Challenges – Life is Messy
From the age of nine, life pitched its fair share of obstacles to me. With 37 major surgeries and 150 hospital stays, chronic illness became a constant companion. Despite the odds, I not only faced these challenges head-on, but went on to lead a life that defied the expectations set by my health. A journey marked by health challenges.
Education became a cornerstone of my journey. Two college degrees stand as a testament to my dedication and passion. The pursuit of knowledge became a driving force, helping me navigate the delicate balance between health concerns and academic aspirations. A journey of triumph through education.
Faced with adversity, I turned to the written word to leave a lasting legacy. A book for my family became a heartfelt testament to family, love, and the resilience that defines my story. But that was just the beginning. Writing my story helped to clear my mind and let me see what my best self would look like in the future.
Life Planning Tools
Fast forward to November 2023, and I published “Resolutions: Life Planning Tools.” A guide and exploration of goal setting, this book not only shares personal experiences but provides steps to improve your life. A journey for others seeking their hopes, plans, and dreams.
Sometimes we make the process more complicated than we need to. We will never make a journey of a thousand miles by fretting about how long it will take or how hard it will be. We make the journey by taking each day step by step and then repeating it again and again until we reach our destination. - Joseph B. Wirthlin
An Artistic Journey
Amid these literary works, I have embarked on a new artistic venture—a large-scale immersive multimedia art show inspired by a painting that took me over a year to paint. A painting that was started for no reason but to paint. Everyone kept asking what are you going to do with the painting? I keep telling them, the painting will speak to me at some point, and I will know. The idea of an art show became my next goal. An artistic journey of creativity.
A Book of Resolutions
My journey started long ago when I started keeping diaries in 1972. In 1980, I wrote my first book of personal resolutions. From construction, paper covers stapled together, and magazine cutouts to provide me with a visual book of goals.
I write my resolutions from birthday to birthday and amend them as the new year approaches; this is my approach to personal growth. The resolution book becomes a historical record, a psychologist, a friend, and a guide, helping navigate life’s twists and turns. A journey of my personal growth.
Conclusion
My story is more than a narrative of personal triumph; it’s a testament to the transformative power of vision, determination, and resilience. As I continue my journey with words and art, all of my life goals have converged to where I am exactly where I was always meant to be.
My goal is to share my journey, and the lessons I have learned over the years, on how to stay on the road to personal growth. To help you find ways to face adversity, a reminder that even in the face of challenges, one can not only survive but thrive. A journey that has only just begun.
My goal for 2024 is to be a catalyst for inspiring people to take responsibility for their destiny. To help guide readers to explore their capabilities, dreams, and passions; and to believe in themselves. Cultivate a culture of taking responsibility with zero excuses, encouraging individuals to acknowledge their potential, cultivate resilience, and actively design the course of their lives.