OVERCOMING LIFE'S OBSTACLES

From the time we are born God has a plan for us. I wasn’t always sure what his plan was for me. From the time I grew up I didn’t feel that I fit in this world. I always felt that I was different than everyone else and that no one understood how I felt.

Life can be very confusing when you have a mental illness and I didn’t have any coping skills. They are not something you are born with. We have to learn these skills. We learn them from life’s little lessons. I didn’t have the skills to deal with life’s’ stress and problems. And because of my illness, I didn’t always want to. I stopped growing a long time ago. And you wouldn’t believe all the things I have been through during my life. That can make anyone feel a little bit crazy. Instead of talking about things, I stuffed everything inside which isn’t good because sooner or later things come back out whether you want them to or not. I always thought running away was the answer but it’s not.

Drinking and drugs are not the answer either. It is just another form of escape. We can decide to run away for the rest of our lives or we can change things, which is what I decided to do. I really wanted a much better life for myself, so I took many steps to help myself. For my alcohol problems I joined AA. Of course, if you are still drinking the main step is to stop and get help for it. I did this a long time ago. We have to get help for our mental illness too. There are many different types of treatment. I go to the mental health clinic for therapy where I talk about things. I go every week and I take medicine every day. I take care of my mental health as well as my physical health. This is all part of recover. This is all part of getting better. Another part of getting better is to go to Oasis. This is where I have learned a lot of coping skills. There we learn to take care of ourselves. Oasis helps us feel pride in ourselves. It helps us fit back into the community. It teaches us job skills, how to deal with life in general, stress management, and how to get along with others. I take pride in my appearance. It also teaches us how to deal with anger without hurting anyone.

I have more of an interest in doing things I enjoy now. I love to draw and paint. I love music and woodworking. I enjoy taking a walk. I also like to work and take pride in a job well done. We may thing we have disabilities but we really don’t. I don’t let anything hold me back. I found out that helping others can only make us feel so much better about ourselves. Just think of all of the things I have already overcome. Just keep on trying and I know that you will do the same. It also helped me so much along the way. I feel very good about being alive. Don’t ever let anyone call you handicapped. It’s all the way you look at things. The biggest obstacle to overcome is just believing in ourselves and never giving up. I really enjoy sharing myself with others. We all just have to believe that we are very good people. The goodness has just got to be brought out into the open. Happiness can be a very simple thing. I get joy out of watching a puppy chasing his tail. It looks so funny. Just learn to enjoy your life. I have learned to enjoy mine. The real prize is peace and serenity.

Dianne B.

NOON AT THE OASIS

Wake up in the morning, Waiting for the van Food and Medication, Doing all that I can.

First Step is important, Something to do each day, We belong in New London, No matter what they say.

I have many friends here, With whom I share time, Cigarettes and soda, Begging for a dime.

Heading back to Briarcliff, Do something today, For years I had been suffering, But now I am O.K.

– By Steve D -