Five Important Life Lessons I Learned From My Son with Autism
1) Be kind to everyone.
We all have a story. We don't know what has happened in the five minutes prior to interacting with someone. Smile at a stranger daily- it goes a long way. Offer a hand, even when yours are full. Accept differences. Make everyone feel important- the greatest corporations honor those from the bottom first. Be gracious. Give everyone the benefit of the doubt, and above all, show gratitude.
2)Live each day twice.
Instead of looking back with regret, look forward with happy memories. We can't always understand each step, or find the reason for difficulties. Lose the anxiety when reliving the day the second time around. And always remember that a rainbow comes after the storm.
3) You are what you eat.
Truly. An apple a day DOES keep the doctor away. If you pump your body with fresh fruits, vegetables, and REAL food, your body, mind, and spirit with thank you. There is a documented gut-brain connection, and if you can't tolerate a certain food, there is a reason. A little cheating is OK once in awhile, but if you are true to what works best with your body, your body (and mind!) will be good to you.
4) Appreciate the smallest victories.
Not only championships need to be celebrated; the first catch, the longest run, the pass to a teammate...each day is filled with learning opportunities. We live in a society that is driven, focused on the big picture...and unfortunately, we miss the celebrations along the way. Stop and smell the daisies, not just the roses.
5) Never let a diagnosis, title, or prognosis stop your perseverance.
Labels are words, not a definition of character. Never give up. Never stop believing. 'No' doesn't always mean the end. Recovery is a real word. Learn to trust- and let your determination define you instead.
The possibilities are endless.
We all have a story. We don't know what has happened in the five minutes prior to interacting with someone. Smile at a stranger daily- it goes a long way. Offer a hand, even when yours are full. Accept differences. Make everyone feel important- the greatest corporations honor those from the bottom first. Be gracious. Give everyone the benefit of the doubt, and above all, show gratitude.
2)Live each day twice.
Instead of looking back with regret, look forward with happy memories. We can't always understand each step, or find the reason for difficulties. Lose the anxiety when reliving the day the second time around. And always remember that a rainbow comes after the storm.
3) You are what you eat.
Truly. An apple a day DOES keep the doctor away. If you pump your body with fresh fruits, vegetables, and REAL food, your body, mind, and spirit with thank you. There is a documented gut-brain connection, and if you can't tolerate a certain food, there is a reason. A little cheating is OK once in awhile, but if you are true to what works best with your body, your body (and mind!) will be good to you.
4) Appreciate the smallest victories.
Not only championships need to be celebrated; the first catch, the longest run, the pass to a teammate...each day is filled with learning opportunities. We live in a society that is driven, focused on the big picture...and unfortunately, we miss the celebrations along the way. Stop and smell the daisies, not just the roses.
5) Never let a diagnosis, title, or prognosis stop your perseverance.
Labels are words, not a definition of character. Never give up. Never stop believing. 'No' doesn't always mean the end. Recovery is a real word. Learn to trust- and let your determination define you instead.
The possibilities are endless.
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