Just wanted to give a shout out to everyone on this board. I also want to say how wonderful this website is and how everyone on here is able to discuss issues and to help each other. Karen and Wendy are definately a gift sent from God. I currently work for the S.A.F.E Alternatives Program and it has been the best experience I have had knowing that I can help make a difference in people’s lives.
Hi Matt it’s Ari. I don’t know how often you read this blog, but I wanted to give a shout out back to you. Things are going well.
Hey Ari! I’m glad things are going well for you. I knew it would! I’ve just started posting. I’ve noticed you’ve been posting in the past and was glad to see you are doing well. How’s the weather up there?
Hi Matt, it’s Ashley. I’m trying to figure out how to post on this website but it’s really confusing. Anyway, I’m very sad I didn’t get to tell you goodbye cuz I kinda left last minute. But you are awesome, thank you for everything you did for me.
Ashley Ryan
No problem Ashley. I knew you’d post on here and yes, it’s kind of confusing at first. Hope you have a wonderful thanksgiving and keep in touch!
Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. I’m trying to get Debbie and Sharon on the blog so we can keep everyone updated. Matt please tell Megan, Raymond, Shana, and Kim that I miss them like crazy and hope they are all doing well.
Thanksgiving was very overwhelming (food, family, etc.) but I worked on setting boundaries and reminding myself that I am not responsible for other people’s actions. It was an empowering feeling. I miss S.A.F.E. like crazy, even though it is sooooo good to be home, I just miss the safe feeling and the never-ending support you get there. What a life-changing experience!
Ashley
ROCK ON ASHLEY! ROCK ON!
Hello. I’m looking for young lady who would be willing to share her story with Cosmopolitan magazine–this is not a joke or a hoax. Please e-mail me at jekatz@hearst.com
Thank you,
Jane
All, Thanksgiving went well. I am actually back to work. I started back last Monday. So, this is my second week. I had the warm reception that I was fearing; but it hasn’t all been terrible. I did receive some really good news from my new Manager. Yippee!! There may be a new job within the company on the horizon!! Cross your fingers and send me positive energy!
Matt,
Are you the only current staff from Denton who log here?
Sharon, I’m sending you some positive energy right now. And thanks for helping me get through last night, even though I had a bratty, I’m-gonna-do-what-I-want-to-do attitude. I love ya and miss ya.
Ashley
To Ashley, Sharon, and Matt
spook dat coon outa the hen house!!
Thanks Debbie, the coons are going crazy in my neck of the woods. In some ways I feel my worst fears are being realized. I’m not injuring but I still feel crappy yet I can’t seem to express it with words. Everyone thinks I’m fine because I’m not injuring but I still hurt. Am I not doing this right? I know that in SAFE I learned that I have a voice, but my voice doesn’t seem to be doing me much good right now. I don’t think anyone is hearing me. So, my wise pals who always pulled me through back in good ol’ Denton, some advice would be appreciated.
Just stick to your guns and continue to speak! Just remember that you can’t change their ways. THEY have to do it themselves. I’m waving the “Magic Wand” right now for you Ashley. You should do the same. Just don’t use it someone else’s head. That’s my job. 😉
hey ashley and matt 🙂
There is a japanese proverb that i like…
“Fall 7 times. Stand up 8.”
This saying reminds me that we have to persevere! I know now that self injury will never communicate what i am trying to say, it will never resolve my problems, it will never give me control over my surroundings… If I want to be heard I have to use my voice… and even if no one listens to me, I just have to speak clearer and louder!
Regardless of what the details of the situation are you just have to keep raising your voice (not the volume hah!) But keep saying what’s on your mind… we all have the right to ask for what we want. It’s no guarantee that we will get it. But it is our right to ask! Tell it to people like it is, Ashley. I know you have it in you to get heard!
And celebrate little victories… like before I went to SAFE I couldn’t order-in sushi without having a panic attack! Hah! So I give myself a lil pat on the back today cause I get that yummy-ness delivered all the time now – anxiety free!
Best Wishes and Much Love,
-debbie
Thanks guys, I knew I could count on you. (((((HUGS))))) I know I have to just keep using that big old mouth of mine, because self-injury won’t solve anything. It’s amazing that I used to believe that harming myself would make things better. Like the other day, I was having urges because my house was a mess and I felt overwhelmed, but I realized how stupid it would be to hurt myself. The house would still be a mess! I’d just be hurt. This must be obvious to the rest of the world but to me it was a really big deal.
So anyway, thanks so much guys. I like how Debbie said to celebrate little victories. And the whole sushi thing is a BIG victory! Give yourself the credit you deserve. I totally can relate to that. These are my “little” victories: I joined the gym and don’t panic at the thought of everyone looking at me and seeing how “fat” I am. When those thoughts start to come I channel Sarah and tell myself to stop it, dammit. I remind myself that I’m a ninja each and every day. Thank you for that, Debbie. Your affirmation is hanging on my fridge. Also, another victory is that I wore short sleeves out in public the other day! I was so excited.
Another thanks for all the support everyone gives me. Have a great day!
Love always,
Ashley
PIRATES ROCK!
Oh poor little Matt. Pirates LOST. It’s OVER.
Love always,
Ashley
“I’m a ninja!”
how do i post like my own thing without having to comment onto somebody elses? i’m new to this site.
also new to trying to stop cutting. it’s impossible. and i need help.
Hey Matt – I just wanted to let you know that while I was at work the other day I was thinking of you because we had a patient that got violent (he punched me in the side!) and I got to participate in a throw-down. Made me think of my time at SAFE and when you did a throw-down. Good times. Hahaha.
Ashley
LOL! I do tend to bring out the “zero tolerance police” in people. Sorry that had to happen though. It’s not fun.
Hey Matt – just wanted to let you know that Sharon, Debbie and I are all hanging out at my house in Kentucky and we bought you something at the flea market. We’re gonna mail it to you – should we just send it to SAFE and put Attn: Matt? We wanna make sure you get it. Do you have like a patient ID number or anything, haha. You’re missing out on some fun times. Hope all is well in Texas.
Ashley
I appreciate the gift. (though nervous to see what it might be) You can mail it to S.A.F.E. and I’ll keep it in the office for everyone to enjoy. I’m really glad to see that you all have become so close. Hope all is well!
No Ashley, I don’t need a patient ID number. I’m a permanent patient. 🙂 Texas is fine. The usual 70 degrees one day and the next it’s 30. Great for sinus congestion!
Don’t get too excited. It’s a great gift and all, but it was a dollar, lol. I’ll tell Sharon to mail it right away.
hah be afraid matt… :-p just kiddin’
I will get that in the mail soon. My life has been quite chaotic since my trip to KY. Poor Radcliffe had to go to the puppy hosptial for a bit. Her Momma is now very poor!
That was early last week. Then I fell this past Monday. Broke my ass. Yep. I said it. I broke my ass (my tailbone, that is)!
My friend, Jen, was involved in a very serioius accident this morning. She is okay. Bruised and broken. But she is going to make it. Thankfully.
I will be sure to mail that next week. Be on the lookout, Matt. Hope that you enjoy!