Special Needs Book Review Guest Post

Thank you to Lorna d’Entremont of Special Needs Book Review for sharing with her audience about ‘D iz for Different‘!

Special Needs Book Review is pleased that yet another author agreed to introduce her book to our readers. This guest post is by Camilla Downs the author of D iz for Different – One Woman’s Journey to Acceptance. Since the book’s publication, Camilla Downs has undergone her own professional transformation with a career change from social media consultant to special needs parent coach and mentor, offering hope and guidance to others parenting kids with special needs. Congratulations Camilla on all your achievements! Thank you so much for sharing your story with us. First, who is Camilla Downs?

……….. “Feelings of isolation and overwhelm keep special needs parents stuck, especially when coupled with deeply ingrained erroneous thought habits,” said Ms. Downs. “Special needs parents can unknowingly isolate themselves and begin viewing their lives in a negative way. These findings from the discussions and interviews that went to the writing of D iz for Different have been further confirmed by the hundreds of discussions that have been generated since its publication in May of 2012,” she added.

Go here to read the entire article.

30 Day Journey of Life: Silence

Silence

“See how nature – trees, flowers, grass- grows in silence; see the stars, the moon and the sun, how they move in silence… We need silence to be able to touch souls.” -Mother Teresa

And so it is … I accept and realize that to become enlightened and enrich my own life I must stop searching, trying so hard, and waiting for some “thing” to happen. I must be that which I seek and that which I seek lies within me. On October 15, 2012 I embarked on a Journey of Life. For at least the next year, I plan to dedicate myself to a different 30 Day Journey of Life at the beginning of every new 30 days.

The first 30 Day Journey of Life was Giving. The second 30 Day Journey was Non-Judgment. This month’s 30 Day Journey of Life is Silence.

“Learn to get in touch with the silence within yourself, and know that everything in life has purpose. There are no mistakes, no coincidences, all events are blessings given to us to learn from.” -Elisabeth Kubler-Ross

Every day during this 30 days I will give myself at least 15 minutes, if not more, of silence. During this time I will not read, write or use the computer. So far I’ve incorporated this into my walk or having a nice hot soak in the tub. I will focus on being in the present moment when my thoughts begin to wander, dwell on an issue, or think about the past or future; I will gently release those thoughts and return to whatever I’m doing. My plan is to make this a habit and continue having some moments of silence every day. This will actually lead perfectly into the next 30 Day Journey of Life which is meditation.

Onward y’all!

“Silence is a source of great strength.” -Lao Tzu

 

Preparing for the Polishing Stage of Life

You’ll find me where troubles melt like lemon drops …

Accept and embrace these times of being ‘sanded’ … and know these are the times that will allow us to shine when we reach the ‘polishing’ stage of our life …

Happy and Content Hugs Y’all!

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30 Days of Gratitude … Part Two

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“Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all the others.” -Marcus Tullius Cicero Next 15 Days of Gratitude (Go here for the first 15 Days of Gratitude): November 16th: Kymberlee Simantel … Today I am grateful … Continue reading →

A Different Advent Calendar

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Amelia Earhart observed, “A single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions, and the roots spring up and make new trees.” Let the 31 Day Spreading HappYness Tour begin for Team TLC!!! Every day this month we will … Continue reading →

Freedom from the Opinions of Others

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Just some thoughts to share … Every single person lives in their own version of reality. We smooth the way for our own well being and happiness when we remind ourselves of that. Making decisions that are in our best … Continue reading →

Team TLC Family Treasures 2012

This past Sunday we put together our version of Family Rules … Ran across this idea on Live with Purpose. Instead of the traditional rules, list what IS expected (instead of what family members are NOT to do)! I added my own twist of things that have meaning for us.

It’s not as simple as I’d like, but turned out pretty good for our first one. The next one we create will have less words and carry the same meaning.

30 Day Journey of Life: Non-Judgment

Non-Judgment

“If you judge people, you have no time to love them.” – Mother Teresa

And so it is … I accept and realize that to become enlightened and enrich my own life I must stop searching, trying so hard, and waiting for some “thing” to happen. I must be that which I seek. I embarked on a Journey of Life just over 30 days ago. For at least the next year, I plan to dedicate myself to a different 30 Day Journey of Life at the beginning of every new 30 days.

The first 30 Day Journey of Life was Giving. The second 30 Day Journey began this past Tuesday … Non-Judgment. I like to think I’m pretty good about keeping my opinion to myself. And, yet, I deeply wish to take this further. I want to halt judgmental thoughts before they enter my mind. For me, this is a deeply ingrained habit. Having Thomas and Lillian in my life has already propelled me forward with acceptance, compassion and being non-judgmental. I would say there has been a 100% shift in this area for me since September 14, 2001 … the day my beautiful daughter was born. Having her handsome brother arrive on November 13, 2005 just added to the gift!

For the next 30 days I will fill my thoughts with “Today I shall judge nothing that occurs”. When my mind begins to wander or dwell, I will come back to this thought. Especially, if I begin to judge a situation, event or person.

I’ll write about this at the conclusion of the 30 Day Non-Judgment Journey.

“We can never judge the lives of others, because each person knows only their own pain and renunciation. It’s one thing to feel that you are on the right path, but it’s another to think that yours is the only path.” – Paul Coelho

30 Days of Gratitude 2012

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Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it. -William Arthur Ward For the past several years I have participated in ’30 Days of Gratitude’ for the month of November. Every day I post something … Continue reading →

The 7th Annual Caregiver Recognition Celebration

On November 15th, 2012 I was fortunate to be able to attend The 7th Annual Caregiver Recognition Celebration! It was a double fortunate as my step-father, Frank Romano, had nominated me to be recognized! Thanks tons Frank! My Mom, Patty, and Frank attending the luncheon with me. It was GREAT! I was so moved by the event I wanted to post all who were nominated as well as the winners in each category. It was definitely a very inspirational luncheon!

Edwina Taylor- Caregiver for Child or Youth with Special Needs
Kathy Carpenter- Double Life Caregiver
Bonnie Timmreck-Family Caregiver
Rosa Moala- In Facility Caregiver
Megan Riley-In Home Agency Caregiver
Janet Hatch- Hospice or Community Volunteer Caregiver