Wednesday, August 12, 2020

Worry, Wonder and Walking Towards Growth

I've reached the point in my life in which the number of days behind me is about the same (hopefully) as the number ahead. 

It's the perfect time to take inventory of how I spend my life. Not just the day to day grind of wash, rinse, repeat, but my state of mind and intentions. 

I think of life as a library of opportunity to discover. Unfortunately, there is not enough time to read all of the books. One must be choosy. I spent a few years in the travel section, many more in marriage and mothering. Some areas I got lost in...like autism and setting boundaries. Some stories were never written for me...like becoming an Olympic athlete or world famous artist. Others are out of my reach - I will never discover a cure for cancer or Alzheimer's or anything else...except maybe boredom. If feelings were a genre -- the books I have most likely been focused on would be worry, distrust and anxiety. Worry about the mental health of our communities...especially our children and the changing landscape of our culture. Distrust across all forms of media and anxiety for the future of how we interact and love one another. I'm a touchy/feel-y type and giving and receiving hugs has always come naturally to me. In our current culture -- nearly taboo.
 
"Worrying is using your imagination to create something you don't want."
                                                                                     Esther Hicks

Lately I've been spending a lot of time in the worry/school section. When will schools be able to open their doors without fear? How far have my children fallen behind in their studies? Is this really our new normal?

I find myself searching for ways to leave the worry section and walk towards one of wonder...to create something I want. I'm painting more, criticizing myself less. I've removed news programs from my routine and replaced them with National Geographic and Marvel movies. On August 22nd our family will be participating in Action for Autism's annual Family Fun Walk...our 12th one. I still have my t-shirt from the first year. At the time, Noah was only five. Our lives were racked with anxiety about his future and worry about whether we have been doing enough to prepare him for school. As I reflect on the losses our communities have experienced this year and questions about the future, I think the answer lies in walking. Keep moving forward. Focus on the steps towards growth.

If you would like to make a tax deductible contribution to Action for Autism. Please click this link and scroll to the bottom of the page. Any donation amount is welcome.

Thanks to everyone who has contributed in the past. Your dollars supplemented Noah's education and many other children like him who are struggling with developmental disabilities.

Below are a collection of stories I've written that reflect on the support we have received from Action for Autism and chronicles the progress Noah has made.
2019  http://www.therapyonwry.com/2019/08/changing-times.html
2018 http://www.therapyonwry.com/2018/08/you-might-be-autism-parent-if.html
2017 http://www.therapyonwry.com/2017/08/slow-and-steady-wins-asd-race.html
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