I started driving a year or 2 after my injury (c6/7) and burned my settlement money up on gas, school and my social life :-) Then a house, at the end of that money. I spent a lot of time in school trying to figure out what I wanted to do, that was fun and I made some friends. I also got involved in volunteering and some crazy demonstrations and stuff. I just followed my passion, so to speak. Now the most important thing for me is getting a job and I feel I have missed out by spending a lot of time not working. I have had a few jobs, wrote for a newspaper as an internship and have worked a couple call centers and done some babysitting and such. Now I really really need a job.
I have worked with the Department of Vocational Rehab. They paid for some school, bought me a van and hooked me up with an agency that helped me beef up my resume and that gave me some confidence. I got a job on my own with that and another seasonal one through DVR. What do you like to do? It seems like you could be in better health and I wish you a speedy recovery. I've done some pretty intense work on my immune system in the past and it seems to have paid off. I didn't drink caffeine for years, cut way down on sugar and took a lot of vitamins and was anal about my diet. Now I have been able to drink coffee (But 2 double espressos will make me pee on myself teehee learned that lesson), smoke and do other things on occasion and still bounce back. I remember what it was like having UTIs every month and it was very depressing. I really tried to whip myself into shape- some naturopaths have sliding scales for payment but books are good too. I joined myspace a while back, thinking it was silly but lately have joined some sci/disability groups and I think it's a great resource. You don't even need to leave the house to make friends! You can get lost in there, so be careful when you start! It's fun. I think I tend to just look up and read about things I'm interested in and take it from there. 2 years ago I started practicing Buddhism and chanting. I didn't do this to meet new people but have found that the people I have met are great (some more than others like with anything else) and very encouraging. In fact that's what the practice is all about- working on your "human revolution," sharing your experiences with others and encouraging each other. The Soka Gakkai website has daily guidance from President Daisaku Ikeda, here is an example: When your determination changes, everything else will begin to move in the direction you desire. The moment you resolve to be victorious, every nerve and fiber in your being will immediately orient itself toward your success. On the other hand, if you think "This is never going to work out," then at that instant every cell in your being will be deflated and give up the fight, and then everything really will move in the direction of failure. http://sgi-usa.org/ I love that quote. I think a lot of people on this list know what that quote is getting at. I have had my fair share of my own private (sometimes drug induced) pity parties. It's better to do what you're doing and reach out whichever way works for you. Don't withdraw too much. Anyhoo, I hope that wasn't too much. I'l tell you when I get a job! GOOD LUCK AND KEEP IN TOUCH. On 3/16/07, Dillon Ewa <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
Hello everyone, Though I'm sure my story is not unique especially when considering this group, I would like to know how all of you have stay connected, become involved both vocationally and socially. Since my injury, I have struggled to feel productive. Mainly due to frequent skin breakdown and illness, I have had to postpone or even cancel many activities I had wished to become involved. The same story goes for developing social relationships. Again, I know that I am not alone and do not pity myself or spent sleepless nights crying "why me". Maybe you can offer advice to me on what you have done or experienced that might help me. Trying to get connected Thanks. Dillon C./4/5
-- Life is 440 horsepower in a 2-cylinder engine. -Henry Miller
