Comments on: Keeping the Faith…. http://www.dawn-schiller.com/2005/01/20/keeping-the-faith/ babblings! Thu, 12 Jan 2012 08:29:00 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: Printess http://www.dawn-schiller.com/2005/01/20/keeping-the-faith/comment-page-1/#comment-907 Printess Tue, 20 Dec 2005 04:25:25 +0000 /?p=52#comment-907 This is for pinupcutie1970 I hope things start looking up for you, I know how it feels to be overweight because I am and I always have been since my teens and I have always been self conscious when it comes to my looks. It really can throw you into a depression. Good Luck! This is for pinupcutie1970 I hope things start looking up for you, I know how it feels to be overweight because I am and I always have been since my teens and I have always been self conscious when it comes to my looks. It really can throw you into a depression. Good Luck!

]]> By: angeline http://www.dawn-schiller.com/2005/01/20/keeping-the-faith/comment-page-1/#comment-901 angeline Sat, 17 Dec 2005 23:19:55 +0000 /?p=52#comment-901 In response to the lady who posted regarding her depression, you are not alone in your feelings. I am 34 years old and I am divorced due to my ex-husband being abusive. I have been away from him for like 3 years and I am trying to get my life in order, however this past June I lost my father to a heart attack. This was a big blow to me and I have had the same feelings you have. I feel like I am getting old and will not be able to ever find a decent guy. Hang in there and just take it day by day. Try to do things that make you happy and make you feel good about yourself. Good luck In response to the lady who posted regarding her depression, you are not alone in your feelings. I am 34 years old and I am divorced due to my ex-husband being abusive. I have been away from him for like 3 years and I am trying to get my life in order, however this past June I lost my father to a heart attack. This was a big blow to me and I have had the same feelings you have. I feel like I am getting old and will not be able to ever find a decent guy. Hang in there and just take it day by day. Try to do things that make you happy and make you feel good about yourself. Good luck

]]> By: Dawn http://www.dawn-schiller.com/2005/01/20/keeping-the-faith/comment-page-1/#comment-899 Dawn Sat, 17 Dec 2005 08:45:34 +0000 /?p=52#comment-899 Hi, The good news is that you can find a secure life with self esteem and happiness, whatever way you may define it. The tough news is that it takes time. Take things one step at a time and don't skip the steps. I can understand how when you finally get into action about cleaning your life up you can get depressed at the normal changes that your body is going through. Let's face it, if you have had an issue with drugs you have probably been doing alot more damage to your body on the inside. Give yourself time, let yourself adjust to what you should really look like, not what artificial chemicals made you look like. Yes, it is unfortunate that society judges by looks, especially women, and if you have a poor self image, like I did, you can relate love with attention to your looks. But this is not real. It is not what is important. It is not what will keep you sane, safe and happy. It is the inside first....then the rest will follow...in time. Give yourself a break and handle the most important things first. If you have been on drugs for a while, then you haven't been taking care of the inside you. Nurture the you that you have neglected. Get into a group who are dealing with the same issues. Find a counselor that you trust. Take deep breaths and just do the next right thing. I wish you the very best.... It took alot of courage to reach out here on this blog...continued to reach out to others that can help. You are not alone. Dawn Hi, The good news is that you can find a secure life with self esteem and happiness, whatever way you may define it. The tough news is that it takes time. Take things one step at a time and don’t skip the steps. I can understand how when you finally get into action about cleaning your life up you can get depressed at the normal changes that your body is going through. Let’s face it, if you have had an issue with drugs you have probably been doing alot more damage to your body on the inside. Give yourself time, let yourself adjust to what you should really look like, not what artificial chemicals made you look like. Yes, it is unfortunate that society judges by looks, especially women, and if you have a poor self image, like I did, you can relate love with attention to your looks. But this is not real. It is not what is important. It is not what will keep you sane, safe and happy. It is the inside first….then the rest will follow…in time. Give yourself a break and handle the most important things first. If you have been on drugs for a while, then you haven’t been taking care of the inside you. Nurture the you that you have neglected. Get into a group who are dealing with the same issues. Find a counselor that you trust. Take deep breaths and just do the next right thing.
I wish you the very best…. It took alot of courage to reach out here on this blog…continued to reach out to others that can help. You are not alone.

Dawn

]]> By: Pinupcutie1970 http://www.dawn-schiller.com/2005/01/20/keeping-the-faith/comment-page-1/#comment-897 Pinupcutie1970 Fri, 16 Dec 2005 20:30:04 +0000 /?p=52#comment-897 I'm finding it ever so hard to "keep the faith". I've become so depressed lately. After being in a mentally and physically abusive relationship filled with drugs I left and consequently I have gained weight and have slight scarring on my face. In my depression I keep finding myself thinking that death or going back to dope is better than how I'm feeling now. I just want to be numb to all of this pain. I keep reading postings on here where the women are now married and happy, but I feel this will never be me...especially overweight and depressed! I keep fooling myself into thinking that I could get back on the dope until I was thin again and then start over. It's so true that being fat in today's society only holds you back. It's the only legal form of discrimination left in our society. I have noticed how differently people treat me now that I'm fat. I am an ex stripper and was very pretty in my day. I am only 35, but feel life is over. I wasted so much time on men who abused and used me that now that I feel past my prime who will want me now. After all who wants damaged goods? I also find it hard to tell anyone about my past of dancing and prostitution, and other bad things like my STD. How do you tell this to someone with out getting judged and rejected? Or worse...them leaving you and telling others! I am so ashamed of my past and feel because of it I have no future. I keep telling myself that "If Dawn could go through all she did, then buck up sister, and move on!" That's sounds great, but I can''t seem to shake this depression. I'm so ready to move on with my life. I have always considered myself a fighter, but these days the fight seems to be a bit too much for me to handle. I only pray that one day I will be one of the women on here who found that great man who knows your past makes us who we are today. A man that can truly see me for me and not what I was. I’m finding it ever so hard to “keep the faith”. I’ve become so depressed lately. After being in a mentally and physically abusive relationship filled with drugs I left and consequently I have gained weight and have slight scarring on my face. In my depression I keep finding myself thinking that death or going back to dope is better than how I’m feeling now. I just want to be numb to all of this pain.

I keep reading postings on here where the women are now married and happy, but I feel this will never be me…especially overweight and depressed! I keep fooling myself into thinking that I could get back on the dope until I was thin again and then start over. It’s so true that being fat in today’s society only holds you back. It’s the only legal form of discrimination left in our society. I have noticed how differently people treat me now that I’m fat. I am an ex stripper and was very pretty in my day. I am only 35, but feel life is over. I wasted so much time on men who abused and used me that now that I feel past my prime who will want me now. After all who wants damaged goods?

I also find it hard to tell anyone about my past of dancing and prostitution, and other bad things like my STD. How do you tell this to someone with out getting judged and rejected? Or worse…them leaving you and telling others! I am so ashamed of my past and feel because of it I have no future.

I keep telling myself that “If Dawn could go through all she did, then buck up sister, and move on!” That’s sounds great, but I can”t seem to shake this depression.

I’m so ready to move on with my life. I have always considered myself a fighter, but these days the fight seems to be a bit too much for me to handle.

I only pray that one day I will be one of the women on here who found that great man who knows your past makes us who we are today. A man that can truly see me for me and not what I was.

]]> By: Dawn Schiller http://www.dawn-schiller.com/2005/01/20/keeping-the-faith/comment-page-1/#comment-396 Dawn Schiller Mon, 31 Jan 2005 16:32:59 +0000 /?p=52#comment-396 Hello, Yes I am feeling better, thank you and congratulations on five years Laura. Remember, always try to be grateful and from there things only get better. Best wishes to you all. Dawn Hello,

Yes I am feeling better, thank you and congratulations on five years Laura. Remember, always try to be grateful and from there things only get better.

Best wishes to you all.

Dawn

]]> By: Laura http://www.dawn-schiller.com/2005/01/20/keeping-the-faith/comment-page-1/#comment-393 Laura Sat, 29 Jan 2005 22:20:20 +0000 /?p=52#comment-393 Dear Dawn, I can identify with your post about keeping the faith. I struggle with things like this to be honest. I love this site. I find it great and inspiring how you've turned your life around. I had 2 family members murdered and spent years in self-destruction over it. I still have days when I struggle with thinking the worst about everyone and everything. I've been alcohol-free now a little over 5 years. My life has been the best since quitting the alcohol. I love to read anything by anyone else who has overcome any kind of trauma, abuse, etc. Wonderland is 1 of my favorite movies of all time and my interest in that whole story lead me to this site. Keep up the good work with this site. Anyway, thanks for listening and take care-Laura Dear Dawn, I can identify with your post about keeping the faith. I struggle with things like this to be honest. I love this site. I find it great and inspiring how you’ve turned your life around. I had 2 family members murdered and spent years in self-destruction over it. I still have days when I struggle with thinking the worst about everyone and everything. I’ve been alcohol-free now a little over 5 years. My life has been the best since quitting the alcohol. I love to read anything by anyone else who has overcome any kind of trauma, abuse, etc. Wonderland is 1 of my favorite movies of all time and my interest in that whole story lead me to this site. Keep up the good work with this site. Anyway, thanks for listening and take care-Laura

]]> By: Kitty http://www.dawn-schiller.com/2005/01/20/keeping-the-faith/comment-page-1/#comment-392 Kitty Fri, 28 Jan 2005 17:16:46 +0000 /?p=52#comment-392 Dawn, I hope things are looking up for you and you are feeling a little less blue today. Have a blessed day! Kitty Dawn,
I hope things are looking up for you and you are feeling a little less blue today.

Have a blessed day!
Kitty

]]> By: shannon http://www.dawn-schiller.com/2005/01/20/keeping-the-faith/comment-page-1/#comment-390 shannon Fri, 28 Jan 2005 04:25:59 +0000 /?p=52#comment-390 i hope you are feeling better now dawn, and enjoying yourself and family again. when you are feeling down just remember that you have touched so many people with your bravery and kindness and how many smiles you have brought back to people. You deserve one yourself (-:' i hope you are feeling better now dawn, and enjoying yourself and family again. when you are feeling down just remember that you have touched so many people with your bravery and kindness and how many smiles you have brought back to people. You deserve one yourself (-:’

]]> By: Dawn Schiller http://www.dawn-schiller.com/2005/01/20/keeping-the-faith/comment-page-1/#comment-386 Dawn Schiller Thu, 27 Jan 2005 03:07:45 +0000 /?p=52#comment-386 Hello, Thank you all for your support and kind words. Sad things happen in life, I know, but sometimes they pile up. It is good to be able to journal some of my feelings here and get postive responses. And more inspiring to me is that alot of you have sent good wishes, even though you are having your own tough times. It shows me the goodness in people and good hearts have the most amazing ability to be strong. Charlotte, yes, I do rememeber you asking that question before and I apologize for overlooking it. The answer is no. I have had no connection with her or any trouble. I don't anticipate any either. People can write their own stories and I have nothing that she owns. As far as people not blaming themselves for pain caused by others...well this takes time and, in my opinion, help from professionals. To blame one's self is a part of the cycle of violence and a means of control used by the batterer. A counselor of mine told me once, "we teach others how to treat us!" This shocked me initially, leaving me to ask myself at least once, "did this mean I brought pain on myself?" No, of course not, but it did mean that I had no tools, no boundaries, no understanding of how to show people how I wanted to be treated. This was my next task...to learn how to teach others. Not until self esteem looked back at me from my reflection in the mirror could I begin to "teach" others how to treat me...and that took practice. Practice in taking care of myself, making good decisions, facing challenges and fear, committing to not harm others in words and deeds if at all possible and doing esteemable acts. Baby steps and lots of help...and in time, without noticing, you wake up one day and feel good...and it's okay. And Nicole, thank you for your encouragement. I'm glad you are feeling better as well. Just to let you know, (and this is important to me too), that I watched a Katie Couric special tonight about teens and sex and the kids and the experts all said that the single most important thing you can give your child is to live your own life the best you can. This is what kids watch, how WE as parents deal with life. If we heal our own wounds, our children learn how to heal theirs. This is great news. Makes me feel like I am on the right track. Thanks again. P.S. I love the analogy of the Lizard King. Kind of a cool thought. Dawn Hello,

Thank you all for your support and kind words. Sad things happen in life, I know, but sometimes they pile up. It is good to be able to journal some of my feelings here and get postive responses. And more inspiring to me is that alot of you have sent good wishes, even though you are having your own tough times. It shows me the goodness in people and good hearts have the most amazing ability to be strong.

Charlotte, yes, I do rememeber you asking that question before and I apologize for overlooking it. The answer is no. I have had no connection with her or any trouble. I don’t anticipate any either. People can write their own stories and I have nothing that she owns.

As far as people not blaming themselves for pain caused by others…well this takes time and, in my opinion, help from professionals. To blame one’s self is a part of the cycle of violence and a means of control used by the batterer. A counselor of mine told me once, “we teach others how to treat us!” This shocked me initially, leaving me to ask myself at least once, “did this mean I brought pain on myself?” No, of course not, but it did mean that I had no tools, no boundaries, no understanding of how to show people how I wanted to be treated. This was my next task…to learn how to teach others. Not until self esteem looked back at me from my reflection in the mirror could I begin to “teach” others how to treat me…and that took practice. Practice in taking care of myself, making good decisions, facing challenges and fear, committing to not harm others in words and deeds if at all possible and doing esteemable acts. Baby steps and lots of help…and in time, without noticing, you wake up one day and feel good…and it’s okay.

And Nicole, thank you for your encouragement. I’m glad you are feeling better as well. Just to let you know, (and this is important to me too), that I watched a Katie Couric special tonight about teens and sex and the kids and the experts all said that the single most important thing you can give your child is to live your own life the best you can. This is what kids watch, how WE as parents deal with life. If we heal our own wounds, our children learn how to heal theirs. This is great news. Makes me feel like I am on the right track. Thanks again.

P.S. I love the analogy of the Lizard King. Kind of a cool thought.
Dawn

]]> By: Nicole http://www.dawn-schiller.com/2005/01/20/keeping-the-faith/comment-page-1/#comment-382 Nicole Tue, 25 Jan 2005 05:22:36 +0000 /?p=52#comment-382 Hi Dawn, I'm sure you are feeling very overloaded. Trying to balance your life with your book, this website, your husband and of course your precious daughter. This time of year seems to really bring people down. I wrote you last week about my daughter and the situation I was in. You responded with your heart and soul. After that I realized I am doing the best that I can for my child. That is the key, "I am doing the best I can" But just having you respond to me with all that you have going on in your life made me feel so acknowledged. I appreciated your kindness. Thank you. I do not compare you to Oprah, to me you are a very unique individual way beyond her that I have tremendous respect for. We are on the same page. So I'm sorry your are feeling down. That to shall pass. But do know that you have so many supporters that love you. Don't feel like you have to live up to what people think. That can be so much pressure in itself. Kinda like Jim Morrison, where he felt the pressure of being the Lizard King. Remeber you are doing the best that you can too. Sincerely Nicole Hi Dawn,
I’m sure you are feeling very overloaded. Trying to balance your life with your book, this website, your husband and of course your precious daughter. This time of year seems to really bring people down. I wrote you last week about my daughter and the situation I was in. You responded with your heart and soul. After that I realized I am doing the best that I can for my child. That is the key, “I am doing the best I can” But just having you respond to me with all that you have going on in your life made me feel so acknowledged. I appreciated your kindness. Thank you. I do not compare you to Oprah, to me you are a very unique individual way beyond her that I have tremendous respect for. We are on the same page. So I’m sorry your are feeling down. That to shall pass. But do know that you have so many supporters that love you. Don’t feel like you have to live up to what people think. That can be so much pressure in itself. Kinda like Jim Morrison, where he felt the pressure of being the Lizard King. Remeber you are doing the best that you can too.

Sincerely
Nicole

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