8 Comments
Aug 1, 2023Liked by Penfist

"Be kind whenever possible ~ it is always possible"

Your kind offer to support others in need is generous.

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Aug 1, 2023Liked by Penfist

Thank you for sharing your story.

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author

I am well enough (finally, possibly temporarily) and this is my legacy. Thank you for witnessing.

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Pen,

Your sharing about this "Invisible Illness" displays both your challenges and your commitment to wellness. But what is beautiful about your writing is your empathy and willingness to help others.

Isn't that the difference between the MAGA maniacs and the rest of us? If we don't see everyone as being in the same boat, if we don't value every human life, then we have revealed our selfishness and fear. Fear that was cultivated by parents and politicians.

We have a dear cousin who served in Vietnam. On the surface he is the guy you want to hang out with - good sense of humor, bright in a really practical way. But we are learning that his PTSD is still with him and it is limiting his activities. The family is in support. He could have been alone or with less helpful people. But some stuff is apparently bubbling up more recently - maybe he just can't hold it back anymore. I don't know. We will all be there for him in any way we can.

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author

The MAGA movement is rooted in two things: fear and selfishness. I feel for your cousin, and I hope he is able to accept your support.

It took me more than a decade of fighting to get to this point. I had a year where I could not work, barely went outside, etc. I still wake up screaming and punching now, after getting properly medicated and going through CBT multiple times.

You're right when you observe that those negative elements in the MAGA crowd are being cultivated. Con-men and troll farms stoke the flames and in the end that crowd will burn itself out with no improvement in the human condition having been achieved.

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I appreciate your willingness to put yourself and illness in plain sight. A substantial

part of any mental illness is the stigma that goes with it. What you're doing is akin to adult education - Thank you

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author

I have a hard time sharing with other people, but I am working on it.

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I had written a post - "As We Are Fully Known" about peoples worst day ever, including the PTSD that frequently goes along with that. My objective in writing that was acknowledging that at any one moment, a large number of people are in the middle of their worst day. and since we never know who or where we might encounter such people, kindness is a good default position for all of us.

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