Sounds like you're doing pretty well in the challenging circumstances. Lots of progress in a relatively short time.
Just on the volunteering - that's made a big difference to me. Is there an interesting project you may have read about locally, or someone you know who volunteers? My bookshop work came from just calling in and asking. I liked the look of the store, and thought 'hey that might be nice.' The great thing about it is they always need people, so apart from my 'normal' stints, it's okay to call in for a couple of hours 'on spec' and do some things for them.
We have a volunteer bureau here too. I didn't call in there, but it would have been an option too.
Also, it may be really helpful to look for those things that bring you some calm or respite at the moment, and do some more of those things. For me, I walked alot, read, meditated, swam and renovated furniture. They were all things in the early days that helped bring some 'relief' from the relentless mind-racing. It's really worth seeking them out. I think how we learn to look after ourselves now, will always serve us well in life's challenges going forwards. We need to know that we can care for ourselves and that we don't need someone else to do it.
Keep up the great work - you're making lots of progress! :-)
T 13 M 7 Me 48 H 46 SS 15 BD 7.14 PA D final 5.16 (H filed)
We receive & we lose, and must try to achieve gratitude & embrace with whole hearts whatever of life that remains after the losses - Dubus
