Yesterday I had the great joy of attending my Women’s Group. This was, I think, my third time attending and it is so wonderful! This is a group that is organized through my health care provider and its aim is to help us with things like boundary setting and effective communication. I’m learning so much! In the past I’ve always tried to be everything to everyone and I’m learning that not only is this hurting me, it’s hurting the people around me. By trying to smooth over every unhappy situation, I rob my family of developing their own coping skills. I’m also learning new ways to listen to people. That has been incredible! Now when people talk to me about the negatives in their life, instead of doing what comes naturally to me (jump in and point out all the positives), I’m doing almost the opposite. Now I listen without interrupting and then I emphathize and ask questions. I don’t tell anyone how they feel anymore! Well, I try not to anyway. It’s definitely a process, but I’m feeling really good about my progress.