Rik way to go. I am just starting my path. Thanks for the confidence builder..

Rik there is nothing more to add. You have said it all. And you know what. You now are meeting the real you hidden for so long. Good feeling is it not.

Rik - A very uplifting post, thanks so much for posting it.

Just to add - last year over Christmas / New Year, hardly anyone could get a word out of me. This year I couldn't shut up - New years day being the best example - I went to my sisters for a late lunch/evening meal with my Sister, Brother-in-Law & Niece. It was only supposed to be for a couple of hours, but turned into 7 & a half - we also consumed quite a bit of nice wine in that time. It's probably the best conversation I've had with my Brother-in-Law since before he married my sister about 28 years ago (he got drunk on my home brew that time - I used to make some good stuff - haven't made it for years).

Yes it's getting better - next year I suppose they will all be wearing ear plugs!

The whole point of this post is to give hope to others who despair of ever escaping from the pit - it takes a lot of hard work & it will never be 100% good, but come on you can all progress & you deserve to!

Best wishes again...love you all ..Rik