I don't think I ever dreamed that we would be able to accomplish so much during this time period.  I am a believer in setting goals.  Writing goals down and posting them, to remind you of where you are going.

dream DREAMS

Friends and Family Goals

I will have developed a healthy relationship with my family.  This means that I will be in regular communication with them.  I will be in contact with them through mail, on the telephone, and visiting them.  Thus, reestablishing the relationships that were disrupted over the last few years.

I will have done everything in my power to help equip Doug, Norman, David, Andrus, Keri, Bryen and others with what they need in order to achieve their goals and dreams.  I will encourage them as they have encouraged me.  To follow their dreams. 

Legal Issues and Immigration

At the time of the writing of the goals we did not know that I still had legal problems in Alabama.  Our goals were to find out if I had any remaining legal problems (and we did) and take care of them.  Also we would make decisions regarding whether or not I would remain in Canada.  If I choose to stay in Canada we would seek legal advice on the best way to get a visa in order to work or go to school.  

I would say we have blown that goal out of the water!!! 

Other Goals...

I will have found a counselor and will try to see them on a regular basis.  Confronting the issues in the past that caused me to stumble in the first place.  I will learn more about myself and what drives me towards addictive behavior.

I will be and remain drug free - this includes drinking.

I will enroll in college. 

I will organize my photographs and start to go through old newspapers to clip out articles that were about my charity work, meteorology, family, or other.

I will be debt free. 

Other Goals:

Emotional:  At the end of this three year period (we are now at the end of one year) I want to look back and see that I have received counseling for issues that have been confronting me for the past several years and causing me problems.

I want to be in control of my emotional decision making skills.  This will include how and who I choose to be my friends, dating partners, and so fourth.  I want to be able to avoid abusive relationships and be able to determine when I am even being abused in a relationship.

I want my emotions to be controlled by myself and not by outside forces.

Emotional Awareness:  Recognizing my emotions and their effects.  Not only on myself but on those around me.

Accurate Self Assessment: 
Know my strengths and limits.
Be aware of my strengths and weaknesses.
Open to candid feedback from those around me.
Able to show a sense of humor and perspective about myself.

Self-Confidence:
Sureness about my worth and capabilities.
Able to make sound decisions despite uncertainties and pressures.

Self Control:
Managing disruptive emotions and impulses.
Think clearly and stay focused under pressure.

Trustworthiness:
Maintaining standards of honesty and integrity.

Conscientiousness:
Taking responsibility for personal performance and actions.

Adaptability:
Flexibility in handling change.
Be able to handle shifting priorities and rapid change.
Adapt my response to fit fluid circumstances.

Innovativeness:
Being comfortable with and open to novel ideas and new information.

Achievement Drive:
Striving to improve or meet a standard of excellence.

Initiative: 
Readiness to act on opportunities.
Be ready to seize opportunities
Pursue goals beyond what's required
Mobilize others through unusual, enterprising efforts.

Optimism: 
Persistence in pursuing goals despite obstacles and setbacks.
Operate from hope of success rather than fear of failure.

Leadership:
Inspiring others and guiding groups and people.

Change Catalyst:
Initiating change
Challenging the status quo to acknowledge the need for change.
Recognize the need for change and remove barriers.
Champion the change and enlist others in its pursuit.

These were a few of the goals.  A lot of these goals were from three years ago.  We have managed to achieve almost all of them in the past year!

I am extremely happy to look back on all of my goals and see the progress we have made!

I could not have done any of these things without the wonderful support of my family and friends.

Thank you!