Q01

Describe a significant experience that has happened in the past year. How did it affect you? Are you grateful? Relieved? Resentful? Inspired?

I got accepted into college early.  It's changed a lot for me, like the way I think and how I see things.  It's like learning, while at the same time feeling like you know less than what you thought you knew.

Got pregnant!  I feel very lucky, grateful, amazed, and of course anxious too.  Recently I've gotten much closer to my partner's family (esp. his mom and his sister-in-law) which has been lovely.

I became a vegetarian.  It has been such an easy transition, so I know it's best for me.  I feel better about myself already.  I'm so grateful to Alicia Silverstone for writing a book that could put things in perspective for me and inspire me to do what is right for this earth.

I learned how to ride a bike, and I'm 15.  I did it with the help of my best friend, not my parents or sister.  I felt fully independent, no helmet, around and around the court.  Looking back on it, I felt so strong.

This past April was my 19th birthday.  It was also the day my most beloved aunt passed away.  I'm still not sure how to deal with the loss or handle the fact that she's not there.  Since her passing my family is not as close, and is virtually imploding on itself.  Rather than stay and try to help with all the aggravation and bad vibes going around, I left for college.  I'm resentful towards them for letting it get to such a low point.  And I feel guilty for leaving.

My son going to live with his father. Made me redefine who I am. At first, I was resentful. When I realized, no matter what, he would always be my son and that he has the choice to prosper or fail, then and only then, could I let go of him. I continue to support him. I KNOW I did the best I knew to do in regards to him. Now I am peaceful.

A significant experience that has happened was when my best friend moved 1200 miles away. It tore me up in the weeks leading to his departure, but in the few months he has been gone, it doesnt seem so bad. I am sad that a great emotional distance was created, but i think its for the best. i am more active, have a wider core of friends and am in better physical shape. there are times I wish he was still around, but in the end, i think it has been a positive.

Went on a 6 month trip in SE Asia mostly alone. It was amazing in ways I wouldn't have imagined such as: I fell more in love with my husband who completely supported me and was at home. I learned to think more and talk less. I learned that there are wonderful, kind people all over the world who helped me whenever I needed them. Thank you world! I learned yoga and meditation, which has been amazing. I met god, or a higher presence through yoga and meditation, which I didn't know was there. I realized how much I love my family, city and friends. I'm so happy to have gone and so happy to be home.

My dog was put down over Christmas. It was the first real family decision I was an active part of. It was also the clear ending of a part of my childhood, perhaps the entirety of my childhood.

I started grad school and realized that no one is going to provide any structure or safety net anymore. It's up to me what I make of this opportunity, and I can succeed wildly or fail miserably. It's terrifying and stressful, but I know the potential is here to do something really great with my life.

I found out that my husband had cheated on me with an old friend from high school that he reconnected with on Facebook. I'm angry that he did it, proud that I brought it up to despite my non-confrontational personality, mad that I told him to get a Facebook page despite his initial disinterest. I'm also mad that the woman is also married and I should have threatened to tell her husband. I saw pictures of him and he has a trashy mustache, which probably means he'd be a ball-busting prick. Sweet.

Having to have surgery was one of the most terrifying and enlightening experiences of my life. It made me realize that things like this happen to people, especially when you last expect it. Yes people get diagnosed with cancer, yes people like me have life threatening cysts in their bodies. It actually happens. Never once in my life did I think I would have to have surgery until I did. It opened my eyes to reality. Be thankful you're alive and healthy, because so many do not have the same luxury.