of struggling with severe depression, I can say this is the only thing that h... View more

We all know having a good diet, getting plenty of rest and exercise all play a key part in us feeling better. In the past 3 weeks I have been doing this, and after 30 years of struggling with severe depression, I can say this is the only thing that has ever really made a difference to the way I feel. I started to feel lighter, more positive and clear headed only a matter of days after starting this. It's not hard....it's just good healthy eating and nothing artificial. Get these foods on board as often as possible: blueberries, spinach, walnuts, bean sprouts, Brussels sprouts, avocado, apricots, coriander, coconut oil, kale. hemp seed. Keep the rest of your diet clean (i.e. no artificial colours, flavours, preservatives, additives of any kind...especially foods with MSG (this is one of the worst things you can have). If you can afford to buy organic, then do so. The more organic the better. I live in a small town where there is only a limited amount of organic products. I just buy the best quality I can. such as organic coconut oil, free range chicken and eggs and quality meat. My fruit and vegetable aren't organic either, but I still feel so much better for eating this way. TOTALLY oid refined white sugar. You can buy a product in the health food isle, which is a syrup made from rice, which you can use to sweeten your coffee and tea...limit the amount of coffee and tea to 2 or 3 a day. I eat a teaspoon of this syrup occasionally, when I feel like something sweet (not too often though!!). Also, drink a good quality spring water, preferably in glass bottles...there is one brand available in a box that has non toxic, BPA free packaging, this is a very economical way to buy your water. Bread, there are some brands without anything artificial. There is one I buy, but you'll have to look around for that yourself. It is available in most supermarkets! Olive oil....cook with it, make salad dressings (there are recipes online for healthy salad dressings). I mix it with apple cider vinegar and dip my healthy bread into it. Something else I have done for a while now is take Magnesium...it is great for almost every metabolic process in the body and most of us a deficient in it. It is fantastic for relaxing and calming you, without any drowsiness. I wouldn't be without out it. I would love to hear how you go if any of you try this. Good luck!!

HopefulHazza Stopped Smoking
  • replies: 4

Hi everyone, just sharing my ‘emotional roller-coaster ride after making a decision to quit the cigarettes ‘cold turkey’ 7 days ago now.. Physically I’m feeling great, but mentally and emotionally it’s a huge never-ending roller-coaster ride ...from ... View more

Hi everyone, just sharing my ‘emotional roller-coaster ride after making a decision to quit the cigarettes ‘cold turkey’ 7 days ago now.. Physically I’m feeling great, but mentally and emotionally it’s a huge never-ending roller-coaster ride ...from deep sadness to despair and depresion ....I’m thinking what’s coming up now is what I was trying to cover up when I smoked..? ... ‘can anyone relate to this and offer any wisdom ....cheers

Flick_SnotGrass You can't force yourself to be HAPPY.
  • replies: 19

I know, I tried Complicated thing HAPPY Lots of moving parts, as it were Sometimes UN-HAPPY is caused by old out of date software running in the back of your mind It is as if we have been hypnotized by something horrid from the past and we can't seem... View more

I know, I tried Complicated thing HAPPY Lots of moving parts, as it were Sometimes UN-HAPPY is caused by old out of date software running in the back of your mind It is as if we have been hypnotized by something horrid from the past and we can't seem to shake the trance off Sometimes UN-HAPPY is caused by not enough hardware in your brain; where part of the physical makeup of your brain can't run Happy software very well An unresolved concussion or TBI can cause this and it can also be caused by information not flowing well throughout the physical matrix of the brain ...this is becoming a more common complaint as the informational demands of our world speeds up and we ask our brains to do things that they weren't designed to deal with. Dyslexia is a case in point ADD, ADHD too Sometimes, UN-HAPPY is due to lack of Sun, or nutrients, or lack of exercise, or whatever Often software, hardware and wetwear all get clustered up into a big jumble together Big salami HAPPY Let's face it the pressures of modern living makes UN-HAPPY very common. "What is the point really?" is a common and understandable sentiment these days but maybe we CAN improve HAPPY a slice at a time. Put a dent in misery, as it were. A book I often get my clients to read is "The Brain's Way of Healing" by Norman Doidge. This is a great primer on Brain Plasticity, the innate ability our brain's have for rewiring and rapidly healing themselves under the appropriate conditions. Post Traumatic Growth. Another great book for you to read is "The Woman Who Changed Her Brain" by Barbara Arrowsmith-Young. She was born with three neurological bottlenecks in her brain ~ her world was shattered from birth. Her book is about her realization that a) she could use modern neuroscience to pinpoint the specific locations within her head that were not working properly b) she could use the Neuro Plastic properties of her brain to help fix her wiring c) she designed specific exercises that drove traffic through her brain's bottlenecks which caused her brain to respond by adding more physical circuitry. d) she cured herself It's OK to say "WOW" at this point Brain Plasticity is real. Fortunately there is a growing cadre of "Brain Reprogramming Doctors" who now teach this neurostuff. These are experts in applying neuroscience and BRAIN PLASTICITY to helping people feel HAPPY quickly or sorting out many other emotional or cognitive complaints. Google Neuroplasticity Scholarly Articles and dig in.

SeanA Give To Get - it's nothing new.
  • replies: 2

My 6 World Vision kids keep me grounded. They make me realise I am useful. Each letter I open shows me I am valuable. Each picture reminds me I make a difference. I also advertise the difference I am making by telling my clients that they are making ... View more

My 6 World Vision kids keep me grounded. They make me realise I am useful. Each letter I open shows me I am valuable. Each picture reminds me I make a difference. I also advertise the difference I am making by telling my clients that they are making a difference every time they pay me. Here is the last letter: ——————————————————— This is Amily Sun. She is one of six World Vision kids that we have in our martial arts school. Firstly, please tell your kids that your family helps pay for her education and some medical supplies. Just by mentioning this and showing the photo, it will plant a seed that ensures everyone helps everyone else. It also reminds kids how lucky they are to live in the best corner of the best state of the best country in the world. Now, I post this for a few reasons. Mainly, I believe in altruism and want to show the young members of MRMA that that is what our duty is. I chose World Vision because we can put a face to our contribution. It hits home for us. I could have chosen an organisation where more of the money goes direct to the person that needs it. (82% of World Vision fees go direct to the person in need.) But everyone knows World Vision and the reporting process. Photos that are sent and personal notes mean there is a connection made. Your money doesn’t just seem to disappear into a black hole every month. My second reason is a personal one. I read a book about The Killing Fields. The author is the same age as me. When he was 15, Cambodia was embroiled in a war where huge numbers of people were slaughtered. The author’s teenage years were spent witnessing bloodshed that is the stuff of nightmares. As I read the book, I realised that at the same time, I was in Years 10, 11 and 12. At that age, my main focus was on doing the minimum amount of schoolwork, surfing, and the opposite sex. This realisation and subsequent embarrassment moved me to do something for those less fortunate. Maybe 40 years too late but I was unconsciously incompetent at the time. I have told this story many times to the kids in the martial arts school in the hope that, by example, they will realise that it is their civic duty to do what they can. I implore you to show your child the picture and explain how we are helping her. Sean Allen ——————————————————— So, that’s it. Simple acts repeated add up. Read that again. It works in all areas of life. Positive or negative.

HA1 Good MH News
  • replies: 4

I thought I would start a thread on positive news associated with mental health - something that makes you feel happy, something heart warming. It could be something that you have read, heard or seen. I'll kick it off with a news article about a pers... View more

I thought I would start a thread on positive news associated with mental health - something that makes you feel happy, something heart warming. It could be something that you have read, heard or seen. I'll kick it off with a news article about a person who had been battling mental health issues and just recently was named the best mental health nurse in the country! To read the article Google: "mental health patient now australia's best mental health nurse" Take care K

startingnew Self assessment Questions
  • replies: 15

I find that an important part of 'recovery ' is to do a self assessment. Im wondering if anyone has any questions to ask oneself to self assess where we're at, how far weve come, where theres still room for improvement. any help/advice is appreciated View more

I find that an important part of 'recovery ' is to do a self assessment. Im wondering if anyone has any questions to ask oneself to self assess where we're at, how far weve come, where theres still room for improvement. any help/advice is appreciated

white knight The wealth of love, the value of care
  • replies: 1

What a materialistic world in which we live. How much is enough to satisfy us? While living in a caravan park in a 3 metre long 30yo van as my first residence after separation I met an old man. It was in 1996 and this old warrior had listened to me p... View more

What a materialistic world in which we live. How much is enough to satisfy us? While living in a caravan park in a 3 metre long 30yo van as my first residence after separation I met an old man. It was in 1996 and this old warrior had listened to me pour my heart out about losing my home, my full time fatherhood, my dog, my neighbours....everything! Then, following a little silence, he said "on the Burma railway line we didnt think about what we didnt have, we valued what we had". So I listened to this war veteran in total awe. Since then I've realised that material items do satisfy our lust for possessions but never fill any of the love we crave. A jetski wont ever hug you, an overseas trip wont listen to you and a new iphone wont love you. In our lives tears drop easily. Is that bad? No, it does no harm...damn its wonderful! One of the few physical results of sadness and pain. It costs nothing, its beauty is taken for granted,, wiped away instantly, discarded, worthless irritant...yet its free and its part of us. Its a wonder. So what of the privilege of wiping someones tear? Put a price on that. What's its value? What about our ears? To do what some find difficult- to listen. Just nod, hold, embrace, look, but remain silent. The gift of silence not ruined by speech unless asked Sharing goals. One of the most satisfying feelings of accomplishment is reaching goals others share with you. The Champions role here is one of those team spirited roles that oozes gratification, yet the accolades are few. Once in a while a comment of praise comes by and how valuable is it?...its mammoth. Many years ago I stopped to help a lady that had obviously stopped her car on a road near bushland. I quickly realized she had hit a kangaroo. She was crying, howling even as she knelt on the grass next to the kangaroo. As I approached I hesitated as I placed my hand on her shoulder. As she looked up at me, tears falling, sniffling, I saw one of the most beautiful but saddest things I'd ever seen....an ophaned joey. We organised refuse delivery. I bid the lady goodbye. The experience left me valuing even more the things we take for granted. Material items have their value and supply enjoyment to our lives. We must place them at the bottom of the pyramid in regards to their value to us as human beings. If we see how wonderful life can be, even in unfortunate circumstances, we get our priorities in order and that is living life how it should be experienced - lovingly... Tony WK

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