This topic is about someone reflecting on their first World Ostomy Day, which comes six months after they had an unexpected surgery that resulted in a stoma. They express gratitude to the members of a forum for sharing their experiences, which has helped them through a challenging adjustment period.

- The past six months have been a journey with both ups and downs. The person is open to listening and supporting others who might need someone to talk to.
- They mention that being part of the forum has helped them overcome feelings of being "lost and alone."

Here are some pieces of advice and insights shared:

1. "Every day is ostomy day" – Living with an ostomy is a daily reality, and recognizing this can help make the experience feel more normal.
2. It's beneficial to actively participate by asking questions, reading others' posts, and sharing your own experiences. This can speed up learning and help build confidence.
3. As the community grows, so does the collective knowledge. New members are encouraged to join discussions rather than just observe.
4. The forum is seen as an essential resource that helps prevent feelings of isolation and supports finding a "new normal."
5. Information and events related to World Ostomy Day can be found through the United Ostomy Associations of America at their website.