Dearest friends: I have doling out advice and suggestions like McDonalds doles out hamburgers. Please realize that I pull excerpts from my own experiences and mine only. I don't have a degree in counseling only education. I am a betrayer, bulimic, obsessive-compulsive, borderline schizophrenic, child sexual abuse survivor, teenage parent, lived with several families all before the age of 7, low self-esteem(working on)depression, suicidal and numerous other ailments. So as you can tell, I do have quite a resume. <BR>My only concern is to help in anyway I can. It keeps me focused and helps me find answers to my own questions. <BR>I see so many folks in pain here that I wish I could make your pain go away. I offer whatever advice I can, prayers and kudos for your strength in the face of adversity.<BR>You all have shown me that even through your pain, you have stayed strong, handled another day, kept your hopes for a better day alive and figured out positive ways in which to deal with the craziness of it all. I commend you all and wish you much luck in your futures. My imaginary friend wishes you luck also:-)))))(a bit of mental humor)

Sobeit...you have given some excellent advice here. Most of the people here are not counsellors, but we undoubtedly help one another. I think everybody here should give themselves (you included) a pat on the back for trying to turn one of the most painful experiences into something positive. That's what keeps me going day to day. Knowing other people here understand and that maybe I can help someone else through their pain. Thanks for all your good advice Sobeit. Keep trying!<P><P>------------------<BR>Blessed be.<BR>****************<BR>Keridwen<P>Keridwen_7@yahoo.com

Sobeit, join the crowd. Most of us are simply sharing our experiences in hopes of helping others understand the situation they are in and deal with it. We're not counselors either.<P>I think the reason why most of us come here is to get that kind of information. The real-life lessons learned from first-hand experience. Only one who has been there can truly understand. And that helps a LOT. So keep posting. You ARE helping people.<P>Also I have found that in answering someone else's questions, I come to a better understanding of my own issues. It really does work both ways.<p>[This message has been edited by TruthSeeker (edited April 04, 2000).]

I'm not a counselor, I just play one on MB <P>Sobeit, you are a counselor in a sense, what else are we doing when we come here and post. <P>Asking for people with similar experiences but vastly different backgrounds and perceptions for advice and opinions.<P>In my view, that is so MUCH more valuable then one counselor can be.<P>So hey, keep on the "counselor hat" you are making a difference And we value your opinion..in fact I just emailed Allen saying.."Yeah like sobeit said. we are adults..blah blah..." <P>In fact, I *like* playing counselor...it keeps me from obsessing on my Own cr@ppy life <P>Cat<P>

Cat: You can use your counseling skills on me any time. You too, K7 and Truthseeker. There are days I need a psychiatrist. Just make sure that when I deposit my nickel in the can, that you don't shake it up and down singing "money, money, money." <BR>Plus go ahead and act like a child. I do. I still play with Barbies every now and then or Hot Wheels cars in the dirt. Playing does have theraputical benefits. Have a great day! smile, smile, smile:-))))

From one Barbie and Hotwheel offerer of experience to another - if not for all those who offer their kindness and experience, their faith and their hopes - this wonderful land of MB would not exist.<P>A toast to all of us!<P>Thanks Sobeit for all that you share. Sometimes it must be tough to relive the pains of your life or to offer hope to someone in crisis when you feel confused about your own at times. <P>Cheers,<BR>Lisa

Sobeit,<P> I think you are selling yourself short. I have read a lot of what you have had to say and I have found it very helpful. When I was feeling down you were there to pick me up. It is from the pain that has brought here that each of us grows. I still stumble some times and I'm sure you do to, but until our legs get strong enough to carry all of our weight we can use each other.<P> I have found this place to be of so much help that I how find myself wanting to return the favor to others in need. True, I do need to take of my marriage first but that only means I need to limit the number of those I can help. Sobeit, I not express how much your words have helped so if it's help you need just yell and we'll be there for you.<P> The calendar on my desk has this for today<P>C hances to grow<BR>H opeful beginnings<BR>A dventures to take<BR>N ew paths to follow<BR>G reat opportunities<BR>E xciting new places<P> The future is yours. Life is to short go and enjoy it for all your worth.<P>Joe<BR>

Rose,<P>No we're not counselors. We are people who have experienced the same things and we help each other. Although anonymous, we have come to care for each person here as if we are family. Amazing isn't it?!<P>I'll take any advice you have to offer anyday!<P>(((((HUGS)))))<BR>Mitzi

" i am not really a counselor, but If I was....."<P><BR>Even as the betrayer, I have received so much advice and "counseling" from so many people! I cannot afford traditional counseling. so this has been such a healer for me and My H. IF any of you have read my posts, you can see how much i have changed(worked on changing)!<P>I know you have posted to be and I have read many of your posts sobeit! They have been wonderful advice! I firmly believe that the nmost effective counseling is when the counselor has walked in our shoes. I hate the professional stuff who only knows by books. Kind of like a male gynecologist, "how in the heck would HE know if it will hurt or not?"LOL<P>Keep up the good work. Thanks for all you have done!<P>Mercy

I thank god every day that I was able to find this site and all of you who post here. In my darkest days, when my wife was in denial and being a cold b***h, I always found words of encouragement to get me through another day. Thanks to all of you. <BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by sobeit:<BR><B>Dearest friends: I have doling out advice and suggestions like McDonalds doles out hamburgers. Please realize that I pull excerpts from my own experiences and mine only. I don't have a degree in counseling only education. I am a betrayer, bulimic, obsessive-compulsive, borderline schizophrenic, child sexual abuse survivor, teenage parent, lived with several families all before the age of 7, low self-esteem(working on)depression, suicidal and numerous other ailments. So as you can tell, I do have quite a resume. <BR>My only concern is to help in anyway I can. It keeps me focused and helps me find answers to my own questions. <BR>I see so many folks in pain here that I wish I could make your pain go away. I offer whatever advice I can, prayers and kudos for your strength in the face of adversity.<BR>You all have shown me that even through your pain, you have stayed strong, handled another day, kept your hopes for a better day alive and figured out positive ways in which to deal with the craziness of it all. I commend you all and wish you much luck in your futures. My imaginary friend wishes you luck also:-)))))(a bit of mental humor)</B><HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P>

Thank you all for such nice compliments. I couldn't have better friends than you all. You have made my day.