"Children with special needs don't have an illness, so there is no cure and it's not contagious. They want what we all want - to be accepted." My friend, Brenda Nyland Baker had copied these words down after reading them somewhere. She shared the idea with me in honor of Special Needs Week. It had resonated with her and when she shared it with me, it struck a cord, and touched my heart. Brenda and I share many memories and many similar thoughts. Somethings are so good, they must be shared!
Brenda helped me to bring my two youngest children home from an orphanage in Latvia 15 years ago and my life has been enriched beyond measure. While I have been raising my children and looking for answers, Brenda has placed over 1,600 kids into the loving arms of parents who desperately wanted them.
Like me, Brenda knows first-hand what it is like to have a child with special needs and to see that child struggling for acceptance. That child wants acceptance more than anything and it’s a joy to see acceptance in motion. That very idea inspired me to share yet another discovery with you.
Did you watch America's Got Talent last Wednesday night? If you saw the beaming smile of Connor Doran as he was applauded on the stage, your heart must have melted as you saw him enjoy full acceptance.
As I watched his mom enjoy his moment in the spotlight, my eyes filled with tears of joy and recognition. Truly, this is every Mom’s dream… to see her child be recognized and appreciated for his gifts.
We are more alike than we realize and we all have gifts that need recognition and appreciation.
Watch Connor now and see your spirits soar!
Friday, August 20, 2010
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
A Day of Nope Leads to a Ray of Hope
It is better to Believe in a Ray of Hope, than to curse the Day of Nope!
What is a Day of Nope?
It is a day you have heard no, one too many times. It is a day of struggle and disappointment.
How do you cope with the word Nope? Does it mean no, without a doubt? Does it mean no, not a chance? Or does it mean I need to be more creative?
How can I see the word Nope as Hope? How can I change my focus, shift gears and change Nope into Maybe? With a little more thought and Hope, I see Nope as a call to action.
How can I change Nope into Yes? In my struggle, I must figure out a way to learn from my lesson and make it a win/win situation for us all. It sounds like food for thought and a call for not only thought but for action.
As Eleanor Roosevelt said, "It is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness!" How will you turn your no into yes?
How will you turn your Day of Nope into a Day of Hope?
What is a Day of Nope?
It is a day you have heard no, one too many times. It is a day of struggle and disappointment.
How do you cope with the word Nope? Does it mean no, without a doubt? Does it mean no, not a chance? Or does it mean I need to be more creative?
How can I see the word Nope as Hope? How can I change my focus, shift gears and change Nope into Maybe? With a little more thought and Hope, I see Nope as a call to action.
How can I change Nope into Yes? In my struggle, I must figure out a way to learn from my lesson and make it a win/win situation for us all. It sounds like food for thought and a call for not only thought but for action.
As Eleanor Roosevelt said, "It is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness!" How will you turn your no into yes?
How will you turn your Day of Nope into a Day of Hope?
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Do You Want a Compromised Life?
“If you limit your choices only to what seems possible or reasonable, you disconnect yourself from what you truly want, and all that is left is compromise.” Robert Fritz
Do you want a compromised life? Do you want to simply go through the motions and take what is reasonable?
If not, commit yourself to making your dreams come true and to connecting to what you really want. In making dreams come true, there is no compromise. If you know what you want, you are well on your way to manifesting your desire.
Now make room for the manifestation of that desire! Start by saying NO to activities that no longer excite you. Focus on what that desire means to you and why you want tomorrow to be different. Free up time to do those things that make your heart sing! Make time for reflection and be ready to take action tomorrow and everyday to make your dreams come true.
Starting tonight,
1. Review your day and reflect on how you want to make tomorrow different.
2. Jot down 3 things you want to do tomorrow to move toward your dream.
3. Do these 3 things tomorrow, no excuses, no compromises!
Tomorrow night, repeat the process above and say, I am committed, I am worthy, my dreams count and I deserve it. Do this for two weeks and let me know how far you get. I believe you will be well on your way to loving life and I look forward to hearing from you!
Do you want a compromised life? Do you want to simply go through the motions and take what is reasonable?
If not, commit yourself to making your dreams come true and to connecting to what you really want. In making dreams come true, there is no compromise. If you know what you want, you are well on your way to manifesting your desire.
Now make room for the manifestation of that desire! Start by saying NO to activities that no longer excite you. Focus on what that desire means to you and why you want tomorrow to be different. Free up time to do those things that make your heart sing! Make time for reflection and be ready to take action tomorrow and everyday to make your dreams come true.
Starting tonight,
1. Review your day and reflect on how you want to make tomorrow different.
2. Jot down 3 things you want to do tomorrow to move toward your dream.
3. Do these 3 things tomorrow, no excuses, no compromises!
Tomorrow night, repeat the process above and say, I am committed, I am worthy, my dreams count and I deserve it. Do this for two weeks and let me know how far you get. I believe you will be well on your way to loving life and I look forward to hearing from you!
Monday, August 16, 2010
After the Disbelief, Frustration and Anger....You face Isolation or Another Choice!
In parenting a child with a disability you face a major choice.
You can choose to adopt limiting beliefs and believe that your child's condition is the death of your dreams...
or
You can choose to adopt empowering beliefs and believe that your child's condition requires bigger and grander dreams...
Your Choice!
Based on personal experience, I know that parents, like me, who chose to let their dreams die based on their limiting beliefs, often become frustrated, angry and ultimately isolated. Not only were my dreams drifting away, but my life lacked lustre.
After many frustrating uphill battles and many bitter disappointments, I realized that I was not winning the war I was fighting and my child was not benefitting from my efforts. We were both, slowly sinking into an even greater hole.
It was at this point, that I decided to make another choice. I decided to switch gears and joined the group of Parents who chose to dream bigger. Sure, I faced bigger challenges and sometimes, I just cried! When I hit bottom, I confronted my values and my commitment was renewed.
Over time, I grew stronger, more confident and more connected. With greater trust in myself and others, and a focus on win-win, I found myself more willing to share my experience and to reach out to others who may find themselves frustrated, angry and isolated.
Today, my mission is to give voice to the unspoken dreams.
Will you join me on Facebook in the support group for parents and educators? Together, we can combat isolation and give voice to those unspoken dreams.
Go to: Believe in a Ray of Hope on Facebook and add your voice and support to the dreams of parents and educators everywhere. Tell others about the hope and encouragement that waits for them!
You can choose to adopt limiting beliefs and believe that your child's condition is the death of your dreams...
or
You can choose to adopt empowering beliefs and believe that your child's condition requires bigger and grander dreams...
Your Choice!
Based on personal experience, I know that parents, like me, who chose to let their dreams die based on their limiting beliefs, often become frustrated, angry and ultimately isolated. Not only were my dreams drifting away, but my life lacked lustre.
After many frustrating uphill battles and many bitter disappointments, I realized that I was not winning the war I was fighting and my child was not benefitting from my efforts. We were both, slowly sinking into an even greater hole.
It was at this point, that I decided to make another choice. I decided to switch gears and joined the group of Parents who chose to dream bigger. Sure, I faced bigger challenges and sometimes, I just cried! When I hit bottom, I confronted my values and my commitment was renewed.
Over time, I grew stronger, more confident and more connected. With greater trust in myself and others, and a focus on win-win, I found myself more willing to share my experience and to reach out to others who may find themselves frustrated, angry and isolated.
Today, my mission is to give voice to the unspoken dreams.
Will you join me on Facebook in the support group for parents and educators? Together, we can combat isolation and give voice to those unspoken dreams.
Go to: Believe in a Ray of Hope on Facebook and add your voice and support to the dreams of parents and educators everywhere. Tell others about the hope and encouragement that waits for them!
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Our Actions Cause Reactions!
Did you ever notice how powerful our choices are? Our choices and resulting actions bring forth reactions. Cheryl Richardson reminds me in her wisdom cards, that I need to make my choices wisely!
There is only so much time in the day...only so much time on the weekends... How do I want to spend my time? While choosing to write this blog post, am I freeing myself or tying myself down? What goes undone? What must I do first to ensure my day works the way I want it work?
These are the choices that confront me and these choices will impact my day and those around me.
The day began with reading a blog post... Maria Andros reminds me that the way I choose to make my money, grow spiritually, heal emotionally and become healthy will impact the other areas of my life. If I experience success in one, the other areas are also influenced.
In the words of Cheryl Richardson, "Choose Wisely!" In the words of Doreen Fulton, "Think Win, Win and Believe in Yourself and Hope For the Best!
There is only so much time in the day...only so much time on the weekends... How do I want to spend my time? While choosing to write this blog post, am I freeing myself or tying myself down? What goes undone? What must I do first to ensure my day works the way I want it work?
These are the choices that confront me and these choices will impact my day and those around me.
The day began with reading a blog post... Maria Andros reminds me that the way I choose to make my money, grow spiritually, heal emotionally and become healthy will impact the other areas of my life. If I experience success in one, the other areas are also influenced.
In the words of Cheryl Richardson, "Choose Wisely!" In the words of Doreen Fulton, "Think Win, Win and Believe in Yourself and Hope For the Best!
Sunday, May 23, 2010
My Dad, My First Hero!
As we approach Memorial Day, my thoughts turn to the special veterans in my life. I think of my Dad who was my first hero and who taught me what it meant to be a Tender Warrior. As I got older, I looked and found another Tender Warrior. We have been married for over 30 years.
This book shares many lessons I learned while growing up with men and women who served with dedication, strength and courage.
Enjoy the short movie below and then find a veteran and share your gratitude!
"A Tender Warrior" shares 5 Leadership Letters from the life of LT. General Hal Moore. His and his soldier’s story is the basis for the movie We Were Soldiers. Take a few minutes to watch this story of strength and dedication. The book includes his letters, photographs and the gift of Hal Moore's example of a life of service and leadership. It is a special way to honor, show appreciation and thank those who have served their country.
This book shares many lessons I learned while growing up with men and women who served with dedication, strength and courage.
Enjoy the short movie below and then find a veteran and share your gratitude!
"A Tender Warrior" shares 5 Leadership Letters from the life of LT. General Hal Moore. His and his soldier’s story is the basis for the movie We Were Soldiers. Take a few minutes to watch this story of strength and dedication. The book includes his letters, photographs and the gift of Hal Moore's example of a life of service and leadership. It is a special way to honor, show appreciation and thank those who have served their country.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Paying Tribute to Our Teachers and Mentors
Many of us can recall a teacher who inspired us to make the most of our strengths and encouraged us to overcome our weaknesses. As the end of the school year rushes closer, remember to thank the teachers and mentors in your life for all of their efforts. Enjoy this 3 minute movie that captures the essence of The Heart of a Teacher.
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