For our first writing assignment in high school, our English teacher instructed us to “write a 200-word essay about something that’s important to you.  And I don’t want to read 30 essays about how important your family is to you, so write about something else.”  Because the teacher typed and mimeographed (can you smell the purple ink?) some of the gems we produced, my words were preserved and I can now share them with you.

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Friends Forever

It all began the summer of 1980.  I had completed fifth grade, and was enjoying a long-awaited vacation, until my mother got them.  My mother proceeded to present them to me.  Immediately, I became hopelessly addicted.

My early curfew would bring me home, and I’d rush to be with my newest companions.  I’d become so involved with them that all else would be forgotten.  Together, we would stay up late each night and be happy, sad, frightened or surprised.  We’d laugh, cry, or shiver with suspense.  We could go anywhere we wished, and return home, the venture over.

As I grew older, my friends became sources of refuge.  Old chums, eager to renew our acquaintances, were always there when needed.  They constantly introduced me to more of their kind, always willing to share my joys, sorrows, my happiness and anger.

They have faithfully stood by me until now.  I hope that they will help me battle every obstacle so I can reach the summit of my dreams and aspirations.  Together we will overcome all that stands in my way.

All of my companions may someday desert me, but they will remain loyal always.  Books and I will be friends forever.

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Books and the Internet Shape My Life

Books and later, information on the Internet, have been indispensable in shaping my ideas and beliefs.  Mary Sheedy Kurchinka’s Raising Your Spirited Child first showed me that there was more than one way to experience a child’s personality and behavioral traits.  How to Talk So Kids Will Listen and Listen So Kids Will Talk utterly transformed how I speak to my children.  The wisdom of these books is now a part of me.

It was many years after I wrote that essay in ninth grade that I began to realize something else:  I can trust myself. Reading is delightful.  Gathering information is often important.  Yet there comes a time when it is best to stop reading and researching and to begin listening to yourself.

Sometimes, no books or resources are needed.  At other times, my inner knowing will lead me to the book, website, individual, or piece of information I need at that moment.

Do you trust your own wisdom and knowing?

Do you look at your child and really see him or her?  Or do you believe what the experts tell you:  He will never do this.  She will never do that.  It’s a lifetime dis-ability.  It’s a disorder.

If you would like to practice listening to and trusting yourself, make time for a bit of silence during the day.  You only need about a minute per hour and can begin with a simple breathing practice like I describe in the welcome post.  If you’d rather not breathe during the day ;-P, breathe as described at the end of this post before falling asleep.  Take three deep breaths, ask a question (if you like), and listen.

Ask your own questions or consider the following:

What is my child’s gift?

What does my child need from me right now?

Be patient.  Be silent.  Be open.  Listen.

Even though I hope that you will visit my site many times, and even though I want you to subscribe to my e-zine and buy my book, I hope that you read my words so that you may be encouraged to remember:  You have the answers.

For more ways to get in touch with your own wisdom, consider joining me and other mothers like us in the Swan Mothers’ Circle, learn to Love Life with Atypical Children.  Learn to trust yourself.