Welcome to NeurOrdinary, the podcast where we explore topics that are close to the hearts of parents raising their neurodiverse kiddos. I'm your host, Karen, a mom to two extraordinary autistic kiddos. As an autism parent, I understand the daily struggles, challenges, and victories that come with raising neurodiverse children.
In today's episode, I dive deep into one of my absolute favorite topics: the power of gratitude in the lives of autism parents.
We all know that our lives can often feel like a whirlwind of therapies, appointments, and overwhelming responsibilities. It's easy to get caught up in the daily challenges and lose sight of our own well-being.
That’s where cultivating gratitude comes in.
By embracing an attitude of gratitude, we create an intentional practice of acknowledging and appreciating the positives in our lives. It doesn't have to be time-consuming or complicated. It can be as simple as taking a few moments each day to reflect on the things we're thankful for, no matter how small they may seem.
Throughout the episode, I discuss the incredible power of the gratitude mindset, how to notice the hidden silver linings in our journey as autism parents, and the profound role that cultivating gratitude plays in self-care.
Join me as I share personal stories, practical tips, and insights to help us all navigate the ups and downs of autism parenting with grace, strength, and resilience. So grab your favorite beverage, find a comfy spot, and let's dive into this episode!
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Resources Mentioned In This Episode
Transcript
Hey, I’m Karen. And I’m a mom to two amazingly neuropsicy autistic kiddos. If you’re an autism parent like me, you know I don’t have the time to make a podcast intro. I also lack the tech skills, so let’s just get into it…this is the NeurOrdinary Podcast!
Today, we're talking about one of my absolute favorite topics—cultivating gratitude. I'll share how this powerful practice can help autism parents like us live happier, healthier, and more fulfilling lives.
So, grab your favorite beverage, find a comfy spot, and let's get to it!
The Gratitude Mindset
First, I want to talk about the incredible power of the gratitude mindset. As autism parents, our lives can often feel like a whirlwind of therapies, appointments, struggles, and never-ending ups and downs. We're continually striving to provide the best possible support and care for our kids in a world that really isn’t designed for them. We’re often doing this without a lot of support or help. That’s why it's so, so easy to get caught up in the daily challenges and the overwhelming nature of our responsibilities.
The Daily Whirlwind of Autism Parenting
The daily whirlwind of autism parenting can really knock us off our feet. The constant adjustments, therapy sessions, school meetings, and countless questions can make it feel like we're trapped on a roller coaster ride we didn’t ask to get on. Each day brings a new set of challenges and some victories. But it’s so easy to lose sight of our own well-being amid the constant challenges we and our kids face.
Shifting Your Mindset to Gratitude
That's where shifting your mindset towards gratitude can truly work wonders for us autism parents! When you embrace an attitude of gratitude, you’re creating an intentional practice of acknowledging and appreciating the positives in your life. But, I know what you're thinking – how can you find time for gratitude when every minute of your day is accounted for and, to be honest, sometimes you don’t feel like you have a whole lot to be grateful for? Well, that's the beauty of it; it doesn't need to be time-consuming or complicated AND, the more you focus on gratitude, the easier it is to find.
The Simplicity of Gratitude
In reality, it's as simple as taking a few moments each day to reflect on the things you're thankful for. It might be your washer and dryer that helps you clean up the sheets your kiddo had an accident on, the kind stranger at the grocery store who offered to pick up the boxes your child knocked down, a moment of genuine connection when you least expected it, or the unwavering support of a friend who understands what you’re going through and it always there for you. When you recognize these moments and interactions, they can brighten even the most difficult days.
The Transformation of Perspective
When you make gratitude a part of your daily routine, you'll witness a gradual transformation in your perspective. It's like a beacon of light amid the storm, a reminder that even during the most challenging moments, there are glimpses of good things happening all around you. While gratitude doesn't erase your challenges, focusing on what you’re thankful for helps you reframe everything you experience and sets you up to live a happier, more joyful life no matter what is happening around you.
Shining Light on the Darkest Days
So, whether it's through a gratitude journal, a mental note, or a moment of silent reflection, embrace the mindset of gratitude. It's your tool to navigate autism parenting - and life - with grace, strength, and resilience.
Unearthing the Silver Linings
Next, we're going to talk about one of the easiest ways to embrace gratitude as an autism parent…and that’s learning to notice the hidden silver linings all around you. While our days can often be filled with bumps, hurdles, and challenges, don't let that deceive you—amid the day-to-day difficulties, there's an abundance of beauty and joy waiting to be discovered.
The Rocky Road of Autism Parenting
Navigating the world of autism parenting can be hard! Each day, we encounter unique obstacles and unanticipated twists…the things that helped yesterday now bring on a meltdown. The food manufacturer changed the box on your kid’s favorite food and now they won't eat it anymore. It always seems like it's something! And while I validate your feelings of stress and anxiety and I never want to be a sunshine and rainbows Pollyanna about the lives we lead, let me assure you, there are still good things happening, even amidst the not-so-good things. There are subtle glimmers of silver linings waiting to be uncovered.
The Magic of Small Victories
The key to finding these silver linings lies in focusing on the small victories. Celebrate your child's achievements, no matter how minor they may seem. It could be a new word, sign or AAC tool they learned. Maybe they finally did something to connect in a positive way with their siblings. Maybe they were able (and willing!) to put their socks in the hamper. These moments often appear unnoticeable in the grand scheme of things, but they hold immense significance in your journey and your kiddo’s journey, too...they deserve to be noticed and celebrated!
Training Your Mind to Seek Positives
By consciously acknowledging and celebrating these small wins, and embracing the “good” things your child does each day, you gradually train your mind to see the positives in your day-to-day life. It's like tuning your senses to detect the beauty hidden within the intricacies of your child's progress. These silver linings aren't just fleeting moments; they're your guideposts, showing you just how far you and your child have come on the unique journey you’re on together.
Anchoring Gratitude in Daily Life
The act of celebrating small victories isn’t just about recognizing your child's progress. It's about anchoring gratitude in your daily life. It's about weaving positivity into your daily life as an autism parent. You're nurturing a heart full of appreciation, which can be a source of strength during the most challenging days. It's about recognizing the coexistence of beauty amid the struggles you may face.
Embrace the Journey
So, let's commit to this journey of embracing and celebrating the small victories. With each silver lining you discover, you're building a brighter, more resilient outlook on your path as an autism parent. The road may remain bumpy, but you'll find over time that it does get easier. And it is possible to find joy along your journey.
Gratitude as a Powerful Self-Care Practice
In our last segment, I want to talk about the profound role that cultivating gratitude plays as a self-care practice for autism parents. Our days are often filled with caregiving tasks, little sleep, and varying degrees of frustration. That’s why it's essential to remember that taking care of ourselves is not a luxury; it's an absolute necessity.
Nurturing Ourselves in the Journey
The journey of autism parenting is both a demanding and a rewarding one. Our children rely on us, some of them 24/7. They need, and sometimes demand, our unwavering support and devotion. We pour our energy, love, and time into their well-being, ensuring they have every opportunity to thrive. But, too many of us forget the importance of self-care, or we choose not to prioritize our own needs because we just get so darn burnout from caregiving that we don't even know what we need. Or sometimes, who we are, anymore.
Gratitude: More Than a Simple "Thank You"
Cultivating gratitude goes beyond merely saying "thank you." It's a profound mindset shift that allows us to navigate autism parenting with resilience, strength, and hope. This practice not only acknowledges the importance of self-care but also provides a way to replenish our emotional reserves. I’ll share some of my favorite gratitude resources in the show notes below for you to check out!.
Unleash the Power of Resilience
Amid the challenges of autism parenting, there are moments that can feel overwhelmingly draining. These moments are when your self-care practices become your lifeline. Gratitude is a powerful way to summon resilience, offering the emotional strength you need to withstand the storms that may arise.
As autism parents, we often find ourselves confronted with situations that are emotionally taxing. These are the times when our children may face significant struggles, encounter misunderstandings, or exhibit behaviors that challenge our patience. It's in these moments of vulnerability that resilience becomes so important for us, and for our children.
Resilience isn't a superpower reserved for a select few; it's a quality that each of us possesses. It's the ability to bounce back from adversity, to adapt to life's unexpected curveballs, and to continue moving forward even when the path is difficult. For autism parents, resilience is a vital trait because our journey is often a marathon with hurdles, not a sprint on a smooth track.
Gratitude, in all its simplicity, serves as a catalyst for this resilience. When you train your mind to recognize the silver linings, the small wins, and the moments of connection with your child, you're reinforcing your emotional strength. It's like building a protective barrier around your heart, and it enables you to weather emotional storms without crumbling.
Every day, you face the complexities of autism parenting, and it's easy to feel overwhelmed and depleted. Gratitude is the gentle nudge that reminds you to pause and reflect on the goodness that exists within each day. It encourages you to recognize the small victories, no matter how minor they may seem. It reinforces the idea that even on the toughest days, there are moments of connection, joy, and achievement.
When you practice gratitude consistently, you'll start to see resilience blossoming within you. It's like filling your emotional reservoir, ensuring you have enough strength to draw upon when you face challenging situations. With this newfound resilience, you'll find the courage to stand strong in the face of adversity, support your child through their unique journey, and maintain your own well-being.
The Promise of Hope
Gratitude is a promise of hope, a reminder that even in the midst of challenges, beauty can be found. When you prioritize gratitude as self-care, you're not just taking care of yourself in the present; you're also investing in your future. This practice fortifies you, so you can continue to be a loving and resilient parent, no matter what challenges may come your way.
The Ripple Effect: Caring for Yourself, Caring for Your Child
Here's the beautiful paradox: when you take time for self-care, including the practice of gratitude, it's not just a gift to yourself; it's a gift to your child too. By nurturing your own well-being, you can offer better care, support, and love to your child. It's like a ripple effect, where your own emotional well-being positively influences your child's life.
Embrace Gratitude as a Self-Care Ritual
So, as we conclude today's journey, I encourage you to embrace gratitude as an integral part of your self-care ritual. It's more than a momentary feeling of thanks; it's a lifestyle that sustains you through the ups and downs of autism parenting. I know it's easy to become consumed by the needs of your child. But, don't forget to care for yourself…you and your child deserve to have you at your best. Self-care is how you make that happen.
Conclusion
As we wrap up this episode of NeurOrdinary, I'd like to leave you with this thought: Self-care isn't an act of selfishness; it's an act of love—love for yourself and love for your child. Cultivating gratitude is a beautiful way to nurture your own heart while enriching your child's life. It costs nothing, it’s incredibly easy to do, and the benefits are huge!
I’d also like to invite you to join me on Instagram this month where I’ll be going live every day to share my daily gratitude list and encourage you to join me as I embrace all the things I’m grateful for. I know the holiday season can be a challenge for autism parents like us, and hopefully, this helps you navigate the holiday season with more ease, patience, and yes, gratitude.
Thanks for listening! New episodes of the NeurOrdinary Podcast drop every Thursday. Don’t forget to like and subscribe, and if you’re feeling generous leave a comment or review to let me know what you thought about today’s episode. And whatever you do, keep it spicy!
Meet your self-care coach!
