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Hoarding Help Message Boards : The Daily Chat : Personal Care
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Personal Care
   

Dianne
Posted: 10 August 2013 - 02:51 PM
Tillie, I'll get back to salt water rinses. I remember my great-grandmother having me do that with the hottest water I could stand. It did feel good!
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Mare
Posted: 09 August 2013 - 06:23 PM
I am trying to put this into action but so far it is hit and miss still, and I like the salt water rinse, too, I learned that from my mother and it is good for gums and inflammation.
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Tillie
Posted: 09 August 2013 - 10:29 AM
I brush my teeth at least twice every day using tooth paste.
I floss daily too.
But I never buy mouth wash.
If I need to rinse my mouth I put a little bit of salt in some warm water and use that.
An old fashioned remedy but it kills germs and is what we tell people to do after having oral surgery to help prevent infections. :)
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Dianne
Posted: 09 August 2013 - 07:45 AM
Hey Roxie, yes teeth brushing is going well. I missed two days in August.

One thing I've done is not to feel it has to be all or nothing. The routine used to be brush with toothpaste, floss, mouthwash. Since my mouth is very sensitive even with no alcohol I keep diluting the small amount of mouthwash in the cup with water. My tongue would be on fire and the increased salivation made me hang over the sink for a couple minutes. Not a pleasant experience at all. So the routine was usually nothing.

Now I'm just brushing with toothpaste. Once that's more solid I'll add in the flossing and later the mouthwash. Anybody know of a very gentle one?
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Mare
Posted: 08 August 2013 - 04:36 PM
This will sound terrible but still I cannot find my toothbrush so I have been using a cloth and I do like a clean mouth more and more, thank you Roxie I had forgotten about these posts in here.
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Roxie
Posted: 08 August 2013 - 03:31 PM
Just dropping by the check on everyone's personal care goals and progress (or not)!

Dianne, how is the teeth brushing? Any more gold stars?

I have continued to brush my teeth, but have fallen behind on my litter box scooping. I'll get there yet. It was a struggle with the teeth for awhile, too, but now I am used to feeling that clean mouth once a day and I like it!
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Mare
Posted: 03 August 2013 - 12:02 PM
I have found that, for me, only taking tiny steps at a time is working. For instance, I set the goal at brushing my teeth once a day and marking it on my calendar. With false starts, missed days, etc., I finished out July having brushed my teeth 30 days in a row. I plan to continue the calendar marking. Now I have added scooping cat litter to the daily mix so I end up with an asterisk * instead of an X on the calendar if I do my meds, teeth and litter box that day.

Tiny Steps is good for me as well... I started with actually finding the toothbrush, as bad as that sounds... Wow that is really commendable. I will be doing my journal and charting my progress again, too... I will say its difficultdifficultdifficult but I find setting myself as accountable here REALLY helps me a lot. I like your system, yes.

I need to figure out what personal care issue I need to work on next and I'm reluctant. I think I'm reluctant because I need to work on the bathroom in which there is a shower. And working more frequent showers into my routine will become important. See how mess and squalor can get in the way?

Yes I do. I have access to my shower but getting in can seem like such a chore. I take impulse showers... I will think of it out of the blue and then just get in no matter what I am doing. Having to go see people is also a prompt as I am too embarrassed to go anywhere looking too terribly filthy. Baby steps!

Thank you so much for sharing here so freely.
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Roxie
Posted: 03 August 2013 - 11:15 AM
I have found that, for me, only taking tiny steps at a time is working. For instance, I set the goal at brushing my teeth once a day and marking it on my calendar. With false starts, missed days, etc., I finished out July having brushed my teeth 30 days in a row. I plan to continue the calendar marking. Now I have added scooping cat litter to the daily mix so I end up with an asterisk * instead of an X on the calendar if I do my meds, teeth and litter box that day.

I need to figure out what personal care issue I need to work on next and I'm reluctant. I think I'm reluctant because I need to work on the bathroom in which there is a shower. And working more frequent showers into my routine will become important. See how mess and squalor can get in the way?

Wondering what has happened to Mclynn and others previously posting here.


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Mare
Posted: 03 August 2013 - 01:45 AM
Yes small steps! I am trying to do the same routine things such as wearing clean clothes, deodorant, more showers, brushing my teeth and even though it seems simple and normal for most people, we often have to really push ourselves into doing them.
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Kara
Posted: 03 August 2013 - 01:09 AM
I have a personal care issue. Not putting on Deodorant. It is just not in my routine.

Just starting to wash my hair and brushing it regularly. small steps hey Mare.

Keep it up.
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Mare
Posted: 01 August 2013 - 01:26 PM
Thank you so much for this where, ladies... so informative, encouraging and personal.

I, too, have a problem with personal care and its been something I keep secret and just hope noone notices, but they must.

I really need to go to the dentist for one thing, and since I have been having problems there I have neglected the basics. I will add that to my goals for the day and start a change for the better.

Self-esteem has also been a huge problem, thankfully I have an excellent therapist who is even willing to come to me on days I cannot get a way to her office. Priceless.

See you soon...
Mare
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Dianne
Posted: 22 July 2013 - 04:14 PM
Congratulations Roxie!!!

Keep up the great work!
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Roxie
Posted: 22 July 2013 - 03:29 PM
Except for July 1, I have not missed a day this month on brushing my teeth. Yeah!
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Tillie
Posted: 14 July 2013 - 01:49 PM
:D
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diane
Posted: 14 July 2013 - 01:44 PM
See Tillie, we really are sisters from other mothers!!!
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Tillie
Posted: 14 July 2013 - 09:53 AM
Wow Diane :)

I was born in Detroit and lived there till I was five when we moved to Arizona. But spent a lot of time returning to Michigan and Canada to spend summers and other occasions.
My hoarder's family comes from Minnesota.
Such a small world. ;)
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diane
Posted: 14 July 2013 - 01:15 AM
Fun reading about Michigan and Mn. My dad was raised in Escanoba (sp) Michigan, northern peninsula and mom in Detroit. reading my moms journals today, found out my great grandma was Fox Indian, and my dad only spoke French, he was French Canadian. I went to nursing school in Mpls., Mn. So felt like you are almost my sisters!!
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Tillie
Posted: 13 July 2013 - 05:30 PM
WAY TO GO! Roxie:D
for all the tooth brushings! :D

My people are from the Quebec area. I was born in Michigan.
My Grandmother had a lovely little cottage on the shore of a small lake in upper Michigan and being there are my most cherished memories. :)
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Roxie
Posted: 13 July 2013 - 02:24 PM
So, why did we stop posting here?

I have only missed July 1 on teeth brushing, but so far have done every day of July. Yeah!

Diane, when I got sick with CFS I had a lot of problems with when I would be asleep. I got so freaked that someone would ring my doorbell and I'd be in my night clothes that I started sleeping in my clothes. I've continued that to this day. So I really get your wearing clothes day in and day out for days. I personally don't really care whether I change that but it is something to look at, I agree.

Tillie, it is interesting to me that you are Ojibwe. My only encounters with Ojibwe have been in Northern Minnesota where there is a wonderful lodge and restaurant filled with Ojibwe decorations and lore. It is just outside Grand Marais, MN. My family cabin is an hour's drive out the Gunflint Trail that starts in Grand Marais and ends before you get to my cabin. You get to the cabin by boat. And yea, being Finnish-American, we have a wonderful old-fashioned Finnish sauna there.

I too do not brush my hair every day but mostly just stick it up in a clip to get it out of my way. Of course I brush it before leaving the house, but how often do I leave the house? Not often.

How is everyone doing in this area?

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diane
Posted: 05 May 2013 - 10:13 PM
Hi Lynn, yes I know you are not a hoarder, and I know you are looking for work daily, so meant I hope you are getting lots done in the job search onlline, since you can't do much else. I know banging my toe slowed me down and got to focus on small stuff.
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Lynn S
Posted: 05 May 2013 - 04:33 PM
Thanks but remember I'm not the hoarder, my mother is. I can't walk on my own yet so I can't do much of anything yet. The heating pad really helps relax my muscles that need to be.

I see the doc tomorrow afternoon and see what he says. It's been since Wed since I fell.

I am getting better though. I can't wait until I can bear all or most of the weight on my leg.
Take care diane.
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diane
Posted: 05 May 2013 - 02:00 PM
Lynn, I hope you are feeling better today and getting lots done. After banging my toe yesterday, I have slowed down too, but nothing is stopping me from getting things done, just more rest breaks and elevating my foot. We are in hoarder hospital where the work never stops for long!!
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Lynn S
Posted: 04 May 2013 - 07:11 PM
I'm massaging, relaxing, icing and resting and unstiffining my leg. I hope all will heal sooner so that I can do some cardio later after I'm able to start walking but not too soon. Heal first then cardio.
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Kclynne
Posted: 04 May 2013 - 02:31 PM
Dianne

It's definitely not easy. Especially now that I have to take two weeks off of my training. I'm replacing swimming with dancing to at least keep my cardio up and doing some mild weight training, at least what is approved by my physical therapist.

Had a nasty run in with a man I don't know last weekend. My personal space was invaded and violated. I thought I was ok, and was able to get through this, but recently started having nightmares and my anxiety levels have gone through the roof. Normally at this state is when I start to break down and retreat into myself and it's the moment like this that get me into these situations of doing nothing. So instead I'm trying to channel those feelings into positive, and hopefully ill be able to get to the VA hospital and speak to a mental health counselor.

This is gonna be really tough for me, and at least once I day, I feel like giving up, usually at night when I'm alone. My boyfriend is a guard drill this weekend, and most of my friends are out of town. So I'm pretty much left to my own devices and that's when the emptiness and vulnerability sets in. I am constantly looking over my back, and I haven't been able to take a shower since Tuesday. I keep telling myself I need to, but by not doing so, it helps me think that maybe no one will touch me.

That guy really did a number on my psyche, and all I want right now is to get past this.
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Tillie
Posted: 04 May 2013 - 11:03 AM
Being honest with each other also makes us be honest with our selves.

I never can understand why my hoarder won't allow me to wash some of his dirty clothes.
He says "no" don't wash them because I plan to wear them again and they will just get dirty.

Being fresh and clean and wearing fresh clean clothes feels so good and improves our self image.

In this modern day & age with most people having showers/tubs and washers in their homes we can have this. :)
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diane
Posted: 04 May 2013 - 12:18 AM
Today I took a shower for the first time in a few days, it felt so good and really didn't take that long, not sure why I don't want to take regular showers. I tell myself, you will just get dirty with all the gross work you are doing, so why shower. 1 or 2 showers a week is just not enough. Amazing how honest we can be on here.
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MayMay
Posted: 03 May 2013 - 04:43 PM
OMG! Today while I was getting my hair cut, I accidentally got mistaken for a 17 year old.

The girl who was cutting my hair asked me if I was getting ready to graduate from high school this year. I told her no. And then I told her that I actually graduated from high school back in 2008. After I told her that, she asked me how old I was; and I told her that I was 23. After I told her that, she was really shocked. And she told me that she thought that I was 17. :)

I have no idea why, but for some reason I always love it when people think that I am younger than I really am. :)

I think the funniest part about her thinking that I was 17 was the fact that she is around the same age as me. :)
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MayMay
Posted: 27 April 2013 - 11:25 PM
Hi Dianne,

Thanks. :)

I've never clogged the drain after shaving my legs before. But one time I did go without shaving my legs for about a month; and after I finally shaved my legs, it looked like someone got into a fight with a yeti in my bathroom. LOL. :)
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Dianne
Posted: 27 April 2013 - 10:40 PM
Tillie how cool that you have a vintage dollhouse! It must be fun looking in and knowing it's just right! :)

hahahaha MayMay on your porcupine legs and cake at the gym stories!! You would be so much fun to hang with!

Kclynne congratulations on swimming a triathlon in September! Sounds like that is a huge commitment in training.

Diane you're right ~ we can get way too focused on helping others and get resentful when some of that care isn't returned. I feel very blessed too, to be part of this great group of ladies!

Here's my story of grossness and being happy with myself.....

With a couple days and a night with no animals and only me I started to smell something really rank. No way, I thought. Is that ME? It was disgusting!

So before I came home I totally shaved (clogging the drain, yuck!), trimmed and filed my fingernails, gave myself a pedicure with some bright pink polish, washed my hair and conditioned it, scrubbed my face, used lotion all over, brushed and flossed my teeth and used mouthwash. It felt really good. Then I put on the same smelly clothes to drive home. Haha too bad but I didn't want to buy new ones when I have so many here.

But it was a great start and I definitely plan to keep up with taking care of myself physically. :)
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MayMay
Posted: 26 April 2013 - 11:45 PM
Hey Kclynne,

Yeah when it happened my boyfriend and I thought it was pretty funny too. And when we told everyone the story about how I got us kicked out of the gym for eating a slice of chocolate cake while on one of the exercise bikes, they all laughed their asses off. LOL. :D

I'm a bit of a rebel. :)
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Kclynne
Posted: 26 April 2013 - 11:28 PM
OMG, lol I couldn't help but laugh. I used to sneak snacks in with me in my gym bag, and would always have so etching to much on after a workout, sometimes in the middle of one.

The Air Force frowned of that.....a lot! I know your pain! Lol.

I'm still giggling about you being kicked out of a gym for eating dessert though, that's just darned funny.
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MayMay
Posted: 26 April 2013 - 10:50 PM
Hi Kclynne,

I exercise by playing with Matt and Cory and by walking them everyday. I also get a lot of exercise from cleaning too. That's mostly because I always listen to music while I clean; and I always end up singing and dancing along to the music, which then makes me really tired after I'm done. :)

I went to the gym with my boyfriend once, and I accidentally ended up getting us kicked out of the gym. :D

Apparently the gym frowns upon people who like to multi-task by eating "desert type" foods while exercising. LOL. :D
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Kclynne
Posted: 26 April 2013 - 08:09 PM
Maymay, I felt like you for a long time. I was forced to work out daily during my time in the military and I hated it. I haven't worked out in 6 years. I found something I enjoy, and I got myself a partner, and it makes all the difference in the world. I swim 3 times a week, approximately 40 mins a day. My boyfriend holds me accountable by meeting me at the gym every day we work out. Getting me there is the biggest issue. So today I did a fitness assessment and was certain I was going to do horribly. I got fair to average on every category but one. That I got the highest score the personal trainer had ever seen. My biggest issues is getting my body fat percentage down, but I am feeling good. Saw my physical therapist today, and I have a 20% increase in my range of motion in my shoulder, and I'm finally cleared to start lifting weights. My stress levels are down, my endorphins are up. I haven't felt this good in a long time.

One thing to remember, exercise doesn't have to always happen at the gym. Cleaning is great exercise. Take your pets out for walks, that is an amazing workout!

I'm gonna say it here, because the more I write this, and the more I tell it to people, the less likely I am to give up. I AM swimming in a triathlon in September. 1500 meters...1 mile. I've been doing that a lot lately, writing things down for others to see. It then makes me accountable. I don't always recommend anyone going full force at things like I am. I just don't know any other way to do it. I hope I'm not setting myself up for failure though. I get big aspirations, and then one thing will go wrong and I break down. Now that I found this, and everyone here, I hope instead of breaking down I will be able to stop, say what is bothering me, without fear of judgement, and then pick myself back up and continue on.

Sorry for the ramble. I am pretty amped full of adrenaline and am seriously considering throwing my kicks on and going for a run!
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diane
Posted: 26 April 2013 - 04:03 PM
Maymay you are hilarious. Massage therapist actually don't care about hair on legs, honestly, they focus on the muscles under the skin, not whats on skin, voice of experience here.
Tillie, I was delighted to read about your day today, you deserve a pamper day, glad you can relax and enjoy all that you have done. Your doll house sounds wonderful. I get nervous just thinking of relaxing and pampering myself. I was criticised as a child for taking care of myself, my mom never took care of herself. When I read what you wrote, I realized, life is too short not to change that faulty belief. I know the importance of giving to myself to have more to give others, but I give to others and then get resentful no one is helping me, when I should be the one taking care of me and less focus on fixing others. So blessed to have you gals in my life now.
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MayMay
Posted: 26 April 2013 - 03:18 PM
YAY! My post finally showed up! :)

I'm no longer annoyed! :)
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MayMay
Posted: 26 April 2013 - 03:14 PM
Here's some advice for anyone who has just injured their legs. :)

If you have just injured your legs, then don't shave them the day after you injured them. Because it will HURT really badly if you do. :(

I just did; and it HURT really badly! :(

I had no choice though. I had to shave my legs. They were starting to get all prickally and I'm getting a massage tomorrow. And I don't want the lady who will be giving me the massage to think that she is massaging a porcupine. Lol.
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MayMay
Posted: 26 April 2013 - 03:07 PM
I am so annoyed right now!
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Tillie
Posted: 26 April 2013 - 11:59 AM
After everything I have gotten done this past week I need today to concentrate on me.

I am still in bed, not going to get up till I am ready to.
I am tired, physically and mentally.

My finger nails are split, chipped and sorry looking. Going to do a manicure.

My feet are tired and sore. Going to soak them in a nice bubble bath then massage them with lotion.

Need to find a "Happy" today to help erase this sadness.
Going to dust the interior of my tiny little vintage doll house.
I like looking in there because it is never cluttered and everything is always as it should be.
I use Q Tips to dust in there. :D

Need to get rested and ready for the weekend. Hoping my hoarder will be motivated to do something.
Not getting my hopes up too high so I won't be too dissapointed if he doesn't.
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MayMay
Posted: 26 April 2013 - 09:05 AM
Hi Kclynne,

I think it's great that you found someone to help you clean up. :)

Good for you for going to the gym. :)

I hate going to the gym. I tried it once and after I left I was like, "Never Again!" There were too many people there. I felt like I was being watched the whole time I was there. Plus I can't force myself to exercise; My mind doesn't work like that. Either I want to exercise, or I don't. Whenever I exercise, it always has to be unintentional. For me playing with my 2 dogs, Matt and Cory, is my exercise. They are really hyperactive. :)

I get massages once a month to help reduce my stress level and depression. I actually have a massage scheduled for tomorrow. :)
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Dianne
Posted: 26 April 2013 - 03:20 AM
diane WTG!! You got that appt fast!
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Dianne
Posted: 26 April 2013 - 03:18 AM
Congratulations Kclynne!!

What a great start you have made! I've only been here a few months and I haven't had the huge strides that you and diane and Tille have made but we each get there in our own time.

Keep letting us know how you continue. And when you have the hard days let us know that too.

You're right personal care includes everything that helps us take good care of ourselves.
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diane
Posted: 25 April 2013 - 11:50 PM
Wow you have really had an awakening!! Nice you found someone to help you clean up. Yes, this site has helped me so much, happy to hear you are doing so much better.
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Kclynne
Posted: 25 April 2013 - 11:31 PM
Being new here, I'm intrigued by this thread. Personal care hasn't always been a big issue with me. At least I didn't think so. I may not shower daily, I was my hair 2 or 3 times a week. I rarely leave the house without my hair done or having make-up on. I sell Mary Kay as one of my three jobs, and I founded an organization to help families like mine with autistic children. But the more I read the more I realize there are personal things I am neglecting. For me it's mostly emotional and mental issues. When I am feeling down, unmotivated, depressed, I won't leave get out of my pajamas, even if I need to go to the store, I will spend a lot of my time in bed or on the couch, and can go up to three days without leaving the house. I recently got a gym membership, and decided that I'm going to take my health back, lose weight and just feel better in the process. After the first day, Tuesday, I was sore, and felt as little better, but not much. Today however, my second visits helped so much. Being active again has really kinda brought me back to life. Now I'm spending over an hr at the gym, at my stress levels are much less than they were. Mentally, I'm not as exhausted. My body is, but my mind is not. I was able to get in touch with a company today, who will come out and help me with my "mess" and help me with organization, and even sit down and help me work out a schedule for my days, which will include my personal time. I'm very strong willed, and stubborn, and now that I've decided to make this change, I have nothing stopping me. If I hadn't happened on this site and these message boards I don't know if I would be feeling the way I am now. My mood and mindset has changed over night, and the few people who have said hi, are very kind, and I'm glad to know I'm not alone.
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diane
Posted: 25 April 2013 - 11:00 PM
Went to the doctor today,finally.
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MayMay
Posted: 24 April 2013 - 06:49 PM
Thanks Dianne. :)

I will. :)
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Dianne
Posted: 24 April 2013 - 09:08 AM
MayMay you have wonderful self-esteem. A great deal of that has to do with good parenting so be sure to thank them. :)
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MayMay
Posted: 23 April 2013 - 11:28 PM
Hi Dianne,

I've never really tried to fit in or tried to do everything to be what someone else wants me to be. I've always marched to the beat of my own drum. :)

The way I think about it is, "If someone likes me, then that's great! And if someone doesn't like me, then they can just kiss my ass!" Because I'm not going to change who I am just to please someone else. :)
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diane
Posted: 23 April 2013 - 06:25 PM
Dianne, I appreiate you openness, we are here to heal together and learn about whats behind some of our behaviours, I could relate to alot of what you wrote, thanks so much
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Dianne
Posted: 23 April 2013 - 06:22 PM
Hi MayMay,

The problem with trying out so many personalities is that you never know who you really are. Trying to fit in, trying to do everything to be what someone else wants. Thinking that what you want or are is not acceptable, not good enough. Life like that is very confusing. It can be fun, satisfying but nothing ever sticks, it always shifts.

All I know for sure about myself is that I love my kids and grandkids and I love my animals. Nothing else is solid.

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MayMay
Posted: 23 April 2013 - 04:21 PM
Wow Dianne,

That's a lot of different personalities. :)

I'm like (the stoner, beach party girl who can really hold her alcohol). :)

Because I love to party. :)
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