Tips to manage retiring from RO
RO has been a major part of my life for the last 5 years and next months it's my 26th birthday. This means I'm coming to the end of my time here.
This place means a lot to me and I'm really sad to be moving on from such an amazing community.
I really don't know how I'll manage without this place. I've checked out the other forums but they're not the same.
Does anyone have any advice before I leave next month. I'll really miss everyone.
Comments
@redhead Hugs 
It's never easy leaving a supportive environment - no matter the reason.
I'm sad to know you'll be aging out of RO, but thank you for making this thread so we can say goodbyes before you leave and help you find some ways to cope outside of RO
I like @letitgo's idea of saving some screenshots of things that make you happy or comfort you from RO.
As for the other forums you've checked out, I wonder if they don't feel the same because you haven't been around on them for a while and have no attachment to them?
Would it be worth trying with one of them do you think?
Wow, @redhead I had no idea you were aging out of RO 😞
I can't imagine the forums without you!
I'm glad you've checked out some other forums, though I can imagine they wouldn't be the same. RO is pretty unique and brilliant, right? 🙂
Hmm...maybe take some screenshots of posts that have really helped you on the forums, or write down a collection of advice that has helped, or users who have made you feel better?
It could be like a talisman for when/if you're not feeling the best in the future?
I'm sure some other users would be able to bring a different perspective and I'll tag some here: @lokifish @Bee @Jay-RO @Taylor-RO
Hey @redhead . I am sad to hear that you will be leaving us soon. I will miss you heaps! You have inspired me and encouraged me when I have been down, so I want to thank you! This will be my situation in a year or two and I don't want to imagine having to leave. It is a scary thought and I can only imagine how this must feel for you. I suppose my own advice would be to recognise and reflect on all the achievements you have made with your life and this is going into the next phase. RO has been an amazing support base, so I guess it would be just as important to find something that can still be a support base for you. When I feel lonely and like I cannot talk to people IRL, I use online forums like this, but also online games where I can chat to people. But in terms of IRL, I have a couple close friends that I know I can lean on for support. Can you see yourself finding another support base that can act in the same way as RO? I am not sure myself - we can work this out together!
I am interested to hear some other peoples strategies and tips because I am wondering the same thing. I like what you have suggested @letitgo .
I’m going to miss you so much @redhead! Ever since I’ve joined you’ve been such a big part of making these forums a welcoming and supportive place (and also getting us ever closer to 1 000 000 in the games thread! 
). Your honesty and resilience and your openness about who you are has inspired me again and again and helped to keep me fighting for my own recovery.
I recently made and wrote up a list of things that make me feel worse when I’m struggling (like vent posting on tumblr or listening to sad music) and things that make me feel better (like drinking tea mindfully or knitting) and I’ve found it’s really helpful to have that go-to list so I don’t have to think, I can just choose something. Maybe something like that could help you?
I also wondered whether it would be an be an option to expand your supports offline? Maybe you could check out meetup or ask around and see if there’s a peer support group that you could join?
We’ll all be cheering for you from afar
