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Tust vs Mistrust 0-1+1/2 (Infancy)
I was born in a little white suburban house in Shawnee Kansas. My parents didn't have much at the time, but my grandparents did. I was thoroughly loved and cared for as the first grandchild for both sets of my mom's parents, as her parents remarried others after divorcing. My mom already knew she wanted to wanted to home-school me and was incredibly attentive. I was a fairly quiet baby. The basic virtue for this stage is hope and according to my mother, few words describe me better than hopeful. -
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Grace's Life Timeline
An outline of my dream life outlined by Eric Erickson's Stages of Psychosocial Development. -
Autonomy vs Shame 1+ 1/2-3 (Early Childhood)
My first memories are of this joyful time. I was just beginning to fall in love with and explore the arts. I spent hours drawing, coloring, and painting. I designed dresses and cards for people. I took dance lessons. My bliss was slightly shaken but eventually multiplied over with the arrival of my first younger brother. My basic virtue for this time was will. Again according to my mother, I have always have a strong will, but it was balanced out by a sweet and eager to please temperament. -
Initiative vs Guilt 3-5 (Play Age)
I enjoyed much of this stage, I was happily kept busy with starting school, some gymnastics classes, spending time with my grandparents and friends. Like most kids, I made friends easily and loved playing with them. I found my purpose by many of the things described in this this and the previous stage, I thrived on anything creative. Nearing the end of this stage, another brother was added to the fun, and I found a need for a personal relationship (that has since been strengthened), with God. -
Industry vs Inferiority 5-12 (School Age)
I became competent by: Home-schooling and housework. My mother was a great teacher, but I also loved being independent enough to often learn by myself. Dishes were a real life version of Tetris. Laundry was just organizing clothes by color and size. I joined a gymnastics team at 10, which gave a much appreciated social outlet as well as mental/physical gains. I loved sports, the outdoors, and playing rough with my 4 brothers. I would often race older boys for fun and win, thanks to gymnastics. -
Ego Identity vs Role Confusion 12-18 Adolescence
These brought many challenges. At 12-13 I wasn't advancing in gymnastics like I'd hoped and was very fearful of getting injured. I also started fighting with my mother. Right before my 14th birthday, I moved from Wichita, KS to Atlanta. I was now injured/retired from gymnastics and spent months recovering in a back brace. I was still comforted by the arts, but felt starving for friends for awhile. Thankfully,15 brought many more close friends and hope. At 17-18, I started college and loved it. -
Intimacy vs Isolation 18-40 (Young Adult)
I graduated nursing school and married love of life at 21. Then I went to Emory for midwifery at 23. I started having kids at 25. I want around 10 some biological, some adopted. Home-schooled kids but still saw patients as a midwife part-time and worked from home through a youtube channel/podcast covering health/music/art/cooking/mothering/psychology. I found love in God, in others, and in myself, by realizing life is filled with many trials, but choosing to rise above them and choose joy. -
Generativity vs Stagnation 40-65 (Adulthood)
Got master's in counseling and published some psychology and children's (made with and for my children) books. Start having grandkids around 50 and loved both spoiling and being involved in the everyday life of grand kids. Attempted to age gracefully as Audrey Hepburn, both in taking care of physical health and remaining actively involved in life and some volunteer organizations.
I was able to care and be cared for my husband, kids, my extended family, my friends, and my patients. -
Ego Integrity vs Despair 65+ (Matiurity)
I traveled throughout life, saw the world, but remained humble. I retired with husband in a Florida mansion, big enough to take in aging parents and/or act as a vacation spot for children. I lived close enough to kids and grandkids to be heavily involved. I started a vintage bridal boutique with dresses I designed. I achieved wisdom by living and loving life. I peacefully died in a sweet dream on the night of my 90th birthday after spending the whole day with loved ones. -
Farwell Letter <3
After I pass, I hope they say, "She looked forward to the future, lived in the present, but remembered her past. She worked hard for what she had, branched out with her dreams, but never forgot her roots. She was both ahead of her time and behind. She kept the class and virtues of her grandmother, but had the wide-eyed-dreams of her daughter. She traveled well and love everyone. I am most proud of those I've loved and left behind. I wish I would've loved, lived, and laughed more but feared less.
