Thanks everyone

[Tobin S.]

I've talked about some deeply personal and revealing stuff here in the lounge. Over the years I've talked in detail about my struggle with mental illness; my adventures out on the road as a trucker, in both my inner and outer worlds; my addiction to alcohol, cigarettes, and rich food; my probably unintentionally funny stories about dating; and lot of you have followed me on my weight loss journey as I posted about my experiences with that.

It seems like for the most part people do not post about their personal lives on here beyond what's for dinner or to talk of their employment successes and failures. Some people here do not post about themselves at all. But starting in June of 2003 I felt compelled to do it. I had just gotten out of the hospital for what has turned out to be the last time, and I felt the need to spread the word far and wide about the treatment for mental illnesses and my experiences with them. And all of that other stuff in the first paragraph was soon to follow.

I needed to talk about those personal things, I think, in order to restore my ego which had been shattered through ten years of insanity. I had to rebuild myself and it has taken me a little over 6 years to do it. Peace to you all and thanks for listening.

[City of Mills]

1. Thanks for sharing

I always looked forward to your stories from the road, I found them immensely interesting :)

[LeftyFingerPop]

2. The things that you share help others, so....

thank YOU.

[bigwillq]

3. And thank you for sharing.

I enjoy your stories. :hi:

[Bertha Venation]

4. Tobin

:hug: You're a sweetheart and you deserve only the best.

[MissHoneychurch]

5. We have to thank you

for letting us into your world and explaining.

And thank you for sharing all your roadside stories. Which are so insightfull. They tell a lot about the people you met but the stories also tell a lot about you :hug:

:loveya:

[abq e streeter]

6. You have been an inspiration to me... thank you for sharing your struggles and victories

"thanks for listening"? nope; it has been my PRIVILEGE to have been allowed to listen...

[hippywife]

7. It wasn't your ego that needed restoration

because as far as I have seen, you don't have one. You've done a good thing, both for yourself and others who may be struggling with similar issues. Even if you don't hear that from many people, those seeds cast far and wide take root.

You should be extremely pleased with yourself, and have a fully strengthened sense of self-esteem. I wish you nothing but continued success, and someone to come along and share your new-found happiness with.

:hi: :yourock:

ETA: I'm glad you found the support here that you needed.

[PRETZEL]

8. very well put, nt

[Forkboy]

9. Your posts on this are honestly the best stuff on the topic I've read or even heard anywhere.

I'm far too private to talk about anything seriously personal, not just being bipolar, to the extent that you do. But you "get it" better than anyone else I've come across, whether it's counselors, psychiatrists, doctors or even books on the subject. If I were to recommend DU to someone who wanted to know what we're about, your posts would be among the ones I'd highlight.

I know your posts have helped me, and I bet they have for a lot of others as well.

[fizzgig]

10. i've always enjoyed your stories, tobin

your posts are insightful and intelligently written. i think it's wonderful that you're comfortable sharing with us and i've benefited from that.

continued good wishes to you.

[GOPisEvil]

11. The thanks go to you.

I think you have done more good than you realize. You've certainly opened some eyes (namely mine) in a positive sense.

You're a natural writer. If you blogged, I'd read it.

[Callalily]

12. In your quiet and unassuming

way, you have educated, comforted and inspired many.

Thanks for being so giving, so open.

:hug:

[Kali]

13. ..

what they said ^
:thumbsup:

[Lars39]

14. I always read your posts, Tobin.

:hug:

[Eyerish]

15. I have always enjoyed your posts Tobin

Thank you for sharing your experiences with us. :hug:

[NJmaverick]

16. Just my opinion but the fact that you were able to overcome so much

really attests to your strength of character.

[auntAgonist]

17. Tobin, you my friend are one of the strongest people I know.

Gryphon and i are proud to call you friend in real life. We look forward to seeing you again and hearing all about how things are going for you.

I don't think I would have survived half of what you have.

You don't have an ego to restore Tobin, maybe some self confidence but that will come in time. I suffer from lack of confidence too.

You are a gem of the highest value and I'm not trading you in for anything :)


:hug:
:loveya:
:hug:

kesha

[hunter]

18. Thank you, Tobin!

:hug:

[PassingFair]

19. I ususally hate it when people post about their personal problems...

but for some reason, I always found myself rooting for you.

Your basic goodness and your sincere struggles strike
just the right notes, and you NEVER fell into "poor me"
pity party territory.

You never blamed others, and you have a knack for putting
your feelings into words without whining.

I think you would like the works of Somerset Maugham, who
wrote about people with such detachment and such love, at
the same time.



Keep posting, and keep growing, we love to hear from you!

:hug: