Past, Present & Future

My Mom has always encouraged me to look at the big picture. Where were you a year ago? What was happening in your life? After you’ve looked at your life one year ago, think back to what your life was like five years ago. Is your life better or worse than in the past?

One year ago...

·         I was finishing my psychology courses toward my degree.

·         I was studying for my last exam.

·         I was stressed because exams are not my strong suit.

Five years ago...

·         I was twenty-three and living in the house I grew up in.

·         I was struggling with the fact that my body was not performing as I thought it should.

·         I had started the process of getting a wheelchair. I was reluctant to use a wheelchair in public.

·         I started taking online courses toward my degree.

·         I became increasingly comfortable with having and using a wheelchair.

This past year...                             

·         I finished my final psychology courses toward my degree.

·         I graduated from university. It was a personal goal that lasted nearly a decade.

·         a huge amount of self inflicted stress was lifted from my shoulders.

·         I became a sister-in-law. She is amazing.

·         I became an Auntie to an adorable baby girl.

In the past five years...

·         I learned that it is okay to ask for help.

·         I realised that there was a lot of life to live in the outside world and in order to do the fun things that I wished to do, I needed to use my wheelchair.

·         I realised that nobody batted an eye at the fact that I was using a wheelchair.

·         my parents and I moved from the only home I had ever known. We now live in an apartment style condominium. I love it here. We all love it here. It is a new city, ripe with ever changing possibilities.

In one year I hope to...

·         have a healthier diet.

·         have a physical fitness routine.

·         explore vegetarian cuisine.

·         have a volunteer placement.

·         have a plan in order to get published.

·         explore dating possibilities.

·         cross a few items off of my Living List.

In five years I hope to...

·         have a volunteer or part-time career.

·         be a healthier person.

·         have at least one meatless meal a week.

·         be a published author.

·         be at peace with myself.