Inner workings

It doesn't matter if you have learning differences or not, this pandemic has thrown a curve ball at all of us.  While we are in the same ocean, we are not all in the same boat. Every person is going through their own journey and I suspect the inner workings are being challenged in all of us.  

I felt today's topic was important to share as a way to reach out and help others understand they are not alone and that there are so many ways to help one another. Often times we don't know what we don't know and that fact causes us to feel helpless, alone and lost in the journey.  Our family has found Cranial Sacral therapy to be one of many outlets that help us stay grounded, bringing a feeling of calm and clarity.  In turn allowing us space to focus on what we can control and move through each day with a little less stress and frustration.  

Virtual learning has tampered with the inner workings of our youngest son's social, emotional, physical and mental well being.  I have no doubt many parents, caregivers and guardians are dealing with kiddos struggling with one or more of these areas as well.  

A few weeks ago I took our youngest son to see our cranial sacral therapist in hopes of helping relieve some stress from these struggles. 

As I sat watching him receive a cranial sacral treatment my mind wandered off.   What started as a typical session, saying his feet were having a dance party soon led to something I have never witnessed before. Not with me, my older son nor the son laying on the table.  

As the therapist gently placed her hands on his head and then around his sacrum, he melted off into another world.  

Perhaps I should have been petrified that he went to such a distant place, yet instead, in that moment, I was comforted that we came to see her. 

Comforted because it was clear that this was the very place his body wanted and needed to be. The place that would provide him relief and comfort as the inner workings of his nervous system, his mind and his body struggled to resolve their conflicts.  

When he came back from wherever he had drifted off, he described it as going into another body, a green and blue alien like body where he was able to stretch out and fly.  

The therapist moved onto his feet and while doing her magic I watched his body relax and a sense of relief come over his face. She noticed it too and asked him, yes asked my 10 year old, what does your body need now?  He told her his head felt "squished" and in response she smiled and said, yes it is a bit squished. She requested permission to revisit the part of his head that held this tension.   

So back to his head she went - gently placing her fingers on his temples. After a few brief moments, his head whipped side to side like someone had slapped him across the face on both sides, at super speed. In a matter of seconds his head came back to center and the words "that felt good" naturally flowed from him mouth. 

This therapy is hard to describe, if you haven't done it yourself. It is energy work and so much more. When done appropriately, it brings a sense of calm and balance to the internal system and outwardly allows one to see more clearly, process and ultimately provide the space to move through feelings and decisions.  

This child, our 2nd son, has complex ADHD and anxiety.  The triggers feed off one another, often times leaving Xander struggling to self regulate, make appropriate decisions and stay on topic.  This therapy helps regulate his inner workings bringing balance and continuity to his world. 

I was drawn to write about this topic today to show that there are many outlets to help yourself and your children.  When you find your tribe of people where you can share thoughts an ideas, you begin to feel hope, gain confidence, clarity and ultimately find your voice that leads to creating the change you wish to see in yourself, your child and in the world.  

I encourage you to comment with an outlet that has worked for you!

Coming Soon:

Group  discussions focused on 

Topics important to parents of students with learning differences 

Website found here ->  https://journey2bloom.wixsite.com/mysite/how-we-collaborate

#journey2bloom #inspireresilience #ittakesavillage #movingmountains #wordsmatter #advocacy #parenting #findingyourvoice

  

Vulnerability

What does it mean to be Vulnerable?  Simply stated:

To Me 

It means courage 

It shows one's strength rather than weakness

It provides opportunity for choices to deal with the hand you are dealt 

For Me 

Being vulnerable provides space to:

Let others in

To accept what has happened

Seek understanding on how to handle situations 

Gain the courage to move through whatever comes my way 

Let emotions flow

Open a pathway to varying viewpoints on decisions

Bring forth the reality that decisions come with consequences

See how consequences lead to choices and more decisions 

Understand everything is a choice 

Within me 

Vulnerability plays an important part in every choice and decision I make, personally and professionally

What does Vulnerability mean to you? 

 

Coming Soon:

Group  discussions focused on 

Parent Education and Advocacy for students with learning differences 

  

Website found here ->  https://journey2bloom.wixsite.com/mysite/how-we-collaborate

#journey2bloom #inspireresilience #ittakesavillage #movingmountains #wordsmatter #advocacy #parenting #findingyourvoice

Calm Clear and Curious

In my Lessons Learned post, I mentioned being calm, clear and curious.  Today I thought I would dive a bit deeper into what that means to me.

To Be Calm 

Ability to compartmentalize what is coming toward me, setting aside emotions and allowing objectivity to prevail

To Be Clear 

Taking the time to set an agenda, create important topics to be discussed so that others understand my intention

To Be Curious 

Willingness to show up in service and providing a pathway for understanding of others prior to responding with words that help pull together what was said with what you understand 

To Be Calm, Clear and Curious

Threading all 3 leads to collaboration, understanding and progress toward common goals.

What does Being Calm, Clear and Curious mean to you?

Coming Soon:

Group  discussions focused on 

Parent Education and Advocacy for students with learning differences

Website found here ->  https://journey2bloom.wixsite.com/mysite/how-we-collaborate

#journey2bloom #inspireresilience #ittakesavillage #movingmountains #wordsmatter #advocacy #parenting #findingyourvoice

   

Lessons Learned

Whether pushed toward or stumbled upon the mountain of lessons learned through this journey I am grateful for what each has taught me. Some lessons were easily internalized and others took me years to recognize and acknowledge as lessons.  Once open to forgiving myself for the shame I felt, the part I played or the choice I made in that situation, I was open to reflection and understanding of what the lesson taught me and how I would choose to use that knowledge going forward.  

It is the lessons learned through circumstances and situations that led me to find my voice.  Every lesson learned comes from a choice and how we deal with it leads us down a road of additional choices.  

When we come from a place a fear and scarcity, we get one result.

When we come from a place of trust and understanding we get a different result.

When we come from a place of objectivity - we are open to change, open to receive and open to opportunities that are presented to us.  

I lived through and coached hundreds through this evolution and transformation.  I know first-hand how free one feels about their decisions and interactions when calm clarity, confidence and curiosity is established. 

In finding my voice I learned to Be Calm, Be Curious and Be Clear

When those at the table seek to understand before being understood pathways for collaboration are opened, creative solutions are created and supports and interventions implemented timely, benefiting everyone, especially the child.   

Coming Soon - group sessions 

 Find out more about how I can help here -> https://journey2bloom.wixsite.com/mysite 

#journey2bloom #inspireresilience #ittakesavillage #movingmountains #wordsmatter #advocacy #parenting #findingyourvoice

Preparation - How important is it?

Have you ever walked into a meeting thinking you were ready only to be blindsided by simple topics you were capable of/should have been prepared to respond to right there and then?  How did you feel when that happened? Did it cause you to react with emotion or were you able to step back, take a deep breathe, regroup and respond with objectivity?  You may be asking yourself what does each look like, so let me provide examples:

Reacting with emotion is something like, "I didn't know we were going to cover that. We need to move on" It comes from a place of defensiveness and not of one that wants to engage in the discussion, ultimately halting any forward progress.

Responding with objectivity sounds something like, "wow what a great question. I wasn't expecting that but let's talk about it" comes from a place of curiosity and seeking to understand - allowing the conversation to continue with steps forward toward resolution.    

You may look at the above and feel like what I wrote is semantics, and perhaps it is, however perception is reality and I have seen countless people interpret each in ways I reference above.  It either causes the group in discussion to lean in and collaborate or pull back and disconnect.  Emotions tend to bind us to outcomes while objectivity allows us to remain grounded in the present, open to change, open to receiving and open to opportunity.  

As I lean in and create a platform for parents to find their voice these principals become a core part of the foundation upon which I stand.  

Onto today's topic: Preparation - How important is it?  The answer - Extremely! All situations(a meeting, a competition, a bike ride, a test etc.) require preparation.  Of course preparation could mean stretching, visualizing, researching, putting thoughts on paper and sometimes hours of practice.  Regardless, it is an input of every positive outcome.

Here is a sampling of how one can go about preparing.  

Gather the facts: When you reference a topic, be certain to have the facts together. Samples and observations are key.

Write it down: When you write down your thoughts, it allows time to process, brings clarity and conciseness to the words you choose and prepares you for a positive, interactive and engaging discussion

Ask Questions: No one expects you to have all the answers nor understand every word being said in the meeting.  When you don't know what you don't know you can't participate!  If you aren't sure what was said or something doesn't make sense, ask for clarification or an example. 

When you understand what questions to ask, learn how to ask them and what to do when someone replies with an answer that confuses or frustrates you, a whole new world of interaction emerges. 

Why is this so important? Great question - When you trust yourself enough to lean into your truth with confidence and clarity you will find that anything is possible. 

Coming Soon - group sessions on these topics and so much more.  

 Find out more about how I can help here -> https://journey2bloom.wixsite.com/mysite

#journey2bloom #inspireresilience #ittakesavillage #movingmountains #wordsmatter #advocacy #parenting #findingyourvoice

Filled With Detours and No Directions

Journey's come with detours and no directions.   Start stop, stall, U-Turn, roadblocks and yes, sometimes even dead-ends.  I have learned how the lessons taught along the way help us course correct, redirect, sometimes stop us in our tracks, and ultimately, whether we know it or not, lead us to exactly where we are meant to be.  Of course we will question decisions, react vs. respond with answers, get frustrated by roadblocks during our travels, often caused by the very thoughts we put in our minds for fear of unknow, lack of trust in ourselves, others or perhaps because we just don't know what we don't know. Often getting get stuck in a traffic circle of what if's and why not's along the way.  Eventually finding our way out of the circle.  Sound familiar?  If so, I encourage you to give yourself the space to reflect without shame nor judgement, on how far you have come, how much you have done for your child or a child you know - I suspect if you dig deep enough - you will find moments of gratitude.  Perhaps not on the same shores, yet certainly on similar roads with bumps, turns, cliffs from time to time.    

Allow yourself to Be vulnerable, Be courageous enough to ask for help and Be OK: saying I don't know - asking for help - not having the answers because sometimes it really is OK not being ok.

Today's topic differs slightly because of my most recent detour I unintentionally gave myself the opportunity to learn the gift of vulnerability, focusing on what I can control so I could show up at the highest level of worthiness and value.  I have learned the art of  engaging, influencing and impacting those who are willing to lean in and listen.  Ironically as I was leading others through their personal and professional transformation - they were helping me get back in touch with my true identity, fall into full alignment with my purpose and passion and ultimately become a better version of myself.  

Surrounded by a few key people showing up for me every day in a non-judgmental way.  Getting to teach and lead executive leaders to understand why vulnerability is a sign of strength and servant leadership leads to amazing opportunities.  Clients showing up open to receive, listening and engaging in whatever topic showed up during 1:1 mindset coaching or group coaching sessions that led to lifechanging breakthroughs for many.  This combination of learnings ultimately led me to finding the calm courage to go all in on helping parents find their voice - bringing to the forefront - clarity, confidence, clarity and a voice that provides the foundation for one's own version of my #journey2bloom.

A kind and gentle reminder - my mission is to lay the groundwork for a path of collaboration, open communication and vulnerability that allows everyone to speak their truth, concerns and valuable insights, creating cohesive partnerships and a roadmap that truly benefits the child.  This could be a toddler, adolescent, teenage, young adult or adult learner.  

Thank you for taking time out of your day to read this post and feel free to pass it along to anyone you feel may benefit from reading it or speaking with me.  As I move forward on this journey it is important that I understand what topics are top of mind for those searching for answers.  If you or someone you know has a topic of interest, would like to know more about upcoming group conversations or may be interested in a confidential 1:1 conversation, please reach out to see how I may be able to support you on your own #journey2bloom.  journey2bloom@gmail.com 

Find out more about how I can help here -> https://journey2bloom.wixsite.com/mysite

#journey2bloom #inspireresilience #ittakesavillage #movingmountains #wordsmatter #advocacy #parenting #findingyourvoice

Relationships Matter

I was reminded of just how much relationships matter on Friday when I received a text from a neighbor, friend and mother of a child who has been proactively seeking answers for her son's speech delays. All it said was, "I left you a little something on your front porch".  I read the text and continued on with my day - a day like many others this school year - one that included a few bouts of tears by my 10 year old son whom is completely overwhelmed by virtual learning.  Fast forward 7+ hours into my day - having come up for air - I went outside to see what what was on my front porch. Truth be told, I assumed it was something for my younger son as our kids are friends and it is almost Halloween after all. Much to my surprise it was a gift and a card for me.  The gift was nice and yet it's the words in the card that really touched my heart and reconnected me to what matters most -> relationships.  The card started with the words, "Got approved for Speech Services!"  She went onto write that she couldn't have gotten to this point without my help and advice and families who work with me are very lucky.  

Ironically, I believe I am the lucky one because I get to help parents find their voice and put together the puzzle pieces so every child's life I touch, has a better chance of reaching their true potential.  Doing so, happens to include providing support, tools and guidance to parents and caregivers on the pathway to getting children the services they are entitled to receive based on their specific learning differences, development delay or other health impairment. 

Had it not been for the relationship we built over time, the trust that came with it and the opportunities to engage in meaningful conversation - offering emotional support and guidance along the way- she likely would have given up on her quest to get her son to assessed for SPL services - an assessment she initially requested well over a year ago and one that recently resulted in her son getting approved for services.  

I recognize that relationships come in many different forms - perhaps simply a connection, an association, a link, a correlation, a correspondence, a parallel path, an alliance, an interrelation, or interconnection through a random common connector.  Perhaps you felt listened to, heard, comfortable, able to engage, interacted easily and encouraged to keep going.  Maybe you felt ignored, discouraged and defeated.  This could have been the first of many or the one and only interaction. You may have been getting to know one another for the first time, or catching up for the first time in years.  The topic may have been of a personal or professional nature.  You may or may not have left feeling as though it was an enjoyable conversation or that is was time well spent. My point is, whether you met someone in passing or spend hours with a person, at the end of the day, the lasting impression comes from how you made each other feel. 

My Journey2Bloom provides a platform that allows me to continue connecting and bringing together a community of individuals. Through this platform, I get to support, guide and lead others to clarity, answers and solutions as each begins to find their voice, while forming new relationships and rekindling others with whom I have lost touch over the years.  We all get to learn and grow.  It is important to remember out of site doesn't mean out of mind.  Why? Because most, not all, want to connect with others and help one another. Just because you haven't talked to someone for what feels like forever, doesn't mean they haven't thought of you, would like to hear from you or perhaps even be in a position to help you if you just reached out.  This is not to say, just call someone and say, "hi I need your help!"  It is to say, relationships continue to be relationships and often stand the test of time.  When you allow yourself to let go of the "what if" and replace it with "why not", doors begin to open and bonds are formed that allow you to know you are no alone and remind you just how much relationships matter.

A kind and gentle reminder - my mission is to lay the groundwork for a path of collaboration, open communication and vulnerability that allows everyone to speak and share their truth, concerns and valuable insights, creating cohesive partnerships and a roadmap that truly benefits the child.  This could be a young child, a young adult or an adult learner.  

If this resonates with you or makes you think of someone you know, please reach out to see how I may be able to support you on your very own #journey2bloom. journey2bloom@gmail.com 

Find out more about how I can help here -> https://journey2bloom.wixsite.com/mysite

#journey2bloom #inspireresilience #ittakesavillage #movingmountains #wordsmatter #advocacy #parenting #findingyourvoice