Well, 2021 has arrived. It sure has been quite the year. So much has changed, but, we have shown our resilience, our strength and our ability to adapt. I will speak for myself and say, it has not been easy. I have shared, over and over, with you all that I have had such a hard time with my loss of freedom and space. I would not do it differently, as my son needs me and I am lucky to be able to be with him. But, again, my creativity and this site have had to come second. I am working on ways to get my juices flowing again so I can write, as it helps me so much and I hope you as well.
Thanks for your patience, your shared stories and our sense of community. It has been a gift.
How are you moving forward in 2021? Have you made resolutions? Set goals? Have a new word to focus on?
My word is hope. Hope for brighter tomorrow’s and hope for our strength in all we have to do every day .
My goals are to keep it simple and keep it realistic. I need to find time for me all while managing our son. I can do it and will keep on pushing forward! That is my resolution. ( see how I did that, rolled them all together- ha!)
Remember, if you aren’t taking care of you, you cannot take care of anyone else. This list may help you:
1.Do Something For You – Make “Me” Time. Take a walk, grab a book, sit and stare out the window- Taking the time for you matters. It can be just 20 minutes a day. it will help you be a better parent.
2.Forgive Yourself & Forgive Others. We tell our kids and our loved ones that we are not perfect all the time, yet we expect that from ourselves. We make mistakes and that is ok. Practice forgiveness, to yourself and others.
3. Self Care. You’ve made the appointments for your kids, you’ve scheduled the things needed for your home, now take time for things you need.
4. See and Focus on the Good. It s easy to fall into a rut and see the things in our lives that can be overwhelming. We face a lot of challenges on a daily basis, stay positive. It will turn your inner frown into a smile and rub off on those around you.
5. Take A Break From Devices. Plus, if nothing else, being online can be a tremendously huge time sucker. Hours can go by, leaving you questioning where the time went.Turn off the television, shut down the computer, forget the dishes and go to sleep.
6. Find Your Tribe. Having a group of other parents who “get it” is a gift. We are never alone and when we can share our successes and failures with those that live similar lives, it is so comforting. I am a part of a few Facebook groups that offer information, advice and comfort. We can laugh an cry together and we know we share so many similar issues. It is a no judgement zone.
Happy New Year to all of you, may this year bring us all positive growth, happiness and peace.
Be sure to check the site and Facebook to stay up to date. If you have anything you want to share or add, please get in touch. This site is for you, we need to and want to know what works! You can email Carissa or Tricia.
KnowDifferent.net is a site for all special need families that have to do anything “KNOWdifferently”. No matter what the diagnosis, our site will offer you a place to learn, a place to share and a place to feel KnowDifferent.We have some great community events coming up, be sure to check our calendar frequently as we add to it daily. Some more detailed info is included here about Winter sessions for our kids to keep busy as well.
To our readers, we thank you for being a part of our network. To our sponsors, we thank you for trusting our platform to help make a difference. To our community, we are so grateful for you all and look forward to growing together.
With Gratitude and Commitment,
Carissa
