Lists and tears

[Amadahy]

Good morning!

I've become a list person as I grow, uhm, wiser.    Often, I will make a list of gratitudes which I find really comforting.  Yesterday, after my list of gratitudes, I felt the need to make a list of sadnesses, regrets, hurts.  Seems like a real downer, but I had never grieved some of these things, always putting on a strong face and essentially denying my own needs or pain.  As I made the list, and allowed some tears, I felt these were released and my burden lightened. 

Just in case similar helps anyone ... 

[moglow]

Amadahy there's an old southernism that goes: joys shared are doubled, sorrows shared are halved. That's been the joy of these boards for me - after decades of not talking about the abuse and md rages, the depression I'd be mired in, opening up helped set me free. I *wasnt* that person she said I was! I *didnt* have to shut up, sit down and swallow it! It *was* understandable that I'd feel "that way" (or not) about her!

You're very wise - that denial and pretending only held us back, served no real purpose for anyone. Countering that with the gratitude? Balance. That's a great thing!

[Starboard Song]