RYL Forums - Pretty much 7 years of freedom!

Hi guys,
This im my first post here. I'm probably not your usual poster. I've been free of SI for pretty much 7 years (minus a couple of slip ups earlier on!), and just wanted to share that as inspiration to everyone. I am HAPPY. Something I never really thought I could be.
It was such a struggle at first. I messed up over and over, and tried to do it on my own. I think it was due to luck that eventually it stuck. I found some little SI free for x days/weeks/months printable badge things. In the end, it was not wanting to 'ruin' my 3 month status and have to start all over again with 1 day that finally swung it for me.
Yeah, I messed up again a little when I started uni. But I forgave myself and just started over the next day.
I'm still aware of it, but it's my past. I've been with my boyfriend for the last 4 years and he doesn't know. I'm not sure what it would achieve by telling him. I feel practically a different person these days.
I am getting towards the end of training to become a doctor now. It's tough, but I've found other ways to blow off steam - whether going out for a meal with mates, or just having a nice bath. YOU CAN DO IT. You can achieve anything. You do not need SI to be you.
I know how tough it is. I also know that you can get through this. I made a 'happy kit' - with a CD of happy, non triggering songs, some bubble bath, a choc bar, a magazine, some nail polish... nice stuff that made me feel better. I let myself relax in a safe space with my kit. Minutes became hourse, which became days, which became weeks.....now I'm thinking in terms of years.
Good luck to all,
IzziBelle