Originally Posted by
Lenore 
I'm trying to go a little easier on myself now. I went to Germany last year (running away again? lol) and during my stay and for about a week afterwards I felt at peace for the first time that I can ever remember. I'm attempting to work that sense of calm and letting go of my fears into my everyday life.
Lenore,
What you've hit on there is incredibly important. I've felt that feeling too; usually it happens when I go on a trip, and I'm the only one around.
I'm not totally sure what is going on, but I have an inkling that novelty is alluring to us. I think it's because new things aren't tainted by memories, and new people can't have expectations of us. We can just do whatever we want, and somehow we're "off the hook" for everything.
I wish this topic were explored further in the literature; I think it's very important.