Tag Archives: special needs parenting

Opportunism: D iz for Different Amazon Review

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(Wade and I having coffee after he read the book. He sent a text telling me he’d read the book and wanted to meet for coffee to discuss it. I LOVED that y’all!) 

★★★★★ Opportunism is generally regarded as a derogatory term that refers to people who will do anything for themselves. They have no core values beyond promoting their own needs. They contribute nothing to society.

In fact, opportunism is a great art that has been studied and practiced by many. Opportunism is a belief system that is eminently positive and powerful. It is a philosophy that says every event occurs for a reason and that it is within your capacity to see this reason as positive. When you complain and rail against circumstances, you fall out of balance with the the natural state of things; you wish things were D-i-f-f-e-r-e-n-t. What Camilla has done is to embrace Different to the point that she sees it as an Opportunity to the point where it can be likened to a fire that consumes everything in its path – ALL cirumstances become consumed in her mental heat and converted into O-p-p-o-r-t-u-n-i-t-i-e-s. Any man or woman who believes this cannot be hurt by anything or anyone. The age of the individual is NOT over – but needed now more than ever. Good Job Camilla and thanks for leaving a trail at a time when so many have come to rely on Hope as a Strategy for moving forward. Thanks for being You! – Wade Hodges – May 28, 2013

If you would like to write an Amazon review of D iz for Different go here (amazon affiliate link). It’s not necessary to have purchased the book through Amazon. If you have an Amazon account, you can write a review.

D iz for Different – Best Seller

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“In everyone’s life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being. We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit.” -Albert Schweitzer

The screen shot above is the Gratitude List from page 2 and 3 of “D iz for Different“. During the books Kindle debut from April 28, 2013 – April 30, 2013, the book had about 2,500 downloads and reached #1 Best Seller in Special Needs Parenting and #2 Best Seller in Self Help Motivational on Amazon.

I am overflowing with gratitude for everyone who helped make this happen. All involved donated their time and services to help make this book a reality and all of YOU have helped spread the word. I deeply thank all y’all for helping me live my purpose, share my story and help others to see things differently.

The book is not only for those parenting someone with special needs, it’s for anyone who is struggling with acceptance, needs to align with the courage within, and/or someone struggling to see the gift in a situation. Thanks from the depths of my soul y’all!  All my love. ♥

Special Needs Book Review Interview: Hope and Guidance

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Hope and Guidance to Parents of Children with Special Needs: Interview with Camilla Downs

Since her 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 introducing your book, D iz for Different: One Woman’s Journey to Acceptance in a guest post you can find here. I am looking forward to learning more about Camilla Downs and her next book in this post for our Author Interview Series.

Lorna: When asked what is your book, D iz for Different: One Woman’s Journey to Acceptance about? What do you answer?

>> Camilla Downs >> In general this is a self-help book for anyone looking to reach acceptance of themselves, those needing to dig down deep for the courage within themselves, or someone looking for guidance on finding the gift in a situation or event. Specifically, this is a book for parents of children with special needs to reassure them that they are not alone and to encourage and inspire them. Each chapter is a letter of the alphabet and each chapter concludes with a Tip for the Journey. Read the entire interview by clicking here.

Thanks Lorna d’Entremont for the pleasure of having you interview me!!

Renown Scribbles Guest Post – 8 Tips to Smooth the Special Needs Parenting Journey

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This Special Needs Parenting Journey is going to be full of up and down moments. I’ve put together a few tips in the hopes that you find a thing or two that will help smooth this journey. I realize these may not be helpful directly in the midst of a “down” moment. I suggest you put these aside and focus on them when you are having an “up” moment. Or, at least a calm moment in between the ups and downs ….. Click here to read the entire article.

KOLO 8 Daybreak News Segment – January 4 2013

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On Friday, 1.4.13, I was on KOLO 8 Daybreak News with Annie Goni-Stewart, eWomenNetwork managing director. Had to be there at 6:00 am … How exciting to be dressed and outta the house at such an early hour! We talked about eWomenNetwork Reno/Carson/Tahoe/Vegas/Sierra Nevadas Chapter and my book, ‘D iz for Different’.

Walking into my very first eWomenNetwork event in July 2007 was one of the most positive life enhancing decisions I had made up to that point in my life. I am blessed with such amazing friends and support. I have a very long list of how I’ve been blessed by being a member. The car I own came through an eWomenNetwork connection. The teaching I did at UNR Extended Studies came through an eWomenNetwork Connection. Seriously, down to some of the clothes I wear and food in my fridge! And what I didn’t get a chance to say in the interview is that the two BIG endorsements I received for my book came through eWomenNetwork. I was fortunate to meet the Ziglar family at the 2010 International Conference in Dallas. I stayed connected with Julie (Zig Ziglar’s daughter) and DeDe Galindo(his granddaughter) and that friendship let to Julie Norman endorsing my book. Another eWn Member, Debe Fennell, connected me with Jim Stovall, author of the book and movie, The Ultimate Gift. That led to his endorsement of the book! When we bring our authentic selves to this amazing group of women and come with a give first, share always philosophy ….. Wishes and Dreams Come True!!!

View the segment here … https://www.kolotv.com/video/?autoStart=true&topVideoCatNo=default&clipId=8132638

Susan Hill facilitated all of this, so the three of us went our for coffee afterwards. Cheers!!

Special Needs Book Review Guest Post

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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.

The 7th Annual Caregiver Recognition Celebration

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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

Renown Children’s Hospital Scribbles …. Journey to Special Needs Parenting

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I recently got the privilege of guest posting on our local children’s hospital blog. Head on over to the  Renown Children’s Hospital Scribbles blog to read the full posts y’all! Part 1 – It began one December evening in 2004 while … Continue reading →

17 Easy and Free Ideas on How to Rejuvenate Yourself

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I know I’m not alone in having those times (far too many) when my shoulders and neck have made themselves at home nestled right under my ears. Now, although my shoulders may be happy there, the tension this creates is not happy news for me and my brain!!

I also know I’m not alone in having zero to very low funds to invest in rejuvenating activities so I’ve put together this easy and free list in the hopes that you find a thing or two that works for you.

    1. Laugh!
    2. SMILE … even when you don’t feel like it … smile especially at those you love.
    3. Feeling overwhelmed, angry or sad? Take deep breaths and drink a big glass of water.
    4. Step outside for a few minutes of fresh air.
    5. Turn on your favorite music and DANCE for a few minutes … or more!
    6. Go outside and gaze at the moon and stars.
    7. Clean for a few minutes … this ONLY works if you clear your mind and solely think about your task at hand.
    8. Keep a Happiness and/or Gratitude Log … Whenever you have a few minutes write in it …
    9. If you have a flower garden, step outside and SMELL THE FLOWERS!! Smell them, touch them and admire them. Think about ONLY the flowers.
    10. Spend a lot of time in your car? Listen to inspirational audio recordings. Better yet … make your own, recorded in your own voice.
    11. Stop and stretch for a few minutes. Stretch your arms to the sky, bend over and touch the floor. Open your arms wide and stretch.
    12. In the thick of an unpleasant situation, say to yourself, “I am forever undisturbed.” This helps to create a buffer between you and whatever is happening.
    13. After everyone’s in bed, instead of escaping with television drama, try this instead … read 10 or more pages in an inspirational, self-help or humorous book.
    14. When a friend or family member gives you a break to run errands or go to appointments for yourself, build in an extra 10 minutes. Go for a quiet walk with those 10 minutes. Sometimes a 10 minute walk is all you need to recharge.
    15. While waiting in lines, try not to read the tabloid headlines. Take deep belly breaths. Release all worries, thoughts of yesterday and tomorrow … completely empty your mind with each exhale. Do this at least 3 times. Next, breathe in peace and joy. Think of yourself as a sponge soaking it in.
    16. While waiting for your child at appointments, try not to sit in the lobby. Go sit in your car or outside somewhere. Use all of your senses. Just sit and listen to the sounds of nature. Feel the breeze or the rain or the grass. Look around you and think about only what you see. Do you see flowers or trees? Think about the shape and color of the flower and/or tree and whether it’s smooth or rough, etc.
    17. Print this list and keep it in your purse and your car …

If you find this content helpful and/or inspiring, and it feels the thing to do, I invite you to buy me a coffee … Thank you!

Buy Me A Coffee

Now that you have a starter list, add your own ideas and personalize this list. Be creative and have fun with it. What do you think? See some on this list you plan on trying right away? Please share your thoughts for easy and free ideas for rejuvenation!!

Blessings,
Camilla
See It. Share It. BE IT … Spread Love Everywhere You Go!

Coming Soon!! “Words of Alchemy” is the latest book coming to life! Shooting for near the end of July 2019 for publication date.

Amazing news! My 17 year old daughter, Lillian Darnell’s debut book, “Where Would You Fly and Other Magical Stories” was published January 2018. Learn more and order here.

Wonderfully exciting news! My 13 year old son, Thomas Darnell‘s book, Biggest Little Photographer is published. Be inspired! Learn more and order here.

Go here to see latest soul writings. xoxo

Handicap This! …. Guest Post

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I am thrilled and honored to have been a guest over on the Handicap This! blog y’all!

Here’s a little snippet of what I shared over there:

“These two (Thomas and Lillian) are truly a gift to me and the World. Coupled with my life’s journey, they have helped to awaken my true self. The three of us make a GREAT family and team!

Why Do I Write?

I write because there is something inside of me that won’t let me not write. Something that gently nudges and says, “You’ve just got to share that.” My instinct, my gut, whatever you want to call it – that’s what I’m talking about. I fought this feeling for a while. I didn’t think I had anything meaningful to contribute and wondered why anyone would care what I thought or had to say. I know down to my core that I was chosen as Lillian’s Mom to in some way help those like her and parents/caregivers of those like her. I have a journey that I felt must be shared with others to inspire, give hope and motivate. Another reason I felt compelled to share my journey was to help people understand that the way they choose to view life matters more than they know ….. ” Head on over to read the entire post and check out the great guys over at Handicap This!