We have goal for ourselves and sometimes we achieve them and other times we fall short. But regardless of where we fall, we all learn from the experience. We have choices of whether to let the situation crush us or to keep going. The importance of setting the goal is that it keeps us focused and moving forward even if we are only taking the smallest of steps. They all count.
Recently I traveled to Texas for a conference with a friend. Something I never imagined being able to do. Being on a walker, dealing with my spinal cord injury, Allodynia and the bowel/bladder issues makes travel scary and difficult. Especially since I was traveling for the first time without my husband. Yet, I set my goal on making this trip and achieving more independence.
There was a lot of planning that had to transpire along with prayer. I had to make sure that I had all my medications plus extra for the “just in case” situations. I had to carefully select the right clothing and yet pack light enough that I could carry my own bag to the airport. When we got to the airport, I had to allow for enough time to go through security y as I cannot go through the body scanners. I must go through a pat-down every time I travel. Then when boarding the plane, I must go check-in so that I can be let through first as I take longer to get on the plane. Plus, I must walk down to the plane with my walker and then check it at the plane hoping that it arrives intact when we arrive at our destination. It can be a bit overwhelming.
Of course, getting to you destination is only part of the it. Disembarking the plane is difficult as well. I must wait and be one of the last ones off because I must wait for them to unload my walker and bring it to the plane. Then I must make my way from my seat to the exit, get into my walker, and up the ramp. Then from there to baggage claim and to the parking garage to get the rental car all the while maneuvering my walker while carrying my luggage.
If I had focused on each step instead of my goal, I would have never achieved it. Yes, it takes planning, but it also takes hope, faith, prayer and believing in yourself. Because I know God is with me and He wants me to succeed I focused on where I wanted to go and took the steps to make it happen. Each of us can achieve our goals when we focus, plan, and allow God to guide us. Through Him all things are possible, and I was greatly rewarded with yet another miracle of becoming more independent.