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Prenatal development and Birth
This is the time of my conception up until my birth. I was born on November 26th 1983 with the umbilical cord around my neck. I was cyanotic at birth but the doctors acted quickly to prevent any bodily harm. -
Birth
I was born -
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The first two years
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First 2 years (cognitive)
I developed my sensorimotor intellegence during these first two years. Although I do not have any memories of this time I was told that I spoke at an earlier stage than my older sister, most likely because she was an example in which I could model and provided a more rich learning environment for cognitive growth.
This growth occured at home because I was never placed in day care. This may have made it more difficult when I started school, creating social anxiety. -
First 2 years (biosocial)
I was a breast fed baby and during the first two years I grew and I slept.
I had a crib in which I slept that had a mobile that attracted my attention
My parents were both very attentice and provided stimulation to develop my 5 senses.
I was a healthy baby and I recieved all the required immunizations of that time -
First 2 years (psychosocial)
I was told by my parents that I was the most well behaved child in comparison to my two sisters. According to them I through less temper tantrums and had less frequent emotional highs and lows. I was considered to have a good tempermant, but based on my parents description of my personality I would say I was a slow to warm up child, I certainly had some reservations in my behavior.
My parents practiced a distal parenting style but it still resulted in a secure attachment with my parents -
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Early Childhood
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Early Childhood (biosocial)
Many changes occured in my early childhood. There was rapid growth of my body as well as with my brain development.
It was during this time my parents recognized I was left handed. I remember my grandma watching me while my parents were at work and slapping my left hand when trying to use it in an attempt to make me right handed. It did not work. -
Early Childhood (psychosocial)
I was a very shy child at this age, possibly due to lack of socialization within my peer group. I attended preschool but it was cut short when a classmate called me "pumpkin head" and I didnt want to return.My parents were permissive at this age and allowed it.
Once in kindergarten I began to establish my gender identity which was slow to develop as I grew up in a household with a mother and two sisters. I did not have much information on what it meant to be a boy -
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MIddle Childhood
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Early Childhood (cognitive)
Kindergarten was difficult for me because I feel I may have been behind other children since I did not attend day care at all and had very little preschool. In kindergarten I remember having difficulty reading simple books, the kind of books my children read with ease at that age. -
Middle Childhood (biosocial)
Middle childhood was a very active time during my life. I loved playing sports with my friends, riding bikes and swimming during the summer. My body was growing stronger and I stayed in good health due to my activity level.
I required special attention at school to correct my speech impedement in which I could not properly pronounce the "r" sound. This led to some time spent with a speech instructor which I resented because at that age I just wanted to assimilate with my peers. -
Middle childhood (psychosocial)
Middle childhood was one of the best times of my life. I had a lot of support from my sisters and my parents. I also had a very close group of friends living close by and we would play on a daily basis. We were all well behaved kids with good families. This was a time when pessimism was non-existant and life was carefree and fun. I was not bullied, and was not a bully, however life was going to change drastically in adolescence with the seperation of my parents. -
Middle Childhood (cognitive)
My intelligence grew drastically during this time. I was one of the better students in school and achieved good grades while scoring well on achievement tests. My reading advanced past many at this age along with my vocabulary. I remember reading books that were made for young adults with the ability to understand and enjoy them. -
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Adolescence
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Adolescence (Psychosocial)
Role confusion was a big problem for me in highschool. Upon reflection I realize that much of my anxiety was a result of not knowing who I was or what I want to be. This role confusion has led to a delay in becoming the person I wanted to be. At the time I just wanted to be accepted. This lack of independence did not lead to early life success. As I matured I realized that self acceptance is more important because I am stuck with myself for life. -
Adolescence (Cognitive)
The invincibility fable was something I experienced which was evidenced by the unwise risks and life descions I made at the time. I experimented with marijuanna, alcohol, drag racing and sex. I am lucky that these poor descions never resulted in actual trouble and it has helped make me better choices today. The limbic system definitely matures much earlier than the prefrontal cortex... -
9/11
I can still remember the day those planes crashed into the World Trade Center. I remember what class I was in and who I was with and how this was my first encounter with terrorism. I could never imagine the far reaching implications of this attack and it is still hard to believe that the fallout is still evident in todays society. I often wonder what the world would look like if that attack never occured... -
Adolescence (biosocial)
Junior year in highschool was a great time but also a time with a negative body image. Due to hormone increases my skin complexion was poor and I was affected with acne. Thankfully my parents were responsive and took me to a dermatologist that corrected the problem which increased my confidence in an unsure time. -
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Emerging Adulthood
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Emerging Adulthood (Biosocial)
Throughout my emerging adulthood, I alternated between times of extreme fitness and nutrition followed by periods of laziness and slothfullness. My energy levels were very dependent on my mood. Generally I kept in pretty good physical conditon. -
Emerging Adulthood (Psychosocial)
Intimacy Vs. Isolation is a stage that coincides with emerging adulthood, and I chose intimacy as I married at the age of 23. Unfortunately, it could be referred to as a heterogamy as neither one of us would compromise enough to have a successful happy marriage. -
Emerging Adulthood (Cognitive)
As I matured I reached postformal thought, a stage many do not achieve. I have become more analytical, but this led me to outgrow some previous relationships and at times I felt it was difficult to communicate with people that I felt were less open-minded. Being opinonated coupled with postformal thought has led to alienation of certain relationships and being percieved as arrogant. -
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Adulthood
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Adulthood (Psychosocial)
Divorce has affected me in different ways as does being a father. I am more conscientious now, along with more goal oriented and focused on my future success opposed to my present pleasure. I know I have two lovely girls that are counting on me to succeed and give them the life they deserve. I have no intention on dissapointing them. -
Adulthood (Biosocial)
I am continuing my assault against time and its effects by being very active and eating right in an effort to keep in top physical condition, and I think I am doing a great job. Time however will reclaim whats rightfully his and I understand it's a losing battle but I am enjoying the fight. -
Adulthood (Cognitive)
As an adult my intelligence has increased from life experiences as well as additional time spent reading, writing and researching answers to any question my curiosity poses. I also reenrolled into school to further my education which definitely contributed to my cognitive development because it is challenging my brain to think instead of watching reality TV like the majority of people my age are doing. -
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Late Adulthood
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Late Adulthood (Biosocial)
Being active my whole life, I am healthy at this ripe age of 67. Though I am moving slower I am still able to take care of myself and still enjoy physical activity like a nice summer bike ride. Ageism is something I have been encountering from family,friends, and strangers. They do not seem to trust my capabilities and I find that they treat me like a child at times. -
Late Adulthood (Cognitive)
As I aged and with retirement I get involved in educational classes to excercise my intellect. I am always interested in learning about the world and everything in it. I continue to do crossword puzzles as well to enhance my crystallized intelligence. -
Late Adulthood (Psychosocial)
My participation in continuing education classes also gives the chance for socialization that I may not usually get as I am not a religious person and I do not attend church. I hope my relationship with my siblings and children remain strong and that I have remarried sometime in my life. Love and close relationships will lead to health and happiness and give more meaning to my life. -
Dying
I am vwery old now and hope to have lived a full life with minimal regret. I will write a Will which will divide my estate as I see fit. I will also write out some advanced directives so I will increase my chances of dying on my own terms with as much dignity possible. -
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Death and Dying
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Death
Death scares me, I have no illusions that there will be something waiting for me after it. As an atheist I believe death is the end. I can only hope when death arrives I will be surronded by the ones that I love. I hope to be ready, tired of life, but satisfied, and willing to turn this world over to those younger and abler. I had my turn and it is now theirs. -
Death
As death overcomes me I will try to find comfort in Mark Twain's words, "I do not fear death. I had been dead for billions and billions of years before I was born and had not suffered the slightest inconvenience from it."
