Blog-a-thon- Day 10

Hmmm... "Breathe".. there has been a lot of that needed the last two days. Kyle is doing better today, but still not himself. "Go with the flow" keeps coming back to me. It's hard when it's a situation that is less desirable and not in your control. But really, where else is there to go anyway?

This morning, when I did my daily random No Place Like Om inspirational card deck (http://www.noplacelikeomyoga.com/)  pick, here's what I chose:

Go with the Flow

"The benefit of flexibility is often made in the analogy of a tree which will break in a strong wind if inflexible and stiff, but can bend and sway in that wind when soft and allowing. Likwise, a person who is unbendable and rigid in his ways, beliefs and attitudes can be broken by life's impemanence and surprises, whereas one who can go with the flow of life and is open to what may come will weather the trials that come his way and perhaps even flourish."

Sandi invites us to take an action.

Notice your reaction when things don't go the way you had hoped they would or when the result is something uplanned (autistic child, perhaps?). Are you able to be flexible and go with the flow, or do you react rigidly and not allow for change? Journal your insights into your behavior without judgment.

Great food for thought, don't you think?

Blog-A-Thon Day 9

I’ve declared today a Mental Health Day! Well, maybe not so much for me, but most definitely for Kyle. I’ve cancelled his scheduled activities (two hours with Jamie, his home therapist and then day program). I’ve cancelled my scheduled activities (spin class at the gym, date with Quickbooks, my  beloved accounting program, post office to mail “Breathe” book orders & lunch with a friend). I have devoted the day to nurture Kyle as best I can. I hope to do some writing (here I am, right?) and a few other little tasks in between, but Kyle is my priority.

Kyle seems to be in one of his anxiety episodes again. For those of you who know him, us, this has been an on and off issue for 15 years. Fortunately, the one he is experiencing now is very very mild compared to those of years ago. We’re starting to notice a pattern. For a couple of days, he gets very energized which turns into wildness, almost frenzy, with a resistance to doing things he normally likes. Then bingo, I observe those tell-tale signs of what we used to call a “mode”. When the appetite begins to go, I know my assessment is correct.

Typically, this is just something he has to snap out of on his own. As much as I would like to think I can somehow influence it, I know better. But, I also know I can create an atmosphere which is quiet, peaceful and conducive to calmness which can support him on the road back to feeling  himself again.

Being my own boss is nice. It allows me to “go with the flow”. First thing this morning, I made the appropriate phone calls,  and decided to create an easy day for Kyle. No demands, just allow Kyle to be as he is. As I write this, he is sitting peacefully in his favorite recliner listening to Leah’s CD (www.leahnobel.com ) which I’m convinced could be marketed as music to soothe the anxious. Music works its way into those neural synapses like no other. Kyle can’t help but sing along. It’s a music thing, but maybe it’s a sister thing too. When the music ends, he will probably do a few laps of nervous pacing before returning to the comfort and safety of his chair.

Having Kyle home with me takes away some of my worry. Maybe I’ll  even get to catch up on that mountain of laundry waiting to be folded. Or just “go with the flow” and see where that takes me.

It has been so much fun hearing from readers. Any thoughts on your experience with Mental Health Days (for you or your child), please share.

Gayle

PS If you haven’t listened to the soul soothing music of Leah Nobel , search ITunes and savor a sample. I know, I know, I’m shameless but it really is good stuff. :-)

Blog-a-thon Day 8

Recently, I saw a quote that said, “When in doubt, just take the next small step”.

I thought that was an interesting piece of advice. It seems that a lot of times when we are in doubt, the thoughts in our minds may say (or race!), "Take massive action to resolve this. You should know what to do or you are not moving fast enough! An uncomfortable sense of urgency and pressure may kick in as the doubt stirs inside our hearts and minds.

I have experienced these feelings on and off my whole life, personally and professionally. Sometimes, the doubt is something so uncertain, that we may think  there are no possible actions to take or we have no idea what actions there are to relieve this doubt.

No matter how big the doubt is, it is important to move forward and resolve. Start with thinking about what the next smallest step would be. A small step may be taking 10 minutes a day to read about something relevant to the doubt, or making one phone call per day to resolve the doubt. Maybe the small step is asking someone for advice or drafting out an idea on paper. Feelings of doubt provide an opportunity for us to rely on God, to take time to think before we act, and to learn something. Feelings of doubt are normal; we all have had them and will continue to have them. There is no shame in having doubt; there is no one on earth who has experienced life without it.

The question is, how do we work through doubt when it seems so overwhelming? Just take the next small step.

About Kim

Newsletter subscribers will recognize Kim as a contributor to my Living with Attitude E-Letter. And fans of "It's All About Attitude" and/or "Breathe" probably know she has been a part of Kyle's life and ours for 13 1/2 years and has done amazing things for him and our family. Below is a little more information about Kim.

Kim Isaac has worked with people on the autism spectrum for over 13 years. Kim currently holds a professional certification in the Relationship Development Intervention Program(TM) (RDI(TM)) and has been an RDI(TM) Certified Program Consultant for 5 years. Currently, Kim consults with persons and families all over the United States developing balanced intervention programs. Her specialty is working with teens, young adults and adults who have Autism Spectrum Disorders. She has a BS in Psychology from the University of Maryland and at present, is pursuing a Master's degree in Mental Health Counseling. For additional information about Kim Isaac and autism consulting services, please contact her at: 602-481-8925 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .