I was very angry and bitter when I first came here, but now I feel blessed to be here. I've learned so much about myself by taking many leaps of faith. I learned that I can trust people. I learned that I can and should ask for help. I can't do it all on my own. I discovered that radically accepting my grandmother's death was the first step to grieving properly. I've been able to apply opposite action to grieving. I was conditioned to not show emotion or vulnerability. When I applied opposite action, I realized that I needed to do these things to grieve properly and allow some compassion for myself. One very valuable lesson I've discovered here was that I can't change anyone. I can only change how I react to the things other's do and say. It's all up to me and I've become much more mindful of that. I've stepped out of my comfort zone by expressing myself artistically. I've gained the courage to set boundaries with my family members and have done so. I've put myself in situations where I know I will be anxious in order to practice healthy coping skills.
This program has been an epiphany for me. I've realized that I do have potential and that my life is valuable. Most of all I've realized that I can live the life I've always wanted because I believe in myself.
