Thank you for this course, Kristen. Here is my project.

A brief description of the event.

I accidentally tripped due to my knee popping out of place and hurt my foot. Immediately, I began to feel immense anger which brought on thoughts about my disability, which spiralled into an entire episode of self-pity and left me so distressed I felt as though I wanted to go to sleep for the next few weeks.  

 

Thoughts such as “I can’t do anything right because I am useless due to this illness”, “I will never amount to anything if I can’t even walk properly” and “This is exactly why I have not achieved anything” were present in my mind. 

 

List out all the ways in which this event gave you clarity about what you do and don’t want in your life.
- I do not want to jump straight to anger. 

- I do not want to wallow in self-pity. 

- I do not want to be such a negative person. 

- I do want more control over my emotions. 

 

List out all the ways in which you demonstrated courage to move through and beyond this situation. 

- I did not dwell on this event, therefore I moved past it.

- I identified these negative thoughts. 

 

List all of the ways in which you loved and honored yourself and your well-being to move through & beyond it: 

- I forgave myself. 

 

It's often the most challenging events in life that offer the deepest & most meaningful learning, wins, and wisdom. List yours here:

I will about one that has left me with the most wisdom. All throughout my childhood I had been bullied because of my appearance. I was born with Marfan Syndrome, which means that I am chronically ill to a heavy extent. I look a little bit different to other people, being abnormally tall, having very long limbs and certain deformations.

 

I tried to fit in. I really, truly did. I tried to make myself appear shorter, I began to dress in a way that was unflattering to me to make myself look small and later fixated on my weight to a point where I developed an eating disorder. No matter what I did, it was not enough. They kept bullying me. 

 

At one point I tried to befriend them. That’s when they began to physically harass me by pushing me and hitting me. 

 

So what did I learn from this?
1. These people more than likely had reasons why they were the way they were too. Was it an excuse? Absolutely not. But it was a reason. 

1. We never truly know what someone is going through.
2. Not everyone will like you and that is okay. Not everyone has to like you. 
3. Be yourself. Those who matter will appreciate it and cherish you for it. 

 

Because of this event, what are the new positive and empowering beliefs that you have about yourself?

I am strong enough to withstand anything that life throws at me, with the right care and support. And I deserve the right care and support.