It's Okay to Not Be Okay, Neurodivergent Parents!

We're parents of neurodivergent kids... maybe the apple doesn't fall so far from the tree after all?

Not up for TMI? Scroll down for 3 things to support your mental health!

I’m writing to you from my heart today.

It’s been a long road with Ocean, but unless you’ve known us forever, you might not pick up on that. Some people see our family and think:

“Oh, they have it easy. They can’t possibly relate to OUR situation.”

Maybe, maybe not. I’ve written a bit about our struggles, and when (if?) my book comes out you’ll be able to read the whole story. I just want you to know that while I try to keep this space encouraging and neurodiversity-affirming, we’re not pooping rainbows over here.

Ocean’s doing great compared to a year ago.

I don’t compare him to other kids because that’s a trap. (Well, sometimes I do. In last week’s post I mentioned my nieces and their Stanley cups.)

Can you believe I’ve been writing to you on Sunday mornings for over 3 years?!?

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If You’re Not Up for TMI, Skip to the Help and Support Below!

Like most highly sensitive people, I absorb the world’s suffering. Not sure how much more to say about that.

I acknowledge my struggles, and take all the help I can get.

I lean into gratitude and radical self-compassion. My energy is coming back with the warmer weather, but now my eyes itch. I started taking Lexapro for my anxiety and I think it’s helping… but at the same time, I reduced therapy to every other week for financial reasons. So they kinda balance out?

When I stay in the present, it’s better for everyone. Like many Gen-Xers, I’m worried about family members across multiple generations. I’m coming up on my 55th birthday next month, and while I accept my body and love it like an old friend, all the stage diving and rollerblade accidents have caught up to my joints, and when I look in the mirror I don’t see the rebel waif I expect.

I yell sometimes. I’m an expert at apologizing. Ocean still screams and slams doors, and gets more screen time and fewer veggies than is recommended. That doesn’t disqualify me from being a mindful parenting coach. On the contrary…

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The last 13 years have taken a toll on my nervous system and burnout pops up periodically. Yes, yoga, journaling, and meditation are my foundational supports. But there’s nothing wrong with receiving extra help. Let’s model that for our kids!

I accept help gladly, and hope that you do too…

Here’s Some Help You Can (and Should) Accept:

1. Does the apple not fall so far from the tree? Sign up for the Not a Broken Neurotypical Bundle TODAY: 16 brilliant gifts designed specifically for the brain 🧠 you have. You’ll get 💰 $500+ of resources without paying a dime.
   When you use them, you'll feel more empowered, confident, and supported. I've contributed Polyvagal Pranayama and Yoga.
   It ends TODAY, May 26, so sign up now.

   

2. If you tend to be hard on yourself, and want to change that, join me to learn mindfulness-based gratitude and self-compassion practices.
   Mindful Compassion & Gratitude Weekend: Gentle Movement, Journaling and Meditation Retreat in the Pocono Mountains November 15-17, 2024.
   Early bird rate ends May 31.
   

   The Himalayan Institute hosts us with:

   • Peaceful workshop space

   • Pristine and comfortable accommodations

   • Vegetarian/vegan meals

   • 400 wooded acres of hiking trails

   Indulge in add-on services like massage and ayurvedic treatments. 
   
   You need to restore so you can return to your life with a new perspective. You'll have time to rest, stroll, enjoy nature, and simply be.

   These retreats sell out, and the rooms fill up, so I highly recommend getting in on the early bird rate before May 31, so that you can look forward to your retreat for months! With the payment plan you can register with just $92 for the first installment!

   

   Mindful Compassion & Gratitude Weekend

3. NEW! An experienced meditation guide in your ear and at your fingertips? YES! The Compassion Club Private Podcast is just $7/month! Regulate your nervous system through self-compassion, relaxation, and meditation guided by me and delivered to your favorite podcast player automatically!
   
   (It's also a fantastic way to support me if you have benefited from all the no-cost support you've found here.)

"Listening to the podcast, I could feel my nervous system shift. It's amazing what can be done in a few seconds. It's okay to just steep in it, like tea."
 -Michele V.

Alright, have a great week. Thank you for being here. I LOVE hearing from you.