In Reply to: support and recovery in the exer community posted by kinder gentler approach wanted on January 03, 2004 at 08:07:49:
There is also a lot learned and gained from it. I think we're all defensive because we just don't want anybody to tell us what to think or believe anymore. I sure see it in me. At the same time, I want to be fair and balanced and try to see all sides so I never become fanatical and arrogant about anything again. Trouble is, then I get wishy washy about my beliefs and end up with no conviction or confidence. So there has to be a balance to that too. It's tricky and it takes a lot of hard work to dig down and see just where all this is coming from and why. One good thing I've found is that as long as I am seeking and trying to learn - if I don't think I have all the answers, I wont' get that way again.
I actually think all this dialogue is good if you can get past some of the misunderstandings and pokes at each other. I don't think anyone means any harm. Sometimes people just need to vent and unfortunately, these places have the easiest targets because exmembers are simply there. Someone says something and boom, the anger comes out.