Now I Can...July 2014 edition

As a speech-language pathologist, one of my primary responsibilities was to identify a skill that was weak, identify a goal to target the deficit, and then provide opportunities and practice to learn or strengthen the necessary skill.  Setting and achieving goals is how you challenge yourself and grow.   I saw a quote that said, "The struggle you are in today is developing the strength you need for tomorrow."  Honestly, there is so much that is rewarding about this experience, but there is equally as much as that is difficult and a struggle.  Some days everything is hard and tedious, due to unfamiliarity, language barriers, or inexperience.  Some struggles are bigger than others, but each achievement brings a bit of normalcy with it.

"Struggles" has a negative connotation, however, I have chosen during this adventure to use those struggles as a springboard.  Each struggle offers the opportunity to learn and grow.  Since the list of unfamiliar, difficult, or new experiences seems ever-ending, I decided to make monthly goals for myself.  Breaking the list up into smaller bits has made the overwhelming task of transitioning to life in the UK a bit more manageable!  July offered daily challenges and successes; each of which has helped make life feel more routine! 

Now I can...

1.  Cross the street without looking like an American; I now naturally look to my right to check for oncoming traffic!

2.  Pay using exact change in all British coins without having to look at the value of each coin.

3.  Catch a bus from the city center to take me home.

4.  Order food at a pub with confidence and without the server having to ask 20 questions! 

5.  Relay my UK mobile number and address without having to look it up!

6.  Tell you how to buy a TV license and why you must have one!

7.  Use my pin and chip debit card without assistance.
8.  Lock and unlock our front door (the only real entrance into the house) without standing at the door for five minutes just praying for it to open!
9.  Cross a roundabout and know exactly where to look for traffic!  

By the end of August, I hope to be able to...

1.  Drive around our local area with some level of confidence, not too much anxiety, and without hitting the curbs!

2.  Join a local gym.

3.  Learn what all the road and highway signs mean.

4.  Pay our bills using the pay point system.
5.  Obtain a library card.  


As I check goals off, remember our lights will always be on!

~W