I found NAMI to be a safe haven for people with mental illness.

Volunteering with the organization NAMI gave me a group of volunteers and friends to socialize with. I have never really been a popular person. I am just overjoyed that I am a part of this blogging community here. I feel more connected since I got my first nomination for a blogger award two years ago. I believe in God and I have hope that I can improve my life. I think it’s hard for people with mental illness to reintegrate back into society because of the stigma. I know the more I think about the past the more depressed I become. I know being more in the moment is a good thing to do. I have a few friends that do peer support with Catholic Charities. They as persons with mental illness were able to work jobs helping other people with mental illness. It’s something that I admire about the few friends I have that do peer support. I find the more I think of things like the wellness recovery action plan the happier I feel. I actually have an advanced directive on file with the state of NJ. I know sometimes if I think of trying to help others and friends that may one day be able to start volunteering but maybe first getting involved with the organization NAMI. It has been just a safe haven for me and friends of mine that I have known for years that also seem to like me. I feel happy when I think of the day I surrendered to my higher power God and stopped leaning to my own understanding. I want to encourage anyone who feels like there’s no hope that if they try to seek God and spirituality they can rebuild their lives. For me I wouldn’t have hope if I had not had spirituality and God consciousness. It helps me more than I can really describe. I believe in God. I know God sees the heart of a person and also the character too.