Being a mom has been one of the most educational and eye-opening experiences of my life. Especially when it comes to my autistic daughter, she has taught me so many things- not just about parenting, but about myself.
Parenting an autistic child has taught me a lot about myself. And I would even go so far as to say, that my autistic daughter is one of my greatest inspirations in life. Which is true. She inspires me daily. Not just because she’s my daughter. Though I may be a bit biased.
For everything that she’s encountered, and gone through, she does so with a smile.
That’s why I want to honor her and share with you 23 things that my autistic daughter has taught me.
Dr Pepper wants you to appreciate the Wonder Woman in your life and has asked me to share my story and why my daughter is my Wonder Woman in this sponsored conversation.
23 Things My Autistic Daughter Has Taught Me About Life
- Never underestimate your limits
- Live life with a smile
- Make the most of your environment
- Be happy
- Be in the moment
- When in doubt, eat the extra piece of chocolate
- A little organization and structure never hurt anyone
- Sometimes it’s okay to not try something new
- Routines can be a beautiful thing
- A good hug can cure almost anything
- Laugh out loud and often
- Boots go with just about everything
- Music and a little alone time are a great way to wind down
- Bubble baths are enjoyed best with as many bubbles as possible
- When it comes to vegetables and fruit, fresh is best
- Dance like no one is watching
- Don’t pay attention to what others say about you
- You are capable of great things- just defy the odds
- There is no such thing as too little personal space
- A good walk with good company can turn your whole day around
- When in doubt, eat the frosting first
- There is never a wrong time to have a cookie
- Unconditional love
We’ve had our fair share of ups and downs, but my daughter remains one of my greatest teachers. I think a lot could be learned from her. And I’ve also learned a lot about myself and my own limitations.
How so?
Well, I’ve learned that sometimes I really do need to stick to my guns. And sometimes I may just be in the wrong. And that’s okay. Have things always been easy? No.
Going through difficult times may not feel good in the moment, but there is almost always some kind of benefit you can glean from each experience. When the winds of adversity blow your way, remember the personal growth that can stem from them, and it will help you keep focused when you are feeling overwhelmed.
How can the difficulties you face help you reach personal success?
Brings Strength
As the saying goes, what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. When a situation brings stress to your life and demands great sacrifice of you, you can choose to break or to grow. Going through tough times brings strength to the one who walks through and comes out successfully on the other side.
When you have gone through a tough time, take a look at yourself before and after that tough time, and you will realize you are a stronger person than you ever imagined.
Brings Empathy
It is difficult to have true empathy when you have never gone through difficult times. Once you have walked the road yourself, you will be less likely to judge and more likely to understand. Understanding brings empathy. Empathy brings you closer to personal success due to your newfound ability to put yourself in another person’s shoes.
It draws people to you as they realize you are someone they can trust to share their problems with.
Brings Knowledge
Dealing with difficulties brings you a knowledge and awareness that is impossible to find otherwise. If you are having a difficult time reaching personal success, it may be that you haven’t gained the knowledge that only troubled times bring.
When you are in a position where you are forced to make a decision for your survival and in a place of great responsibility for another human being, you become a knowledgeable, confident person.
Brings Direction
Sometimes it is through difficulties that we find our life direction. Often a person who is able to make a decision about their future will find that direction narrowed after going through a hard situation. Sometimes it is brought about by a desire to assist others in similar situations so they don’t have to experience the same thing. Walking through a trial and successfully navigating it brings you a wisdom that is valuable to others who are in the same situation.
Your troubles can bring hope to other individuals.
Brings Peace
Sometimes the greatest fear in life is the fear of the unknown. If you have always had it easy, you may wonder what would happen if your situation was not as simple as it is. This can create self-doubt and turmoil as you question whether you are able to withstand difficulties.
Once you have walked through, you gain an amazing peace simply knowing that you survived, and even thrived.
Experiencing difficulties is hard, no matter who you are or how much strength you have. No one likes being challenged to the point of despair. However, facing your difficulties and proving yourself to have victory in the situation is a feeling like no other.
You will gain many qualities in this situation that are sure to bring you personal success and joy in life.
Over time, I’ve evolved in my own approaches to parenting. And in particular when it comes to parenting an autistic child.
Who is the #WonderWoman in your life and how can you honor them?
Maybe you’d like to share a Dr Pepper with them? Get your Wonder Woman-themed Dr Pepper cans at Walmart NOW and go see Wonder Woman in theaters starting June 2nd.
Kori
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