Enrolling in Self-Determination was the best news that has happened to me. I am keen on structure, routine, and procedure, but SD opened my life to the freedom of possibility. This is an exciting, but I was slow to claim the possible. I clung to my traditional services like a teddy bear. I could think of a different world. It was only when the pandemic came and the world changed, that I began to think about change in my life. As tragic as the pandemic is, for me there was a silver lining to it.
Many dark and troubling clouds have silver linings to them. I can definitely say that in my life there has been many dark clouds and some thunder showers, but there has been amazing number of silver linings that have come my way. There has been a guiding North Star in my life, to become a good writer. This would surprise many because I was so poor at it, but I was relentless at writing. I would write whenever I could, taking writing classes when possible. Miracle of miracles my writing gradually improved.
At my last annual review meeting, my SDP team encouraged me to further my writing opportunities by creating a blog on Self-Advocacy and Self-Determination. I had blogs in the past that went nowhere, so I wasn’t excited about it. But the urge to write wouldn’t let go of me, and when managers suggested the same, I caved and jumped at the offer.
Getting my blog met a basic need for me and I am excited about making this decision. I purchased the tools for making it and the services for supporting it through my personal funds, but the inspiration for doing so came out of my annual review meeting. I can clearly say that my annual reviews have changed my life. Have your annual reviews changed your life?