12/13 Creating Happiness

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5
    Happy now!
    Posted by: joannpa
    Posted on: 2002-12-13 10:26:38


    This happiness concept had eluded me for YEARS! What a waste! I always wanted more, different, better! To think of all the good things that were right under my nose and were not recognized!

    Instead of appreciating what I had, I agonized at what I lost. I missed a lot of valuable opportunites to be happy. I believe, I am the one to make it happen now. It took some time, but I can actually call myself Happy now!
    Quite interesting!
    Posted by: sendingsos
    Posted on: 2002-12-13 10:53:39


    Happiness has seemed to pass me by @ times but I am now more accepting of my situation. Sure, I get PO'd because "my ship hasn't come in yet" @ 42. I catch myself being jealous, envious because I am a single working class person. I am not a perfectionist but thorough & consider myself average but a wannabe leader. I would hate to pass on Aspergers Syndrome to others too. Please help us by raising awareness of this-especially among adults who must deal with ignorance & prejudices in "the real world." I would love to hear coping techniques & how you can encourage society to be more accepting of us with Aspergers. We need not live with these feelings like we failed somewhere when amongst others. Everyone needs success so they too can be remembered for the good they contributed to society. They also want to be the ones to pass on stories to future generations. Thanks a million!! :>)
      what is Aspergers Syndrome?
      Posted by: sandylot
      Posted on: 2002-12-13 11:01:57


      I don't know anything about this...can you tell me more please? Thanks, Sandylot
        Asperger syndrome (AS)
        Posted by: fearfactor
        Posted on: 2002-12-13 11:17:17


        Asperger syndrome (AS) is a pervasive developmental disorder characterized by an inability to understand how to interact socially. Other features include clumsy and uncoordinated motor movements, social impairment with extreme obtuseness, limited interests and/or unusual preoccupations, repetitive routines or rituals, speech and language peculiarities, and non-verbal communication problems. Generally, children with AS have few facial expressions apart from anger or misery. Most have excellent rote memory and musical ability, and become intensely interested in one or two subjects (sometimes to the exclusion of other topics). They may talk at length about a favorite subject or repeat a word or phrase many times. Children with AS tend to be "in their own world" and preoccupied with their own agenda. AS is commonly recognized after the age of 3. Some individuals who exhibit features of autism (a developmental brain disorder characterized by impaired social interaction and communication skills) but who have well-developed language skills may be diagnosed with AS, although high-functioning autism differs from AS in early language delay.
          To fearfactor about Asperger's
          Posted by: jayspin
          Posted on: 2002-12-13 23:50:45


          Hi, I actually have done a lot of research on my own on Pdds/autism/aspergers, etc. because my 3 year old grandson has some sort of PDD which they have said is a 'communication disorder' so far. He's in speech therapy and is re-evaluated every so often. Early intervention is the key to helping this young brain develop. I know this message board isn't about PDDs today, but I have so many questions. My grandson repeats everything he hears, but wasn't able to process information that was 'going into' his brain; therefore, couldn't answer questions. He is very hyper, doesn't sleep well, has a poor appetite, but is extremely clever and smart. He does seem to be in his own little world a lot of the time, which is why they are working to involve him in group activities as often as possible. Is this autism or what? The parents don't want to label this, but for educational purposes, what does it sound like? He was born 5 weeks prematurely, weighing under 5lbs. and used to do a lot of screeching, but that has subsided. jy
          thank you!!
          Posted by: realworld1
          Posted on: 2002-12-15 11:35:00


          you have perfectly described my 23 year old son! diagnosed as add/hyperactive back when 3 yrs old, suspected by a psychologist years later as being mildly autistic.....he functions indepentently--barely--difficulty holding jobs, HATES the world because he knows he isnt normal, bitter, angry, distrustful, BUT brilliant, knows so much about so many topics, is meek and gentle and loving inside altho he doesnt display that side nearly often enough....refuses to be involved in any kind of therapy or professional help or support group, refuses the idea of any meds...hated taking ritalin for several years while in school. life is hard for this beloved son. i cant have him live in my house--disrespectful to a blatant degree which i am no longer willing to accept UNLESS he is in some kind of counselling or treatment. he is his own worst enemy. i have tried everything i could think of and will always be there if he is willing to let me provide any emotional comfort of support...i feel kinda guilty for forcing him out to make his way in the world, but believe i cant help him --nobody can unless he wants them to--and if i provide for him i am just postponing him facing his reality and assessing his needs and wants...whew, i feel better having gotten this off my chest...thanks
        Aspergers Syndrome & Happiness
        Posted by: sendingsos
        Posted on: 2002-12-20 01:44:33


        Why I brought this up was because I strongly believe that this has a vast affect on one's "happiness"-as it ought to be. I also felt that "fearfactor" & "jayspin" were pretty well informed about Asperger's as well as the others who posted. I also wish to say THANK YOU to those who did respond on this subject. People with Aspergers find living difficult as far as adjusting, employment, education, facing ridicules & prejudice within society's realm. I feel like because of this, they also miss out on chronologically age important milestones in life ie: relationships/marriage, promotions, anything leadership/success oriented-even going abroad/home ownership. I must clue you all in. I am blessed to have the people around me I do especially over holidays. Being single, 42 & Aspergers myself, I am in acceptance mode of myself better. I stil find it tough to go to a New Years Eve party somewhere alone-I feel awkward indeed. I have given up on resolutions in favor of the 12 step & Playboy philosophies-One Day at a Time & Go Ahead as Long As You Do Not Harm Yourself or Others. I also feel we are all human beings & we can in this mindset, make a positive, sensible difference.
        search
        Posted by: athenarose
        Posted on: 2004-02-13 20:00:23


        try doing a web search on it, you'll find lots of info
      To Sendingsos
      Posted by: milmarz
      Posted on: 2002-12-13 11:43:52


      I never heard of this Syndrome before. Thanks for the information. Many of the indicators were what I had growing up. I was terribly unco ordinated for one. We must make the public AND all mothers especially aware of this Aspergers Syndrome so we won't be knocked down in life.
    Dr Phil talked to me today!
    Posted by: toodlepuss
    Posted on: 2002-12-13 11:18:13


    Dr Phil is such a wonderful caring person. He really makes his guests "get real" and get the point of what he's saying. I took myself out of the game years ago after a bout with PTSD and I'm just regaining momentum. I feel like Diane did in that I'm making my kids be insecure and "worry-warts" like I am. My husband is no help. He has no idea what's going on. But I just realized that I have to do it myself, regardless of what he's doing. I always put so much emphasis on what everyone else thought, especially my husband and mother. I'm doing it for my kids now, and then, I'll get back into life for myself eventually. My daughter is getting married soon so that is weighing heavy on me. She'll be leaving soon and that makes it hard to deal with things some time. I have lived my life through my children. But, I'll get back into the game because everyday I watch Dr. Phil at 10am and I learn more and more about myself with his books and his show, and I do believe that I will make it. Thank you Dr. Phil!
      Re; toodlepuss
      Posted by: jayspin
      Posted on: 2002-12-14 13:13:33


      Hi Your life sounds a lot like mine, really. I've had depression for most of my adult life, but managed to raise 3 kids to adulthood and stay married. I, too, worried about most things, but tried hard to let my kids have the freedom to discover their real selves, which is something I haven't done; I'm trying now, at age 52. My daughter got married 5 years ago, and that was such a stressful time. I have 2 sons, one 31 and one 22, who's a senior in college. I have an empty nest most of the time, and I don't mind it. My brain seems 'fried' though; I can't seem to concentrate long enough to read anything. I'm tired now, and even have a hard time babysitting my 2 little grandsons. I digress, haha! I'm trying to rediscover myself, too, and don't know where to start. I have started, though, with my spiritual self as in knowing my God through scripture and going to church again. I believe, for me, that's the BEST start! Good luck. Hope to hear from you sometime. jayspin
    KNEW IT BUT FORGOT IT
    Posted by: milmarz
    Posted on: 2002-12-13 11:19:22


    I have been struggling with this alot, when I'm around my parents,sister & brother at get to gethers. You say there are 5 people in this Self Matters-they are, it was hard not to watch what I said cuz of their critisicism. I was raised in a perfectionist household. I'm relaxing in my bathrobe. It's late a.m. If my mom caught me, she'd say,"Idle hands are the devils playground." So I'd get dressed for HER. I still can and do dishes,etc. in my robe.It was her way or the highway. I had many counselors during our marriage (23yrs). The one who was least expensive, most caring said "What is Mary doing for herself?" I couldn't answer at the time.I thought that was selfish. After our first baby, nurse said get dressed first, then baby. She was right. But my wannabe missionary/nurse mom who CHOSE to marry and stay in the U.S. indoctrinated me with JOY-Jesus first, Others second, Yourself last. Even Jesus went away for quiet times. He even was talked back to by his followers but only replied back to them, not slapped them. I'm finally coming to the real me after 50+ years- 47 yr. old guest are you listening? I thought my life was over NOT because my boys are on their own but because my disablities kept me homebound. I have found ways to reach out now. Dr. Phil is right, reach out of yourself. I was so worried what others would think til I came on this philosophy-"How often do I see them-do they really care about the real me or just like to criticize?"
    Aspberger's syndrome
    Posted by: lachase
    Posted on: 2002-12-13 12:08:13


    Today's show hasn't aired in my viewing area yet, but I am interested to watch. I am learning so much from Dr. Phil, love his ability to cut through the crap to the meat of topics and his on- the- mark insight. I am curious about Aspberger's and was wondering if it is part of the topic of today's show. If not, I would like to see it covered in the future. I have a feeling my son may have this disorder. I only learned about it recently and haven't heard it discussed much in the media..
    happness?????
    Posted by: angelic61
    Posted on: 2002-12-13 12:48:47


    i would like to know more on how to do this
    it would be nice to be happy once again
    Help?
    Posted by: onlygrace1
    Posted on: 2002-12-13 16:06:12


    I watched the show and it is hard for me because I lost my mother when I was 5. And had a stepparent who beet me down with neg. thoughts and laughed when I was upset and told me I could't do anything right. Now that I have grown up and had a daughter of my own, now my stepmother tells me how great I am and how well I've done. And how I am a giver. But I know I give of myself too much to everyone else and don't know how to give to myself. And that scares me. It has given me a feeling of lost. I really think no I know that is what has given me agoaphobia. I go to a doctor every month and haven't solved anything. I can hide my feelings very well to save face. My daughter is doing great because I have told her she is. And I have managed to build her self confedence to were she knows she will be great at anything she does. Now I need to fix me? She was first! Any advice? GRACE

      Posted by: firefly002
      Posted on: 2002-12-13 18:49:27


      Some people are just not "child people" At 6, my mom passed away, and about 7 months later, I got a step mom. Although she liked children and had a good additude outwardly, the truth was that she did not want to be saddled with the responsibility of a child full time. I was abused physically and mentally out of her frustration(and poor examples of parenting from her parents) all the time in the privacy of our home. As I got older and more self sufficient, we got along better and better - now that I have grown up and moved away, we are even good friends. I have come to realize that she does not hate me, but hated that I was a child and need so much attention when she met me and when her marriage to my father was so new. My point is, don't take what your stepmom said and did to you while you grew up as a reflection of who you are, but instead as a reflection of who she is.
    Dr. Phil, you missed the point!
    Posted by: dezinit
    Posted on: 2002-12-13 16:24:13


    Today's show profiled a 47 year old woman that is suffering from empty nest. I think you really don't understand the way this impacts so many single parents. Its not that her baby has grown up. Its that she is out of work. Her primary job has been to raise this incredible young woman and she has done a great job. But now what...get and education, she's done that. Yes, she can go volunteer. It is just harder to replace your primary focus with something of similar value. I am in the same place. My children are excelling, doing all the things I have wished for them. Now to face a life of less is difficult. Yes, I could volunteer,again. Start a new hobby.......I have more than most. These activities are great but they do not equal the goal,direction,or provide the motivation that the children did. I always did them in addition to raising the children. Working as hard every day to provide for self is draining. This is similar to the void men feel when they retire to an idenity of less than they had. As you pointed out, we may be faced with 75ys of this. I feel like it is dealing with the death of the self you always knew. Grieving is harder to deal with than just saying "get a grip, you look great, or what's wrong with you".
      Dr.Phil missed the point
      Posted by: seagles
      Posted on: 2002-12-13 17:10:08


      dezinit; You said it in a nutshell and correctly. My last son is not only gone. I also got divorce that same year. This situation is very hard to explain to others, I have done all the things that you have mentioned. What can we(I) to make the pain stop. Your comments are appreciated.
        Dr. Phil Missed the Point
        Posted by: dezinit
        Posted on: 2002-12-13 22:16:08


        To segales: I am not sure the pain will stop. You get used to it. I do think reading and using tools meant to deal with grief will ease the process. You will go through stages and some are very predictible. I have found making some new and younger friends has helped. It is hard to relate to friends that can't wait for life after the kids. I have also lent a helping hand to young parents that need a night out and can't afford childcare. I was very isolated and alone when my children were at home. I know the value of guilt free assistance and it is something that I can share now. Old friends, especially couples that continued to include the children and me after my divorce are treasured. These friends (young and old) have become family through choice and are helping to replace the family structure that was. I haven't tried it yet, but I have been told that having a massage alleviates the pain from lack of touch. Walking helps a bunch. Healing takes work. I am not sure how to replace the focus. Dulling the sharp edges of the emptiness makes the days easier.
    CreateYour Own Happiness
    Posted by: tonyavan
    Posted on: 2002-12-13 16:26:56


    Your program on Creating Your Own Happiness hit me right at home. I saw myself in your guest, Cynthia from Atlanta. Ironically,I too live in Atlanta and am currently experiencing this sense of emptiness, this feeling that this is all there is to my life. I am 44. Listening to Cynthia I could see her kind and caring heart come thru with utmost sincerity. She and I have so much in common for I too, am a giver. If at all possible, I'd like to get in touch with Cynthia and maybe together we can develop a friendship and share our gifts with the rest of the world. She's a lucky woman to have accomplished so much and for having such a caring daughter. I know what it's like to channel all your energy, dreams and hopes into your children.

    Thank you,
    Tonya From Atlanta