Isn't it funny how the tide changes? For the last (nearly) 17 years I have been immersed in the world of autism. I have lived my son's disability intensely during this time and have experienced all the stages of grief that come along with the territory. To be honest; and as I have discovered, those stages don't completely disappear. They do rear their heads on occasion. However, recovery time is faster and the length of time between the angst grows wider.
Life has got easier for me as time has moved on and RDI
has been instrumental in my recovery. I am not preaching the word here, just
sharing my thoughts on a very personal journey. From where I stand, my progress
is all about me becoming a more confident parent. A mother who is mindful and
in tune with her child. A person who has gained the knowledge on how to
effectively engage with her child to help him become the best that he can be.
Relationship Development Intervention has helped me to understand that my life
does not revolve around disability. Living a well-rounded life includes other
people and different experiences. It's about finding myself, that person who
has been buried under that cloak of disability. Finding the balance is tricky, although eventually obtainable.
I no longer have the need to read every autism book. I may glance through magazine/newspaper articles, however, I ignore all that nebulous crap on the internet. It is very freeing to push all that stuff aside and just get on with living. I have certainly got a lot more time on my hands!
Get some exercise, at least three times a week.
Drink lots of water (this is a work in progress for me!).
Get some sleep. Yeah, right!!
Take some time out for YOU. Even a 15 minute walk around the block by yourself would help.
It is ALWAYS possible to make a plan.
Your child doesn't come first. YOU do! Remember the oxygen mask story?
Don't cut yourself off from friends. Unless, they are not worth keeping!
Make an effort to meet new people who walk the special needs path.
Take up a hobby. It doesn't have to be all consuming. Just a little something that allows your mind to drift away. Not drugs!
Don't sweat the small stuff.
Be flexible and adaptable.
Have extra special connection time with your other child/children (if you have them!). There is something so cool about a neurotypical kid.
Don't forget your husband/partner (if you have one!). He/she also was on the scene before your child/children.
What? No time, you say?
Pffff.... it is ALWAYS possible to make a plan ~ if you really really want to.
Get off that screen. Limit your screen time.
Do NOT argue with anyone on the internet. It's not worth the grief.
Find some like-minded people on facebook and hang out with them in a private group.
Listen to that gut instinct of yours and say "NO".
Read a book (not relating to disability).
Have a glass of wine. A bottle.
Don't stop going out into the big wide world (been there, done that. Not nice).
Push the boundaries.
Challenge yourself.
Smile.
Be kind.
Have a motto to make you feel good.
Remember. If you really want to do something, it is always possible to make a plan.
Have a positive mindset.
Look on.... 'The Bright Side of Life'.
I no longer have the need to read every autism book. I may glance through magazine/newspaper articles, however, I ignore all that nebulous crap on the internet. It is very freeing to push all that stuff aside and just get on with living. I have certainly got a lot more time on my hands!
Anyhow, I thought I would share some........
Di's Tips for Self Preservation and Sanity
Drink lots of water (this is a work in progress for me!).
Get some sleep. Yeah, right!!
Take some time out for YOU. Even a 15 minute walk around the block by yourself would help.
It is ALWAYS possible to make a plan.
Your child doesn't come first. YOU do! Remember the oxygen mask story?
Don't cut yourself off from friends. Unless, they are not worth keeping!
Make an effort to meet new people who walk the special needs path.
Take up a hobby. It doesn't have to be all consuming. Just a little something that allows your mind to drift away. Not drugs!
Don't sweat the small stuff.
Be flexible and adaptable.
Have extra special connection time with your other child/children (if you have them!). There is something so cool about a neurotypical kid.
Don't forget your husband/partner (if you have one!). He/she also was on the scene before your child/children.
What? No time, you say?
Pffff.... it is ALWAYS possible to make a plan ~ if you really really want to.
Do NOT argue with anyone on the internet. It's not worth the grief.
Find some like-minded people on facebook and hang out with them in a private group.
Listen to that gut instinct of yours and say "NO".
Read a book (not relating to disability).
Have a glass of wine. A bottle.
Don't stop going out into the big wide world (been there, done that. Not nice).
Push the boundaries.
Challenge yourself.
Smile.
Be kind.
Have a motto to make you feel good.
Remember. If you really want to do something, it is always possible to make a plan.
Have a positive mindset.
Look on.... 'The Bright Side of Life'.
* All images were created by me!
