Hope springs eternal..

Hello Friend

You said it quite clearly, stay focus on the road in front of you I as you been dealing with anxiety issues for quite some time and I know what you mean by not letting yourself being absorb in others isssues the line between emphatie and sympathie is so fine that one sometimes cross over without knowing it out of kindness especially when it is so easy to be ''nice'' one thing I would like to point out to you is that everybody as the need to be recognize to be a part of...thats the human nature, but as you said not at any cost.

The need for approval is something that each and every one of us stride for to realize ourselfs a sense of achievement these are all honorable...but there is a balance to be found and one can only hope to find is or hers I think this takes a lifetime of living with all that it implies as we never stop growing on the road of our life.

So my friend be kind to yourself and to others...reminding yourself thats its YOUR life.

Suffolk

I understand what you are saying and think you are doing just fine. Years ago someone told me "you are in the place you are supposed to be at this moment. You don't need to look back and have regrets or look forward if it holds you back from right now." California is obviously where you need to be at this moment, and you have been given an opportunity to start again, meet new people, create new experiences. Courage, remember is not the lack of fear, but doing something despite the fear, so you are courageous.

Keep up remembering your needs are important. So often we forget that, getting wrapped up in other people's lives and problems. But remind yourself each day how very important you are.

Eileen