After this exchange
https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,233042.msg2163420.html#msg2163420 over on Jessica's "mess' of a journal
, I went out to mow the swamp, otherwise known, affectionately, as my lawn. To keep my mind occupied during that mundane task, I was thinking about some of aspects that exchange touched upon.
Our strength here is in our numbers. There are many stories. Each carries its own burdens and boasts its own achievements. While I am envious of the ones that seem to be able to generate the activity surrounding the frivolity and good natured ribbing that we all give to one another on occasion, I would like to think that the posts that reach out with a simple "I hear you. I feel for you." are every bit as important. I think the many posts which in and of themselves don't have anything remarkable to say, so they generate silence in reply, but in aggregate tell a phenomenal story of victory over obstacles and fears, are of immense value to all of us.
In our numbers, there always seems to be someone among us that is not too busy with their own situation at the present moment who knows just what to say to those in crisis. In years past I was mostly a "lurker", as I put it to Jess, a "reader", as Jess suggested, or maybe what is better, Ellie's (Roll) a member of the "live audience". In those times, I needed to see the examples of those who are out there ahead of me. Every one of those examples had, at one time or another, something to give me. The more of you who put yourselves out there the more there was for me learn. I was shown examples of successes to reach for for myself. I was cautioned by the failures so I had a better chance to reach a good outcome for myself. I was shown the way forward by all of you in one way or another.
In the past six months, I have moved from the audience up onto the stage. In crisis myself, I started this thread. I got the handholding I needed to work through it. Even at this point, that crisis is not entirely resolved but I have made strides toward living my life as I need to that were longer and more fast-paced than they would have been without all the help and encouragement from all of you here.
Those of you in our audience are important. The audience is where we draw our performers from. By all means watch, listen, enjoy the show. When you are ready, come join us up on stage. You will overcome your stage fright more quickly than you might think. Our strength is in our numbers. Consider being counted among us.
Stevi