Don't let go of your Dreams!

when chronic illness struck me at the age of 25 while I was in college, it seemed all my goals and plans were crumbling around me.

After digging in DEEP for many years however, learning everything I could about my disease and ways to manage/improve my quality of life, I slowly began to regain my footing. Here I am now 16 years into the chronic phase of my illness and I am amazed to look back and see just how many of my life dreams and goals i have still be able to realize, even if the path or outcome was slightly different than my original plans.

1. I wanted to be an entrepreneur, so I created my own small business from my home.

2. I wanted to work with animals, so I trained to become a certified pet nutritionist and herbalist (virtual courses).

3. I wanted to own a home, and eventually was able to realize that dream through a lot of hard work and careful money management with my partner.

4. I wanted to be a pet-mom, and now have an amazing standard poodle who is my service dog, and two beautiful hairless cats.

5. I wanted to adopt a little girl, and though my health prevented me form making this a reality, I recently began sponsoring a little girl living in Thailand through Compassion International.

6. I wanted to hope the Appalachian trail, so i downloaded a virtual hiking app, and I am now nearly complete, after walking only 1-3 miles a day for the past 3 years.

7. I wanted to volunteer and give to my community, so I fostered animals through the humane society for many years, and now that my body won’t allow me to do that any longer, I write letters of encouragement to women in need in my community.

8. I wanted to travel, so I am investing in a personalized converted 30-passenger van, so I can manage short trips with all of my medical needs.

9. I wanted lover and a long-term relationship, and I have been blessed with two deeply loving relationships despite the complications of my illness.

10. I wanted to make a difference in the world, and I have found my ways to do that, and I show up everyday doing my best to help anyone in any small way I can.

The path has been more challenged, but it is worth it!