Bea recently moved into her own place! We asked her to answer a few questions about her new living arrangement.

1) What are you enjoying most about your new living arrangement?

I moved from a tiny bedroom and now have lots of space and can have all my stuff. I have house plants again. Time alone, It is less chaotic, quieter.

My house is all on one level which makes moving around easier as the stairs used to trigger my POTS and was hard with my leg injury, so I can do more.

2) What pets are keeping me company at my new place?

I have my service dog Humphrey and I have my two cats Max and Ruby. I am also in the process of setting up a tank for Axolotls. My parents’ dogs also visit me a lot, as we share a backyard, Norman thinks it is the most exciting thing in the world. They also like my air conditioning.

3) What skills have I developed in order to prepare for independent living?

I took the independent living course. It taught me budgeting and ways to deal with my anxiety. I learned how to do my own laundry. I have learned what I have to do everyday to maintain my place because I like it to be clean. How to make grocery lists, buy things before they totally run out, and make my own snacks. I have learned the importance of keeping track of my daily accomplishments to recognize my productivity.

4) How have I set up my place to make it comfortable and personalize it for myself?

I have lots of colour and fun decor. I have purple and yellow walls, a pink kitchen and a cheetah vase and a flower cat climber. I finally got to unpack my giant fancy mirror that I got in the USA. The house plants make it feel more alive. I have been able to customize and choose everything that works for me. I am making my own backsplash!

5) What activities do I enjoy doing at my home?

I enjoy snuggling my animals and playing video games by myself and when everyone comes over to play Mario. I also have had family dinners at my house and play board games.. My brother comes over for movie nights which I enjoy. I like hosting people. I can also kick everyone out!

6) What are you looking forward to in the upcoming year in terms of living independently?

I am excited to continue to make my own routines. I like continuing to make the space my own, decorating and customizing. I am looking forward to learning to cook my own meals with my dad and having dinner together. I look forward to having my friends visit me more often.

Thanks Bea, for sharing this exciting news with us! We hope you enjoy your new place and the independence of having a space of your own.