Self Harm Community

Hi Everyone,
Sorry I've been away for a bit, I've been insanely busy with work, and life, but you've all been in my thoughts..... as you always are.

I've been reading some of the posts here, and am very sad and concerned to see what's happening to our community and this board.

Many of you have known me for a long, long time and know me as someone who likes to make people smile and laugh when things are tough and who will give life a good swift kick in the can when it needs straightening out, but also someone who has a level head, and a kind heart.

Right now it's time for the level headed Snowy to write for a few minutes....because I do care about all of you....and even tho I haven't met everyone, we all still share a special bond.......

Snowy gathers all her friends, both old and new, those who are still here, but are now hidden and those who are lurking..... under her soft white feathered wings......hear my words now.... breathe slowly and deeply.... calm your thoughts as much as you are able.....all will be well.

I remember many years ago, a small group of people tentatively came together on a new board that had been set up by a company that had decided to expand...some already knew each other, some were new and some got lost in the confusion of change....everyone hated the new board format.... (where DID that "ignore" button go???!) ..... it was too hard.....it was an uncomfortable change......everyone wanted to leave and go somewhere else, or go back to the old way......it didn't "feel" right anymore.....there were angry posts, threats, fears, tears and frustrations as we went through the growing pains of a "new way" ...........

New people slowly came to the board for different reasons, but we were all drawn together by one common thread and we wanted to find others in life who could understand us, perhaps, even if just a little.... someone who would lend an ear, or offer a word of encouragement or support when we were fighting rough times or our own dark thoughts...to just "know" someone was there, even if we only wrote a one word post…. someone who wouldn't let go........and sometimes, to have others to share our great triumphs and happy events with.....births, birthdays, holidays, travels, and even a marriage......!

Some people lurked for a while, until feeling safe enough, stepped quietly onto the board, in hopes of being accepted and welcomed......and most were, openly and warmly.......

Somewhere along the way, a group of strangers had quietly and gradually over time become a community of friends, and had formed some strong bonds, and yet were so very open to welcoming and helping new people in search of support.....

There was always someone in the community who was feeling strong enough at any given time to help those who were reaching out for understanding....
.... and it wasn't always the same person...... it seemed that effortlessly, when one tired, or felt they could offer no more to those in need, another stepped up and was there to take over and help for a while...we supported one another, always.......we are a community.....we are strong when we stand together......

Over the years, many people came and went, some left, some drifted off, some moved, some moved on and some we never will know what happened to them.

But here is one thing I do know..... everyone on this board (including those of you hidden or lurking) has the capacity to help another human being ... I have seen it done here time and time again..... you are an amazing amazing group of individuals, that I am honoured to know and call my friends………

Caprice is not able to be here with us now, she is not to blame for this, and I think would be very very upset and concerned to see what is happening to this community in her absence.

We are not children…… many of us were close to her and are saddened or hurt, shocked or concerned by her unexpected departure, of which she had no control.... Imagine how she must be feeling???

...con't..