Last month I got an email from a woman named Lisa. She was encouraging me after that crazy trip to the post office. The point of her email was this: keep experiencing and don't avoid. As an occupational therapist she has seen many families (kids and parents) benefit from experiencing rather than avoiding. I totally resonate with this idea.
And you know what? It is hard.
Sometimes it is easier to just avoid, go down the same path, not take the risk, just stay home. Especially with a special needs kid who responds differently to everyday situations. In all reality, it does no one any good to avoid.
Sometimes I want to avoid stuff. Like taking Simon to school. He does awesome when Chris takes him - when I do, it's not so awesome. The reason? It is different. Things that are different are hard for SImon. But helping him through these things, and finding ways to work through the moments, are part of my responsibility as his mama. I have to put aside my own feelings of wanting to avoid so that I can make his experience better. So that I can show him that different is ok.
Simon likes to try to avoid stuff too. Like meat. Lately we have been working with him on trying new foods (anything other than potatoes). The school is on in the whole adventure with us as well. Here is a copy out of our communication notebook talking about meat:
Putting the meat on his tongue is the first step. Then gumming, Then maybe chewing and potentiall swallowing...and maybe even ending up liking it. So many things in our lives involve experience rather than avoidance. Experience makes our lives richer. It helps us develop or true sense of self. Assists in the development of our minds and our hearts.
Maybe there is something out there that you are avoiding (as simple as meat, as complex as the changes you need to make to live a happy, passion-filled life). Something that appears to be so very hard to experience. I ust want to take a minute to encourage you to take that step today - whatever that means for you.
Life is for living.
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103 comments
You have no idea how this resonated with me this morning. Thanks for posting. I needed this post a lot.
Have a great trip too. :)
Missyou.
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thank-you for that post. For Tiara, for me for us all. a good reminder that We gotta just LIVE it now today...thank-you :)
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It sure is hard, and thanks for the reminder Ali....life is for living, and taking chances, and making decisions.
~Mary
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Wow... I needed that today... sitting here with tears in my eyes... thanks!
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Ugh. I don't know how you keep such a positive attitude! LOL - I love that about you (I have been a lurker of your blog and writing for a while now), but I just don't know how you do it. I have a 4 1/2 year old with autism (high-functioning) and ADHD and a 2 1/2 year old with ADHD and a neurological disorder, and the days can be so hard. Sometimes it is just easier to avoid! I was diagnosed with a significant illness last week that makes me REALLY want to avoid EVERYTHING, so I look to blogs like yours to make me realize (1) i am not alone and (2) I can get through this. Thank you for keeping it upbeat and giving us reason not to avoid! :)
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This post so resonated with me as I am making changes that are hard but necessary for me to live a richer life. I am moving to Oregon in 3 weeks and excited but a little scared. I know that It will make me grow and change for the better. As ever you continue to be an inspiration to me.
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It is so easy for us to just avoid and not experience change or things that are difficult. Thanks Ali,, for sharing your Simon stories with us. I've been lurking her for quite awhile.
I am an RN and have worked with both adults and children with developmental disabilities,, I am always challenged to change my outlook, my goals, and well,, me because of the things they've shown me.
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This really resonated with me Ali. Thanks.
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Wow! Another great post, Ali. I cannot tell you how much this speaks to me. I have many things in my life I have been avoiding. You have totally provided something for me to think about. Thanks again for all your wisdom.
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Yes to all of it. After a year plus of waiting for the perfect wallgrafitti to fall into my lap, this may just be it. Granted, it will look completely random and unartistic, but I'm near certain I could benefit from seeing that in print every day. Especially if that print was say, ten inches tall...
thanks, dawg.
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Thank you for this totally inspiring post. So true and so important. I'm printing it off and putting it where I can see it and be reminded to experience life. Every day.
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I just pasted this quote into my own journal today....
"The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, t oreach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience." Eleanor Roosevelt
Thanks for all that you share Ali! Sharna
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Ali--
Tearful over this entry-- there are some areas in my life that are needing this- different is ok-- go ahead and experience it-- somehow it felt like this post took me by the hand and encouraged me, as you do Simon.
Thanks-
Missy Kemp
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That is just awesome Ali about Simon and meat...
You are a total inspiration. A girl i scrap with as an autistic son and through your blog i have learned many many different ways to interact with him.. I have only known his mum and him for about 7 weeks but now everytime they pass our house on the way to day care he sticks his face to the window and continuisly points to our house and i even got a hug and kiss yesterday when they left. Cherly said this is huge for him as normally on his mummy and daddy and family get that privaledge (sorry for sp. So thank you Ali for your inspiration and thoughts...Have a safe flight and see you next week - Cheers, Debs
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I read your blog every day, though rarely comment because there are just so many comments that I will just sound like an echo... so that's one thing I avoid...but not today. Today I wanted to thank you for this different persepective on things, which I have taken to heart. Thank you very much! :)
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Such a good post. Thank you. So many people reply here, I often think you don't need another post---but this one gets to the heart of it and helps me say "yes" to life, to change, to opportunities, when "no" would be so much more comfortable.
I love comfort, but I'm slowly realizing that it's now why we are here. The discomfort of growth has to go with it, hand in hand.
I don't know how you manage to even think in full sentences while juggling so much, but today's post was a blessing. Thank you.
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Ali, with all the turmoil, stress, and extra added work in your life, I think you are amazing and strong and that you will get through this just fine. Sometimes it is easier to back off or say "no", but you are teaching Simon, and yourself, some very important lessons. You rock!
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Thank you Ali!
Have a wonderful and safe trip
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If you ever get tired of scrapping, you could DEFINITELY be a motivational speaker. Great post, as usual. Something I needed. I'm avoiding cleaning my kitchen right now, lol. Thanks again for your thanks to my thanks email, LOL! Enjoy your trip!
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great post, Ali. You are an inspiration not only with your art, but also with your outlook on life. Keep it up, you have no idea how many people look up to you.
Brek
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