
Sadly, tragedy is a part of life and when working with young adults who had experienced first episode psychosis and have suffered multiple traumas from perpetrators and society itself, I am familiar that bad things can happen to good people at any time.
I am proud of the fact that when diagnosed, my only regret had been not travelling to Italy. In fact, my diagnosis has been a blessing, I have had the chance to travel to Italy not once, but twice in the past year. I now have the opportunity to "make moments matter" with friends and family. Although "can't" has become a part of my vocabulary (I never believed in that word before), I am slowly taking out the word "no". And I have the chance to reflect on my life as a camp counsellor & director, teacher, children's museum supervisor, waitress at a ski resort, art therapist. I've lived and worked in four different countries (Canada, US, England, St. Maarten) and too many cities to count. I have met thousands of special and interesting people along the way. I've been on three helicopter rides (New Zealand Glaciers, Fiji, the Grand Canyon). I have been Bossman. I have camped. I have rocked girl dance parties. I have rock climbed and zip lined. I have rescued animals. I have swam in the ocean. I have gone to a prestigious University (McGill) and joined a sorority (Kappa Kappa Gamma). I have skiied the rockies. I have made a difference in the lives of others. I have played guitar and sang karaoke. I've seen the Northern Lights. I have sailed. I have pet cheetahs, not once, but twice. I have shot the moon. I have been on exploratory canoe trips. I have parasailed and flown in a glider. I have travelled the world. I've found the love of my life and married him on a beach, and I've been shown by those in my life how much I am loved.
I have lived. I have lived many lives, lives that others have never had the chance to live.
If tragedy were to strike tomorrow, what is the one thing you would regret?
Make it right.
Starting today.