GiST #9

1. On the Obesity Help forum, I found a board called Fifty & Over and I feel so at home there. The people there are so warm, welcoming and friendly. It feels safe. I think this is another place that will help me, just like the GiST social group. :)

2. Today I worked on a sandbox activity with my 17 year old daughter. She sees a therapist every 2 weeks. She has bipolar disorder and depression, just like me. Today, the therapist invited me to join in. At first I felt skeptical because I'm not that artistic...well, what I mean is: I am inhibited. But as my daughter and I worked together, I began to relax and have fun.

3. I was able to say something to my daughter that moved her to give me a big hug. I've said it before but it's important to me that she knows how important she is to me. She is the "invisible" child in the house, the one who always pitches in and cooperates and never rocks the boat. The thing is, now that we are in the mess we are in I can't help her like I did with her brother and sister--helping her to buy a car, etc. Shoot, I can't even afford for her to join an inexpensive school bowling league. It just feels like there's no reward to being the "good" one. I am not saying that right. It's not fair that I can't help a really good kid like her. I wanted her to at least know how much I love her and appreciate her and I think it made her happy to hear that.

4. My grandson came over today! I haven't seen the little guy in several weeks because someone's always been sick or something. What especially made me feel good was how happy he was to see me. I love it!

5. I did not allow myself to feel guilty about anything today--not about not making the pulled pork or not buying bread or not cleaning, etc....none of it!!! Yay!

My goal today was to take it easy and I believe I accomplished that. My affirmation was to take care of myself because I matter. It felt good.