I was taught that having knowledge and being able to recite it would prove my intelligence and assist my survival. My life doesn’t align with that and I’ve learned that a curiosity for learning and a willingness to accept not-knowing offers more discoveries and allows me to survive with the treasure I held within.

 I know that people are human beings struggling with who they are in the life they live. I recall my experience as a teenager living with epilepsy at a time when epilepsy was hardly known. Despite my unique experience, it was not different from other people's experiences. Perspective helps me to recognize how human I am, despite my differences.

Reflecting on knowledge that wasn’t available thirty years ago and coming to terms with my truth. What happened can’t be changed and I am grateful that it never broke me. I can embrace the truth and discover where it takes me.

Without reflection, what we pick up along our journey remain as forgotten treasures. Bravely unwrapping the package within helps us to realize our significance and stop avoiding who we are. Everything we pick up gives meaning to who we are.

 The journey to achieve greatness often distracts me from remembering that I am human and still developing. Perceiving what doesn’t go my way as reminders and lessons presents hope for more to come.

 Reflecting on the importance of perspective in adverse situations and being conscious of what to carry away from a situation. It is in how we choose to nurture our perceptions that leads to our reality.

 Reflecting on what my experience with seizure recoveries taught me. Acceptance and a willingness to learn turned adversity into blessings.

When I perceive an opposition as a sign for change, I don’t stay frustrated because I see it as an opportunity to grow. What could have been an annoyance evolves into a blessing as I openly flow with the experience. Failure is never a hindrance when I’m discovering more!

Perseverance is not only a response to adversity, it is a deliberate choice to accept what I encounter. Choosing perseverance is my key to growth and enjoyment!

Relating to the experience of a blank canvas to humble myself during a moment of feeling empty and unfulfilled. Being mindful of the patient care that goes into art, the slowness of a process is no longer troublesome.

Disability is not something that is against us that must be fixed to prove our worth, it is something everyone can recognize in moments of uncertainty and grow from it. Disability is a motivation to pay attention to our ability and apply it to the situation. Recognize that disability is something that everyone encounters on their journey to grow. 

 Reflecting on a mantra that sustains me through challenges.

Coming away from the idea that love is something we own or control, this poem is a reflection on my belief that love is a life energy that exists for all.

Noticing that partners in a relationship are different and complement each other. Understanding that neither knows what will happen but both can decide how to make the best of what they have together.

Reflecting on the realization of the experience that is the root of who I am.

Reflecting on the beauty of awakening and anticipating the Spring season.

Sharing a constant battle that I must face in order to learn as my present self.

As important as an end goal is, the journey to the end is just as valuable.

Reflecting on a search I made for what I thought was missing but discovered that it was buried within.

Reflecting on working with what we have, what we think and the importance of doing our best.