Discipline and Perserverence!

As a mom of a teen-aged daughter with autism, I can tell you there are days when life feels like being on a roller coaster.  There are very high highs and very low lows.  I’ve blogged about this before and come to realize that I have to live life one day at a time.  I find purging my thoughts periodically has become very therapeutic for me.  Sometimes I just feel like throwing in the towel and want to raise the white flag.  But, surrendering is not an option for me.

Being a mom is a big responsibility and it’s a very big part of who I am and what I’ve become.  My priorities revolve around my husband and children.  However, there are days when I feel like I am alone.  No one can imagine how stressful our home life really is.   By now, most teens have established their social lives and are independent.  We are still working on those critical pieces. 

It becomes difficult to hear about other teens who are making plans for college, driving, and dating.  These are all complicated rites of passages into adulthood.  As a mom, it becomes painful to know that my daughter will struggle with each.  Life is not easy, sometimes I think others have it easier.  I am preparing my daughter for the real world by helping her develop coping mechanisms to deal with the many frustrations she encounters.  By the same token, I also must learn to manage my feelings and do the best I can to help my daughter make choices that will impact her future.  Its really scary.

All I can say is that at times I am overwhelmed and I switch into survival mode.  As if focusing on my daughter wasn't enough, I also have a son who is budding into a teenager, he will be turning 13 in a few weeks.  Naturally as a mom, I put everything, including my own priorities and goals, aside.  While I am committed to my workouts and practice good nutrition, there are days when I just don’t want to do it.  However, I must discipline myself and keep moving forward.

I took a longer than expected break from P90X after experiencing a muscle strain, now I’m ready to “Bring It”.  The program helps me focus on me time and I feel so much better when I’m done with my workout.   Plus I love Tony Horton’s sense of humor.  Laughter is the best medicine!

My journey is not an easy one but I know its one I don’t have much of a choice in stopping.  I am committed to myself and I’m grateful that I’ve found the tools to help me along the way.

Wish me luck, I’m going to need all the positive vibes I can get!