I have always had a deep passion for playing jazz drums and have longed to have my own audience and the freedom to choose the style of music I want to play. However, my family and friends have never quite understood or appreciated this interest of mine. The lack of recognition from others has led to low self-confidence, making me feel worthless and often tempted to give up on my dream of becoming a concert drummer. I have considered recording myself playing drums and sharing it on social media to fulfill my desire to perform, but each time, anxiety and negative thoughts have deterred me.
But everything changed when I encountered a therapist who shared a similar passion for music. During home visits, my therapist would guide and encourage me to create drum segments, taking small steps towards my goals.
Surprisingly, the videos garnered positive feedback and encouragement from classmates, which became the driving force for me to continue playing drums. As I entered high school, these short clips helped me stand out during auditions for the school's marching band. Now I am selected as the band's drummer, bringing me closer to my dream of being a concert drummer!
Since the passing of my husband, I have been struggling with insomnia and relying on sleeping pills. Over time, I found myself using these pills even during the day to alleviate my deep sense of sadness. This dependence on sleeping pills not only strained my relationships with my family but also left me feeling purposeless as a retiree. The constant presence of suicidal thoughts led me to impulsively take an excessive amount of sleeping pills...
During my hospitalization, an occupational therapist helped me discover my strengths and skills. I immersed myself in creating a multitude of artworks and even choreographed a dance routine. I plan to teach this dance to both the elderly and my granddaughter, in hopes of fostering a special bond between generations.
Upon my discharge, I have decided to volunteer to teach dance and painting to seniors each week. I will also make regular visits to the library, indulging in the pleasure of reading. I will also pursue Japanese and English language courses, as well as jazz dance lessons using the Continuing Education Fund. My aspiration is to fill my retirement years with meaningful activities that I had longed to pursue but never had the opportunity to do so. Lastly, I am grateful to the therapist for guiding me on this journey of self-discovery.
An unexpected accident during work completely changed my life, leaving me dependent on a wheelchair for mobility. The scene of the accident haunted me, and for a long time, I experienced restlessness, anxiety, insecurity, and depression. During the rehabilitation process, I pushed myself relentlessly, determined to make the greatest progress possible. Enduring rigorous training sessions, I faced indescribable challenges.
Fortunately, during my hospital stay, therapists provided a comprehensive recovery program and devised a plan for my rehabilitation, facilitating significant improvements in my life. These resources helped me regain my sense of identity, self-care abilities, and a sense of hope for the future.
I used to worry about becoming a burden to my spouse and being unable to care for our 17 cats at home. However, after training and making home modifications according to the therapist's recommendations, my self-care abilities improved significantly, and I could take care of our beloved “fur babies”. Surprisingly, I even rediscovered my passion for cooking.
Upon discharge, I recognized the need for a period of adjustment to my physical condition before embarking on future plans, such as obtaining a driver's license and exploring accessible outdoor routes. Despite taking a different path from most, I refuse to lag behind. While temporarily setting aside work, I will persist in seeking the joys of life.
Once, I was a fulfilled mother who found all her purpose in her son. However, after his departure, my life seemed to lose all meaning and hope, leading me to rely on long-term medication to stabilize my emotions.
But with the support and encouragement of my therapist, I started my journey towards recovery, hoping to rediscover a life of my own.
I ventured into various interest groups at the community center, where I met many kindred spirits who shared similar experiences and struggles. It was comforting to realize that I wasn't alone, and their companionship helped me through the darkest moments.
One particular experience that deeply resonated with me was the beading class. Observing the process of threading beads reminded me to live in the present, to learn and experiment at my own pace. I gradually found peace within myself. Different colored beads represented my different emotions, much like my life, filled with joy and sorrow. Even negative emotions are an essential part of life, and they make my life's artwork unique.
Recently, encouraged by my therapist, I even ventured into employment and found a job as a librarian. Having something to focus on and a sense of direction in life has brought me solace. I discovered that I have the ability to face new challenges and it has given me a great sense of fulfillment.
In truth, all it takes is the courage to take that first step, and it opens up a world of possibilities. I truly believe that my transformation would make my son proud!
I have a deep love for art and enjoy expressing myself through painting. I actively manage a social media platform where I share my artwork, and I also take on commissioned painting projects. However, my journey took a turn when I experienced emotional struggles. There were times when my mood was unstable, and I even lost the motivation to create art. In July, I felt a sense of improvement and decided to discontinue my medication. Unfortunately, in early October, my emotions started fluctuating again. I began speaking incoherently, and my thoughts became chaotic, filled with harmful ideas towards myself and others. Thankfully, the school social worker and community nurse recognized my changes, and I was admitted to the hospital for treatment in mid-October.
During my hospitalization, I received exceptional care and support, which not only helped stabilize my emotions but also reignited my passion for painting. Several therapists discovered my talent and invited me to participate in the "Love Living 2.0" program, where I could share my personal story through art. Despite being a high school student, I found a platform to showcase my skills and inspire others with my own experiences. I have come to realize that I have something meaningful to contribute.