Wow,
@recoveringfromptsd , I am not sure where to start with apologies and making things more clear.
I am so so sorry that you interpreted this as saying you ought to be comfortable in any such places! I was not responding to the dreadful abusive experiences in a homeless shelter - which was far beyond any human experience I can imagine. I do not know what it would be like to go through the horrors you describe there. Of course you are triggered by any exposure or even allusions to shelters of any sort! I'm sorry if were triggered or suffered any more from reading this discussion. I was on topic - describing ways to provide kindness to others.
I was in no way saying or implying that security measures should make you or anyone "overcome a fear of shelters." For one thing, it sounds like you have no longer have need for such services. This is in your past and I can't .. I can't imagine experiencing what you describe, but I can tell you it breaks my heart. I was thinking about "Acts of kindness" - well, one kindness my father performs is helping out at this Women's Center - which, as you say, does function as a battered women's shelter, but this particular place - in addition to acting as a homeless shelter for women and children in need. (I'm not sure why that's relevant, anyway, as I was not responding to your experiences. Which, yes, are terrifying and brutal and I had a difficult time reading through without being triggered, here on my own end.)
The specifics that I mentioned here do not fall under the category of RANDOM acts of kindness that have been mentioned elsewhere on this thread, but I think it is relevant. It appears that
@hodge performs acts of kindness in this way. I'd like to do more than hand a hungry man a doughnut, and perhaps I will have that opportunity some day. I'd like to help others, not just randomly, but on a regular basis.
@hodge ; please correct me if I am wrong, but I got the idea you were responding to my post, posting on this thread, explaining one way that you help others. I was musing at the twists and turns and extreme measures, rules, and forces that need to be taken into account, while trying to provide appropriate help for those in need. I was feeling sad that such measures must be taken to at least TRY to provide care and safety to everyone in need.
I don't think anyone was judging or suggesting that anyone should or could overcome such extreme abuse as you describe. Yes, you've been through horrific experiences - I think what you experienced is shocking, this is something that I can feel sympathy for but not so much empathy - it is far beyond my ability to comprehend the world.
Over the years I have spent time in mental health wards where people were living hand to mouth - trying to stay inpatient until their next welfare check, for example. To avoid abusive situations, to be able to care for their children, and "simply" live decent lives.There were and are so many people who suffered in ways I could not imagine - although I will not deny that I've lived through, and continue to live through some serious sufferings of my own. As has everyone on these forums. There's no point in comparing, But I think it's worthwhile to discuss different ways of aiding others in need. I think it's ultimately a positive thing - people are encouraged, by Mal's post (Thank you Mal!) to realize that kindness, small and large, are what ultimately drive us forward. IMHO, anyway.
Sorry for going on for so long, but I am still somewhat stunned and upset that my messages were taken as a reaction to your own personal experiences. Nope. Just trying to think of various types of kindnesses.
