I have learned that I must accept what I absolutely cannot do before I allow myself to begin learning the skills necessary to do what I want. So, I have to realize that every day and every task is different. The fact that you can do something today, at a certain time, does not mean that you can repeat that behavior on another day or at another time.

Remember that trauma, injury, disability or disease are the problems. Is it worth the fight, to try to recover? I say, YES, it is. I accept myself with all my limitations! I always try to do the best I can with what I have.

Progressing is simple, but certainly not easy. It requires commitment and a sustained determination to overcome obstacles and achieve goals. My life has taught me that I was not singled out for the terrible misfortunes that I have experienced. That awareness does not eliminate or minimize my problems, but it does reduce the suffering that comes from fighting the unfortunate events in my life.

I have problems with my memory and making good judgements. I forget many things. I put something somewhere and then I just forgot where I put it. I miss appointments or forget to do things I know I want to do. I get confused easily and react immediately, it just can’t be done.

What should I do? I need to have a plan. Mine is three steps:

It is better to face the difficulties created by my trauma, injury, disability or illness in the first place rather than avoid them.

Next, I must think of myself as having a battle with the deficits created by the problems.

Finally, as long as I remain ignorant of my difficulties, I will not be able to avoid or reduce my own suffering.

I wish things were different, but they are not. All I can do is to the best of my ability and I like myself in the process.

When I become familiar with the difficulties that can occur; my anguish seems to be reduced, as well as my fear and anxiety, about life with all my problems. When I no longer need to be afraid of what might happen, I can better prepare myself for the options or Success Strategies that I should use.

To make changes, I need goals. I recognize my difficulties in the here and now. When creating genuine change, I must make a sustained effort. My experiences have taught me that it takes time and effort to change behavior. A statement that I often repeat to myself is; Recovery is not just about making progress; is to take a single step! I always need to remember that; No matter where I start, doing anything to improve my life is progress.