I've been on DS for awhile now but only recently got to the point where I started to feel like I could really participate. I've been doing well in my own life but didn't feel like I had anything to offer anyone else. I'm feeling more confident and am starting to think that maybe I can be a full participant. There are so many strong people on here. I just want to be worthy of sharing in other people's lives.
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I have some of the same emotions regarding participating. I have come to realize that some of my feelings of inadequacy are due to my story and how it has affected me. Most of the time, I just read the threads. I have become more confident in sharing my opinion when I deem it appropriate. Sometimes something hits a nerve and I have to share my perspective.
Everyone has a unique perspective on things. Don\'t discount yours just because you don\'t seem as far along in recovery as some other people are. You belong to this community, and you are worthy of an opinion and worthy of sharing in the lives of the other members. Who knows - you may help someone without even trying.
It\'s hard to participate in strong peoples\' lives unless you opt to remain and participate as well. Perhaps you feel you wouldn\'t fit in, or fear that by stepping away from the people here you admire(d), you would be scorned or rejected. That is not the case. Worthiness isn\'t given, it\'s earned, but WELCOME is given. Use our welcome, and join.