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By Tonya S. Swindell

An open door was the entryway into my aching soul. It happened on a day when I was struggling to be whole. Life was not perfect and I suffered adversity. And I’m thankful for my journey to who I’m meant to be.

Life had many twists and was unpredictable. It took a lot of courage to live a life that’s full. I had no way of knowing my full capacity. And I’m thankful for my journey to who I’m meant to be.

Admitting my mistakes and creating a new goal motivated me to be healthy and whole. The path I took was not easy. And I’m thankful for my journey to who I’m meant to be.

I grew and blossomed into a prosperous human being who’s not perfect but forgiven and excited to begin living; to experience life the way it was intended for me. And I’m thankful for my journey to who I’m meant to be.

I learned about my emotions through the process of therapy and increased my understanding of personal advocacy. It boosted my confidence and raised my self-esteem. And I’m thankful for my journey to who I’m meant to be.

I made some observations, had some helpful conversations; selected different choices to quiet haunting voices. I opened my life to change and I made some practical gains.

And I’m thankful for my journey to who I’m meant to be.

I saw through new eyes where I previously told myself lies. I went on an adventure where my goal was to enter a new reality of what it meant to be me. And I’m thankful for my journey to who I’m meant to be.

Signs of positive change showed the progress I had made. My life took a turn and I gradually began to learn. I encountered a divine entity and gained a new identity. And I’m thankful for my journey to who I’m meant to be.

I considered disagreements and the role I played in it. I discovered healthier ways to show myself grace; to accept what I couldn’t control when fear had taken a toll. And I’m thankful for my journey to who I’m meant to be.

I let my light shine during hard and stressful times. I revealed my true feelings for the purpose of my healing. I said some goodbyes and I learned to compromise. And I’m thankful for my journey to who I’m meant to be.

I examined my inner views and shared some good news. I behaved less selfishly in friendships that mattered to me. I learned to meet a need instead of reacting to my greed. And I’m thankful for my journey to who I’m meant to be.

My feelings evolved as I went through subtle changes. I developed greater peace and It happened in stages, not all at once. It happened gradually. And I’m thankful for my journey to who I’m meant to be.

My journey continues in ways I do not know as I keep moving forward to see where it will go. I feel excited to experience what it’s like to be free. And I’m thankful for my journey to who I’m meant to be.

Tonya Swindell is an occupational therapist. She is also a teacher for Kingdom Building Institute (kingdombuildinginstitute.org). She can be reached at tonyathewriter1@gmail.com.