This evening I walked from the rundown hotel room that is home to a church. I wanted to find out where the church was and how long it would take me to walk there so that I can be on time for their Wednesday night service tomorrow. It's all part of my plan to attend one or two churches a week until I find one that suits my needs. Basically, I am looking for a church that has normal people in its congregation. By normal, I mean people with jobs and families and cars and all that. I am starving for contact with normal, decent people. I don't drink or smoke and I don't like to be around people who do, so going to bars and clubs to meet people is out of the question. I don't presently have a job or go to school, so those two things are not options as places to meet people. It was a nice walk because no one hassled me this time. Tomorrow I'll go to the church service.

What are you up to?

Hello, I'm RamblinJon. Last night, my partner told me the following "I don't want you to say 'I love you' to me anymore until your actions prove it otherwise!" Those were the hardest words a person can hear from their husband/wife/partner! I'm sooo depressed right now, it's not funny: started muscle relaxers today for an old back injury that likes to flare up every once in a while from an 1989 accident, and I, almost single handedly, have destroyed my relationship of almost 8 years this July! The last 7 have been pure hell FROM me due to not being med compliant ( I am now), thus resulting in severe mood swings and constant fighting, and excuse my language: bitching!

So today, I've resolved to improve myself. I realize it will be a long road of cultivation on my part, that I admit. Today is also the first day without smoking--even to the point of refusing a cigarette half from my partner--and not feeling guilty about it!

There is so much more to say, but my brain's not proper due to my muscle relaxer right now,so I mus finish later on.

I'm sorry that you are depressed. That is a hard thing to hear from anyone, especially your spouse. Good for you about smoking ! Pat yourself on the back for that sort of accomplishment.
I hope you and your significant partner can work it out. If not, there must be some type of reason. Is she trying to change you, or do you want to change ? Just think about it. I'm sure you care very much about the time spent on your relationship. Let us know how things go.

Hey, you, what's happening in your life? Share your troubles and your good news as often and as much as you like. Lean on us.

Right now I have the flu and I am about to go back to bed.

I'm determined to make a bunch of changes in my life, or at least making a start.
I want to figure out which career path I'm going to take and find a better job so I can be more financially independent. I've also been wanting to take up a martial art for a long time.
I want to start taking care of my appearance - not for anyone else, but for my own sake. I used to be afraid of looking nice, and it took practically my entire life for me to realize that I *can* look nice, no matter what people say, and that my appearance had nothing to do with my abuse.
And most importantly, I want to finally seek help getting over all my past problems and fears so I can finally let it go. It's gonna still be there, it's part of me, but that doesn't mean that it can dictate my life. It's been doing that for long enough, and I'm just ready for a change, I'm tired of feeling like I'm going nowhere.

Bed would be a good idea, Jeanne! I hope you get to feeling better soon.

I wish you the best of luck, RamblinJon! It's good to hear that you're starting to take meds for your pain and that you're making a serious commitment to quit smoking.

Shadowsong, I wish you success in looking for looking for a better job. No matter what the situation in the world, there's always a need for more people in the world of work!

Right now I'm putting together a list of possible employers so that I can begin a job search soon. Wish me luck!

Your luck has been granted...Remember first impressions are everything, state what your accomplishments are and positives first. Most everything else from there, the interviewer isn't really listening. This has been studied and with real consequences- Being positive is key. Find something you'll be happy doing- the interview goes both ways. Cheers!

I have been collecting art supplies for my next project- I set an idea then plan it out , collect supplies , and start on the project. I follow my passions and make goals to contribute to the world something that I can express of myself...This is very therapeutic for anyone to accomplish something. This can be anything that moves your soul, a great form of letting out your emotions. Telling your story....
I'm also getting ready for work- I will be gone most of the month of June. I do research and my work takes me to faraway places. I find it enjoyable, unpredictable, exploring newness- it is like a calming feeling to be out of your routine at home and a feeling of putting your life in perspective. I feel very small in the big wide world and things that used to bother me just falls away, how could things bother me so much when there is so much beauty out there in the world yet unexplored? I think getting out of your element, routine, or the small world you've made for yourself is the best thing you can do. Find, and explore something new to do daily-Looking forward to something is a healthy thing. Hugs to everyone!!

Emotionally I'm all over the place at this retreat as a lot of stuff is coming up for me which I don't want to bottle up as it'll fester, which is what brought me here in the first place. NOT smoking seems to have taken root. I still crave but won't ask for a stogie.

Tips on meeting people (hope it helps) www.meetup.com is a good resource for social stuff.

I have had a great couple of days.
I have been in the process of getting a divorce for over 1 1/2 years.
I now have a financial planner and just hired a new attorney. We have a plan and a timeframe.
Soon I will be able to move on with my life!

After a recent break up,I started attending Codependent's Anonymous so I can deal with my abandonment issue.One day at a time.

Hi, everyone:

Congrats to all of you for taking steps to make your life better (or at least comfortable, if you're not feeling well). It is so affirming to see that other people are doing good for themselves.

For anyone who is trying to meet people, meetup.com is great! I joined a few months ago, and have already gone to lots of events and met nice people. I am sorry that I didn't join years ago.

Best of luck to everyone in their journey!
Peace :)

Right now, I'm struggling with my job and PD. I've been working my hardest to keep calm and work despite my anxiety. I'm also debating on going back to school or just going to get a certificate so I can get a better job. I don't know yet though. I love working with the people I do (Mentally Disabled Clients), but I'm wondering if the stress is just getting to me. I want to be able to finally pay my bills off and create a better financially stable environment for myself, but I have to work through the new meds and how to deal with my anxiety better. I also checked out meetup.com, its a very cool site, but alas most of the meetups in my area are 50 miles away :( Hope everyone is doing well :)

I'm currently in treatment for melanoma. Have been for a few months now. I'm 25 and my life is kind of in crisis right now...I have no friends and family. The last person to abandon me was my best friend, a few months ago. So I've been learning how to survive on my own and be independent. It's not easy.