How is everyone? We have almost hit 50 members, which I think is fantastic...it means we are out there and sunning ourselves like a lizard in the hot sun! If you have made friends on here who are over 50, don't forget to invite them to the group! As 50+er's, we need all the support from each other that we can get.
If you are brave enough, speak up and share who you are and why you're here in this group...tell me what you hope to get out of it so that I can try and cater to your needs.
I'm here because I believe that so often people have an image in their head of what a person with a mental illness looks like. What comes up in your mind when you see/hear those words? The truth is that M.I. affects people of all cultures, genders, and of course - ages. "Society" often forgets that we can be more mature and still suffering. In fact, I think at our age we are missed. It is either a troubled teenager, or an elderly person who has a form of senility that is thought of when prompted.
What about us, the group that is trying to deal with the fact that they're probably past the halfway point, but still have a life to live? A life that still has potential? I know I still have hopes and dreams. It's ok to be over 50 and still have goals in mind - in fact I would encourage you to consider this. What ideas do you have for yourself in the future, 'after' this? Things might be rough at the moment, but that doesn't mean it will always be this way. Do you have plans? Plans for tomorrow, plans for next week, next month, next year etc? Do you have a 5 year plan, a 10 year plan?
If you're like me, you're probably saying, 'C'mon, I can't even think past now!' 'It's hopeless, why bother?' 'I don't want to think about the future, it's too hard'! Well, why can't we? Is it because your suffering is too intense? Does your self-talk stop you?
In my therapy session yesterday, I was told that we should talk to ourselves with self compassion - the way we would speak to a friend. Some of us wouldn't even say what we say to ourselves to our enemies! Would we say to a friend that they didn't deserve to dream? No! We would tell them to aim for the stars!
So, in your mind (or if you forget or are anal like me - write it down ;), tell yourself your dreams and goals. Try making a plan. You are so special, you are so worth it! If no one else tells you today/tonight, then I will - YOU ARE WORTHY! I firmly believe that you deserve to soar like the eagles. Now start thinking or writing...
Care to share? Here's the place for some encouragement - even if it's to tell me that tomorrow you're going to have a shower. YAY! I am your number one fan!!! GO TEAM YOU :)
Lots of love, Judi.
#MentalIllness #Dream #goals
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