Woodstone Residence

OUR JOURNEY

Today I am free, body and mind,
I can finally see
What I've been struggling to find.

Unconscious of a life slipping away
But you should be proud to know
I've learnt a lot along the way.

Before I even saw a light,
My loved ones were there.
You taught me how to fight.

I travelled the country, a lot of great spots
Maybe now ill go back and see
Beyond the hospital parking-lots.

I have had my fits; I've kept you on your toes,
About breakfasts, lunches dinners...
Well, you know how it goes.

But without a flinch or a second thought
You picked me up,
When it was loving that I sought.

You've made me laugh and pulled my leg
No, it wasn't a joke
When I mothered an egg!

The Woodstone table, where we spent our days
Laughing'til we cried,
Learning of the elephant and ostrich ways.

These were the times, like it or not,
That I will treasure the most
I'll miss the wiggles and giggles a lot.

Never short on hugs, laughter or love.
Yes, I'm truly sure,
You were sent to me from above.

We were the first 10 to ever know
The amazing Woodstone Family,
That helped us learn and grow.

But now it's my turn to say farewell
I leave here with many memories
That are mine to keep, and never re-tell.

But wherever each of our roads will lead,
Always remember this place,
As where you planted that first seed!

I still have a long road of recovery ahead of me, but the skills and tools I have learned at Woodstone will help me live along, happy life. While I was at Woodstone I learned to eat normally, how to be vulnerable with others, how to cope with stressful situations, how to say “no” to ED, how to be assertive, how to let things happen, and many other skills I am grateful for. With everything I have learned in the past four months I know that I can take on any challenges that life may throw my way.

After being at Woodstone for over four months now I feel you have all given me the same experience. You gave me a chance to live again. I have never felt so comfortable around people like this before; I mean- you even got me to sing karaoke, which I don’t think anybody else has done. I have confidence that I will get by in the world because of what you have all taught me…

Since coming to Woodstone I’ve learned quite a lot about myself that I never had the courage to know. Probably more than most people would ever like to know about themselves. It’s a scary concept to go past the surface, to bring the waterline down on the iceberg- but when I did… I realised how much lighter the weight of the world could be by just saying the things I fear most out loud. I have learned to use my voice, and how to be assertive. How could I ever be happy if I never got what I wanted; and how could I ever get what I want, if I never ask?

I hope that you all know how extremely grateful I am for all your daily inputs and efforts! I cannot say thank you enough to every person that has walked into my life while I was at Woodstone. I now feel that my passion, beliefs, and values , will align and I am so much closer to living confidently and comfortably in my imperfections every day.