[Chat] Overcoming bad experiences.
Life is full of both good and bad experiences.
Sometimes the memories of the bad experiences can stick around though and get in the way of new, possibly awesome experiences.
If enough bad stuff happens, it can make it hard to even notice when a good thing happens. Brains can be very strange sometimes:
On Monday the 24th of October at 8pm AEDT we're going to talk about our awkward moments and bad experiences. Together we'll figure out how to stop them getting in the way of new, good experiences!
You can join the chat then, or start the conversation right now by clicking reply 🙂
Thanks @Ben-RO for running tonight and thanks everyone for chatting and all your great responses! 
Night @Alison5! It's been awesome reading your responses tonight 🙂
LIFE! Most of the really important and valuable lessons are taught from experiencing bad and tough things.
It helps us maintain and build resilience and strength so that we are more accustomed to facing the worlds issues and can bounce back more quickly.
But I have also improved a hell of a lot!
On the build up to talking with my Mum for example, I set myself a goal to aim for I.e I want to disclose everything to get it off my chest and one to settle for I.e I at least want to express my feelings.
I promise myself I will do this and when I do, I like to treat myself to something. If I don't, I agree that next time I have to achieve 2 set goals.
The internet helps? I find writing things in written form or in text means i can construct it and re-write it if I need to. Its still super hard though, the people that im lucky to have to lean on are very limited and i've built that relationship over years and even then sometimes there are things that I don't say
@Stealth_ninja the Internet definitely helps! I know I share stuff on here before I feel comfortable sharing it with people in real life
Ooooh so knowing you can bail helps? Makes sense, it means that you kind of have a way of protecting yourself from the potentially bad experiences, so you don't worry about them as much? Would that work as a technique for offline situations? Like if we have an exit strategy does that help us not feel like we have to flee?
@Ben-RO I know that'd probably help me, but what would an exit strategy look like in an offline situation? Literally getting up and walking away from the conversation?
@lokifish I think an offline exit strategy would be having a reason to leave, like a ringing phone or the classic, 'Oh, is that the time?' Neither of those are particularly good examples, but I think you get what I mean?
Running away also works though. Eject!
I like this idea of sharing little snippets and then building up to it. This is often what I do. I think that's often easier on both parties!
I agree it's helpful and good to have an exit strategy. Planning in advance who you're going to tell where and when can make it easier. If you're feeling overwhelmed and like you need to get out, it's ok to end the conversation and leave if you need to, or be more subtle and change the topic of conversation to talk about something else. Also, like I said above, it's really important that you do something nice and relaxing for yourself afterwards. When I've had a tough conversation with my GP, she always asks me what I'm going to do after I leave!
Yep, that could be one @lokifish
Guess it depends on the situation!
You could also do something like get comfortable with sharing with someone you trust over time. Maybe test the waters a little before diving into the whole conversation?
I am not sure about this whole strange idea of mine as a strategy, so I'm keen to hear what people think!
Yeah I tend to do that a lot @Ben-RO. Divulge little snippets of information and then see how they respond, and go from there
That's alright footy @FootyFan26 you can always jump on later and have a read, add something on later!
I think it's key that your support can validate the way you feel. And this is usually why we can't always take care of ourselves without support as we tend to question and down-play our own feelings and experiences.
Heya peeps! I literally just got home and thought I'd pop in and say hi 🙂
