Life day by day

Since I have started following doctors orders I have been able to maintain a steady regimen. Not always free of stress as a matter of fact always full of stress but, I have learned coping skills through my involvement with NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) and TMHCA (Tennessee Mental Health Comsumers Association) to help me survive my craziness. Things don't look so gloomy anymore because of these skills. I also learned alot through the psychosocial program I attend in Johnson City, TN.
Victory Center is a program that has saved my life. First, VC, introduced me to Mary Ellen Copeland, my mentor, and then second, to NAMI and TMHCA. I learned WRAP (Wellness Recovery Action Plan) under two of the greatest examples in my life, they have been my personal mentors here in TN. I may never get to meet Mrs. Copeland but, I know these ladies and they have made a difference in my life. I can't express how much they mean to me. I owe them alot. I hope someday to make them proud and for them to know they made the difference in my life today. I won't mention names because that is confidential. I wouldn't want you stealing them from me now would I?
Seriously, I get my energy from my willingness to be alive. I haven't always wanted to be alive and more than once tried to take that into my own hands. Obviously there is a reason for me to be here so I guess I will start trying to put forth effort to figure that reason out. I believe I know what that reason is and I am living it now. Oh I may not be getting paid monetarily but, I am getting paid folks. Every time I hear one of these guys I volunteer with say, "you make me so happy, Vanessa" or "I don't know what I would do without you". This is important to me because it makes a difference in my life. It keeps me well when I can make a difference. I think this is the reason for me to be alive. So, I take it day by day and I plan to help others as much as I can as long as can. This IOOV program means alot to me. Telling my story about my life struggles helps me to deal with my own reality. Sharing with others is my way of giving back and hopefully if it helps one person, it will be worth it all. I enjoy telling my story and try to make it interesting when I tell it.
Thanks IOOV for helping me reach my goal of helping others realize their potential through my story, hopefully they won't be my age when they learn theirs.
Love ya all, Vanessa