May 31 in 31: WRITE

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May 31 in 31: WRITE

Written by Gayle Nobel

Wednesday, 08 May 2013 10:22

New month, new challenge. This month I intend to write every day and it will be a huge challenge. This may seem surprising coming from a writer but I believe it may prove to be the most challenging thus far this year. It's a lot easier to make and drink a green smoothie every day.

The rules are simple. Just show up and get started. A five minute minimum will work. And sometimes , like the day I first started this post, that's all I have before life intervenes and takes me off in another direction. So far, I've found it's amazing how much I can write in just five minutes. In that short amount of time, it puts me in a completely different head space. I would love to create the habit of writing every day and by showing up to write, even for a short time, I'm starting the habit groove.

The good news is if I have the time available, it is impossible to write for just five minutes once I begin. It can be as hard for me to stop as it is for me to start. I've been known to be late for or completely forget appointments because I am engrossed in writing. It's one of the best ways I've found to be completely immersed in the moment.

Why write?

It feels so good to get the thoughts and feelings out on the page. It helps me make sense of my life and what I've been through, where I am now, and perhaps even where I am going. It challenges me to be creative and tiptoe out of my comfort zone. I write for an online writing club and sometimes the prompts call upon me to write fiction. Dreaded fiction. It is not my thing, but I love being stretched to make it my thing once in awhile. (No novels coming soon however!)

I also write for you, dear readers. I hope a sliver of what I share will have an impact, will inspire, and best of all , will remind you that you are not alone on your journey.

I never know what's going to resonate with people. I love hearing from readers and knowing that I am making a difference even if just for one person on one particular day. I am deeply moved and inspired by the honesty and openness of my readers. After I posted the link to my sibling articles in Autism Oz, I was received this response:

Hi Gayle,

This really moved me. . . .I even shared it with my husband. Its so like us as parents to choose a path and never stop wondering if we went down the correct one. I think every parent with a challenging child feels this nagging fear even more so. . . . (do we do intense therapy or put family first, do we do more public stuff, should we try medication, put in a g-tube?)

Ever since Jenny McCarthy came onto the autism scene with her "warrior mom" thing, I always felt a little bit of shame for not being so out there like she was. But we gotta be true to ourselves and take the path that suits our own children at that time. I think you did an amazing job! I couldn't even get close to the hours of work you put in with Kyle. . . . sometimes I don't even know how to start. I could feel so small next to you, but instead I read your words and feel a little more empowered knowing that sometimes just being there as his mom may be all he needs right now.

Happy Mother's Day to you . . . . you deserve it! (and thanks to Leah for her lovely music and soul soothing words - i was so excited that we can purchase her songs off of I-tunes! i don't think i have ever heard music/words that i could relate to more)

take care,

Mother's Day is coming up. My message to all the moms of all the kids on and off the autism spectrum, from child to adult, is that you are enough and you do enough and you are doing the best you can for your child and your family. Please pat yourself on the back and be very kind to yourself with your thoughts and actions. You deserve the best in the short time we have on this planet.

PS....It wouldn't hurt to back those thoughts up with an action that spells TLC. I'm thinking massage, nails, lunch or dinner out, bubble bath, curling up with a book. Just sayin....

Sometimes.....