So I'm in my second group today, "Set the stage", and I'm told something unusual. That I'm actually allowed to be selfish for the next few weeks. Sounds unusual but, learning to live with PTSD requires you to seek out your true self. Accept help, open up to your emotions and not hold them back...speak the first thing that comes to mind instead of trying to think about a diplomatic answer. Feel how you want to feel and not be afraid to show it. I watched an informational video with motivational speaker John Bradshaw...it was about overcomming traumatic events and not letting traumatic events overcome you. It was also about not being afraid to just be yourself, Open up to your inner child and let out your true self. Just be at peace, be comfortable in your own skin. Some of the Situations discussed: creating intimacy and trust overcoming codependency self-esteem and healthy boundaries loving without addiction depression, anxiety, stress grief, loss, loneliness career conflicts sexual difficulties childhood wounds related to alcoholism, incest, other traumas incorporating therapy into your 12-step program effective communication and anger release the ability to express emotion money and power struggles addictions and compulsive behaviors exploring purpose,meaning,spiritual growth clarifying commitments freeing creativity, spontaneity and joy Some of the items covered, I can't relate to. But I did take away an awefull lot from this man. I'm actually thinking about ordering some tapes or cds from this guy. I feel like I'm looking at myself and the world completely in a different light...suddenly everything feels new!