Seven Years of DDCF ?!!  
Yep, it’s our 7th Anniversary
Whoot, whoot! 

Which means…. seven years of friendships, peer support, conversations, and community connection.

I can’t say this strongly enough.  One of the most beautiful aspects of the DD Community Forum is the depth of relationships that have been formed.  The connections are real, the friendships are solid.  No one is perfect, obviously, but real people can make real bonds when the environment is safe, warm, properly-boundaried, and interesting.

We’ve created more than seven in-person events, more than 70 zoom groups, more than 170 videos, more than 177,777 posts written.  We’re a busy group, and you can bet on this — there’s lots more excellent events and ideas coming!

We’ve adopted more than 7 kittens, we’ve met in person in more than 7 different towns.

We have had at least 7,777,777 laughs, probably shed more than 7000 tears, and weathered more storms than I care to count.  (Storms get to blow away, so those storms don’t get to count!)

We have walked more than 70 miles of adventure walks.  And after all of House Mom’s 700 amazing desserts, we needed those walks! 

Walking side-by-side, literally, or physically, through the hard days, the sad times, and the fun spots has created an unforgettable bond.  

Everyone needs someone to walk with.

 

Who has walked your journey with you?

This deeply personal statement was recently sent to me.

To gratefully honor the person who took the time to share their heart so beautifully, I share their personal story of connection with the DD Community with you.

 

“There are rare moments in life when you meet someone whose kindness, compassion, and understanding change not only your world but your whole life. For me, Kathy is that person. From our very first conversation, I felt seen, heard, and supported. Before I found the Blog and joined the DID Forum, I felt like I had to struggle alone and was so lost in the darkness. Living with DID often feels overwhelming and isolating. Then I discovered the spaces that Kathy built—her Blog, the Forum, and then the retreats. It was Kathy and the resources she created that helped me find my way out of the darkness and I was no longer alone. Her knowledge and many years of experience have allowed me to understand myself and my journey, and her hope has made me believe that healing is possible if you are willing to do the work.

The Blog, DID Forum, and retreats she created are more than just websites—they are lifelines and sources of hope. It is rare to find spaces that not only encourage open communication but also provide support and a genuine sense of belonging. These treasured spaces are the only places where we can be seen, accepted and supported

When Kathy created the forum, she established a place where judgment is replaced by encouragement, and fear is gently turned into hope. The forum has welcomed everyone by nurturing an atmosphere where every question is met with thoughtful responses, and each contribution is valued.  The forum is more than an online space; it is a collage of voices echoing hope, compassion, and the courage to speak the unspeakable.  Members of the forum demonstrate the courage it takes to show up, the strength it takes to heal, and the kindness it takes to care but also by the commitment to growth, understanding and resilience.

Before joining the forum, I felt like my story didn’t matter. But here, I found the courage to speak the words that never could be spoken and the strength to challenge old “childhood” rules. I found knowledge that replaced confusion and support that eased my pain. I found friends who became the best support system I have ever had in my life—people who truly understand and stand by me through the hardest times and celebrate with me on the successful things in my life.

Support within the forums and retreats transcends the superficial. It is threaded through late-night messages of reassurance, heartfelt responses to disclosures, and the gentle guidance offered by forum members who are on similar journeys as we are. It is found in communal laughter, in tears shed together, and in the unwavering reminder: you do not walk this path alone.

Kathy and my forum friends gave me the gift of believing that my voice matters. Her forum is proof that every story deserves to be heard. She has empowered us not just to heal ourselves, but to reach out and support others who are also struggling. My self-confidence has grown, my anxiety has lessened, and my belief in the future feels real—thanks to Kathy’s and my forum friends’ unwavering support. 

Kathy strength is quiet yet powerful.  It is evident in the moments where words are unnecessary, as she simply sits with you in your struggles and pain.  She leads not from a distance, but with her whole heart.  She is the heart of these spaces, and her example inspires all of us to keep moving forward, together.

I am far from alone in this. I’ve read so many stories from fellow survivors whose lives have been changed by Kathy’s compassion and understanding. I see people who once doubted themselves now standing tall, thanks to her encouragement and support. I see hope restored, and so much growth within our forum community.

I am constantly inspired by Kathy’s advocacy. She doesn’t just support us here—she encourages us to speak up, to educate, and to shine our own lights into the world. Because of her, I now have the tools and the courage to advocate for myself and others. The awareness she spreads, both inside and outside the forum, is making a real difference in how DID is understood and supported.

Healing is never linear, and there are still dark days. But because of Kathy and the priceless spaces she has created, I know that there will always be a place where I am welcomed, supported, and understood. Kathy’s dedication stands as a reminder that positive change is possible, that every voice deserves to be heard, and that self awareness and perseverance is the most enduring foundation for growth.  Her dedication is a light that will never fade, and I am endlessly grateful.  This community will long shine as a guiding light—for survivors, and all who journey together—embracing the power of compassion and connection.  Kathy’s light shines on us all, and it’s a light that I carry with me, even on my darkest days.

Kathy, thank you for everything you have done, and continue to do, for me and for all of us. Your wisdom, gentle caring and hope have changed lives—including mine. The light you’ve brought into the world will never stop shining, and your legacy will continue in every story shared and every survivor who finds comfort in this community. With all my heart, thank you.”

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

I was speechless after reading that.  

Thoroughly heart-touched, spirit-overflowing, and a bit gob-smacked, but also, I feel grateful, thankful, and honored that this person has found my presence and the DD Community to be so deeply valuable.  It’s so encouraging to hear when someone sees and experiences the depth of your heart, your dreams, your hopes, your plans.  Thank YOU for really seeing, finding, and living out the intention and purpose of DDCF.  Your experience is the whole reason DDCF exists….

To the writer — we’ll talk more, privately, of course, and you really mean so very very much to me.  You are one beautiful soul yourself.

To the readers still reading…. 

Again I ask you, who has walked your journey with you?

Who can you trust?  Who hears your heart, and accepts your warts?  Who “gets it”?

And in your life, who doesn’t flip on you, or betray you, or abandon you?

Who understands your life, your struggles, your heartaches?   Do you have good people in your life?

Genuine friendships and quality relationships are hard to find.   Staying connected to authentic people who are dissociatively-minded and kind-hearted makes the path forward so much brighter.

So when you find a good thing…. hold tight!  Why do you think we’re still a strong community, seven years later! 

 

 

To those of you in DDCF, THANK YOU!

You have been incredible.  

You have been inspirational.  

You have been kind.

You have been fun!

You have been inquisitive.  

You have been good-natured.  

You have been brave. 

 

Happy 7th anniversary to you all.  

WE are a fantastic community, and that is worth its weight in gold.  You mean the world to me — you truly do.

Thank you, thank you, and thank you — seven years of thank you’s.  

Oh hey — don’t forget.  We’re gonna have our Zoom Party this week — see you there! 

 

 

And to those of you who are still reading here at Discussing Dissociation, thank you too!  Of course, you are welcome to join DDCF and be part of this amazing community.  Our doors are open, and we are happy to meet new friends.  Maybe we’ll see you soon too.

I hope that you find the very best support and safe community connections in your healing journey.

Happy 7th.  That’s awesome.

 

Warmly,

Kathy 

 

Are YOU looking for a safe place where you can connect to genuine community?

It’s a very busy time of year right now, so I’ll be brief. Yes, yes, yes, if you and your system are looking for a place to belong, a place to feel connected to other like-minded people, a place to relate with folks who know what a plural-life is like, and a place where conversation is respectful and kind, please feel free to join us.   

New memberships are available at any time. 

Click HERE for more information.

 

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