What experiences in life helped you grow the most?
I have had countless experiences in my life that have helped me grow as a person, who hasn’t? But the two most significant ones would be:
- The bus accident, which happened over 10 years ago close to Syracuse, New York. We were headed on a shopping trip to New York City, and for my cousin, aunt, brother, mom and myself, it was more to see our family in Staten Island. The charter bus had some complications just after we crossed the border and so we pulled over. The second bus went on ahead, trying to keep schedule. Unfortunately, when the bus went to pull back onto the highway, we were hit by a semi truck. It was horrific and actually made news. (Too much happened to explain in this post, maybe I’ll write about it some day.) Hospital visits, separated from my family with only my brother with me, all our belongings destroyed, and having to track our family down via hospital staff was a nightmare.
The aftermath of the accident scarring and the thought we could have all perished in the accident an eye-opener. I had severe PTSD, depression and minor physical injuries, injuries I still deal with today. But that horrible experience taught me about how strong I was, physically and emotionally. To heal, recover and to learn never take life for granted. I had to persevere through my recovery, to gain skills to deal with my emotional trauma that I still utilize to this day. My lower back is still effected, but through the wonderful help of my physiotherapist, she has helped me to learn techniques and exercises to alleviate, manage and ultimately prevent my back from giving out, even suggested weight lifting to strengthen my core and back muscles. Knowledge I didn’t know at the time.
That experience helped me grow as an individual; realizing I’m strong, resilient and to live life to the fullest. If God wants to call me home, well he can at any time, so why live in fear?
2. The second is becoming a mother. I know, I know this one is probably a cliché answer, but it’s true. Never in my life did I think I’d become a mother and in my 20’s I was sure I didn’t want kids. As I got closer to my 30’s my mind changed and my clock started ticking. Tick Tick Tick.
When I found out I was pregnant, my first emotions were excitement and fear; an emotion I never admitted to anyone, except my husband, at the time. I was growing a precious life, anything that I did or ate or drank affected her as well. It taught me to care for myself and her. I also opted for natural childbirth, which was really tough. That showed me that I am able to endure one of the most difficult things a woman can do, to bring a life into this world. At one point, I didn’t think I could do it physically because frankly it’s EXHAUSTING and PAINFUL!
But after giving birth, I now had a little human to care for and to recover myself. The emotional ups and downs that comes along with motherhood is a roller coaster. You are emotionally and physically drained on a daily basis. Becoming a mother has taught me patience, control, self-awareness, happiness and stress! It has been both rewarding and miserable, but I keep learning day by day with my daughter. I’m strong for her and I want to a good role model, showing her constant love, kindness and understanding.
To raise a good little human is hard these days, but damn it I’m going to try!
Ciao!!
Mama on the Move 