Cross Creek Blogs

It is hard to believe it has already been over seven months since I graduated PC III in August 2005. I had my share of struggles and good times while I was in the Program, but I must say that as I look back on it and all that I went through was worth it. My life is 100% better now that I am a graduate of the Program. I am currently attending Pacific Union College in Angwin, California, which is in the Napa Valley area. I am making friends here at college and the relationships I have with my family are so much better now.

Before I came to Cross Creek, I would manipulate my family and people around me to get what I wanted. That behavior was definitely not working in my life. I ended up hurting others and myself. Also, before attending the Program I had been experiencing uncontrolled bipolar cycles, with raging mania and hopeless depression. At Cross Creek I addressed my issue with manipulation and found better ways to treat others. Also I got treatment for my bipolar, which includes medication, so that my moods would be leveled out.

Now I consistently take my medication, and I have not relapsed into manic-depressive cycles. Also I have not used alcohol or drugs since I graduated. My relationships with my parents, Bruce and Cathi, and my sister, Kristen, are much improved, but are by no means perfect. When issues come up, we address them and work through them, and the relationships only get stronger.

College is going very well for me. I currently have a 3.87 cumulative GPA, and this quarter I will be working two jobs on campus. I live in a dorm, and surprisingly the rooms here are smaller than the ones at Cross Creek. I currently work as a janitor in my dorm, and so far have received two raises. The second job is grading papers for one of my teachers and entering grades into the computer system.

I can say that I am happy now! I really love how I see the world with a new perspective and openness. I used to see that the only way was MY WAY, but Cross Creek helped me question whether that was actually working in my life. (Seriously, if it got me to the program, there must have been something flawed with my way!) I have found that keeping myself busy with constructive things and staying focused on what matters in life truly works in my life.

I remember at Cross Creek how I would think of ways to get out of those walls; however, now all I want to do is to be back there with the people who cared enough about me to take a stand for me and encourage me to do something worthwhile with my life. I could have given up or ended up cheating myself by taking my exit plan when things got overwhelming, but that would not have taken me where I wanted to go in life. I graduated not for being perfect, but for choosing to persevere in spite of my falls. And I am so glad I did choose to stay and graduate. College, fun things with good friends, great times with family… these are the results of my choice to work the Program.

The people at Cross Creek, including Mr. Thane, Ms. Caroline, Mr. Ron and Ms. Riitta, and so many others, impacted my life in such a positive way. I am so grateful what all of you did to help me in life. Thank you. I look back on Cross Creek as a memory that becomes fonder as each day passes. I truly believe that working the Program – working life- is definitely worth the effort.

Posted on January 22nd, 2008 by admin
Filed under: Uncategorized