Therapy Bits

Two of my biggest achievements as a blind person, and a person who struggles with a serious mental illness, were training with my guide dogs and moving out on my own to live independently at age 26.

Both milestones required courage, persistence, and a willingness to trust myself in ways I hadn’t fully done before. Training with my guide dogs wasn’t just about learning a new set of skills; it was about allowing myself to rely on another being, to open up to partnership, and to let go of some of the fear that had built up around mobility. Each lesson—whether it was mastering a route, correcting a mistake, or celebrating a smooth walk—became proof that I could navigate the world with confidence. My guide dogs didn’t just help me get from point A to point B; they helped me believe that I was capable, resourceful, and deserving of independence.

Moving out on my own at 26 was the second transformation. It wasn’t a single moment, but a series of decisions that added up to a new life. Independence came with challenges—managing mental health, handling responsibilities, learning to structure my days—but it also came with a deep sense of freedom. I could choose how to shape my space, how to spend my time, and how to build routines that worked for me. Living alone meant facing myself honestly, acknowledging my strengths and limitations, and finding healthy ways to cope when things felt overwhelming.

Together, these experiences taught me that independence isn’t about doing everything alone; it’s about believing in my ability to figure things out, to ask for help when I need it, and to keep going even when the path isn’t clear. They reminded me that resilience isn’t loud or dramatic—it’s often quiet, showing up in the daily choices to keep moving, to keep trying, and to keep believing that I am capable of more than I once imagined.

RDP Tuesday! Achievement!