I know I do this a lot. But I think it's important.
I've been back here only a short while. Took a long break since the start of the year. Needed to sort my head out and I don't ever want to subject people here to my own stuff because... as an empath, I feel what is going on with other people. This site is always like sticking a fork into an electrical socket and holding onto it. The emotional charge from what everyone is feeling can be... massively overwhelming. I never ever want to add to that if I can help it. I am very much Jekyll and Hyde. I try to not subject this site to my dark side because... it's not fun. It's not what I want. So I stay away until I'm in a place where I feel okay about coming back.
And coming back... I was blown away by the wealth of kindness, compassion, empathy, understanding and wisdom of people who I knew, and also who joined in my absence. Reading through posts, and threads... people I know who are just awesome. People I don't know who are just as awesome.
It never fails to amaze me the depth of feeling, understanding and kindness that this site garners towards anyone coming here seeking help, answers, or just a place to belong. The staff do an amazing job keeping it that way. Most of it is like... if you don't know it happened, that's just being professional. <3 After a lot of years on that side I know it's a largely thankless task and one done out of love. They are the anti-virus of the site. And it's a hard job. But one they do immaculately.
But just... I wanted to thank you. For keeping this place a beacon of hope in a world that sometimes isn't. Keeping it a place for people to feel safe, and to get advice from extremely wise folks who've gone through the same thing. You don't have to do this. You choose to do this.
It takes a certain kind of someone to give of themselves to others without asking anything in return. And... that matters. It matters a lot. It's a testament to who you are.
So I thank you. And... long may this place continue. <3
