Hi, I'm S!

Hi, my name is S and I stumbled upon (very serendipitously) this website a few days ago. I quickly became a member because I was very impressed by the members and the vast amount of information on this website. I have spent the majority of my spiritual journey in solitude and have been searching for a safe, supportive place (both online and off) where I can talk and learn about these matters without being judged. I have had some luck finding these types of groups and situations, but I feel like one place cannot address my questions or needs. I think this is useful because I can form my own opinsions by receiving feedback and different perspectives from various sources.

Some background on myself: I am in my early 30s and have odd, paranormal experiences, but they are not profound and very inconsistent. I feel like I have a 'touch' of something outside of regular people, but I am not to clear what my 'potential' is or could be. I will give you an overview of some of my experiences:
- Since childhood, I have always been fascinated by religion and would become upset if the priest said something I felt was inappropriate during Catholic mass (this started around age 5-7 I would give my mother a commentary of my feelings on the way home from church.
- I have always had some type of imaginary friends, but can't recall one in particular. I do recall having vivid daydreams playing with children while playing alone, but interacting with them like they were real.
- I started pre-cognitive dreaming and daydreaming around age 11 (after visiting Yellowstone National Park with my family), but this only happens once in awhile or if I have strong, emotional (possibly soul) connection with another person (when interacting with them in person or just thinking about them).
-I have never seen a ghost or anything else paranormal, but I believe I started to sense their prescence and type of energy, especially certain dead relatives when I was fifteen. I think I can communicate with the spirits who are close to me, but have not yet concluded if this is my imagination or actually happening.
- I also have a strong connection with two or three of my spirit guides.
- I seem to be very empathetic and pick of other people's emotions very easily if I am 'open.'
- I feel like I have a life mission to help people improve and better their live. As a result, I am entering a helping field, but also feel like I have an aptitude for Reiki or light energy.

I think one of the most confusing things about my experiences is that deep down I know who I am, but I have almost no validation from other spiritual people. I have read so many stories or listened to others who first realized 'who they were' was because someone experienced (be it psychic, healer, etc) singled them out. I sometimes feel like this is part of my journey: to gain my strength, wisdom and persistence from within versus outside of myself. For instance, everytime I doubt I would be a good therapist or even should try Reiki, my guides or high-self inner-voice whispers, 'Remember who you are. Once you claim this as your mission and identity, nothing will stop you. You might fall or make mistakes, but you will find success in the end.'

Anyway, I guess that is where I am now on my path and look forward to learning and growing. Thanks for reading this post.

Cheers!
S