“You know, now is a good time to focus more on yourself. Your son is having his needs met and you can use this time to explore what you need. What does your self care routine look like?”
I laughed. Self care? After the whirlwind of activity and emotional turmoil of investigating the best psychiatrists, therapists, consultants, evaluations, wilderness programs, and schools for my son, the concept of self care was as foreign and distant to me as the Costa Rican school where my son received support. But oh, it sounded like it could be a saving grace. Had the dust settled enough where I could focus on myself a little? Where would I begin and how could I develop a healthy lifestyle rather than just applying a one-off bandaid?
As parents of sons who are in crisis, we often find ourselves juggling countless responsibilities and putting our own well-being on the back burner. It is easy to become laser focused on the crisis at hand and maintain that focus on our sons even after the storm has passed. I was no exception, feeling overwhelmed and exhausted trying to meet the needs of my family, but still determined to put my son first. Although I embraced the therapy and parent support that New Summit Academy provided, I wasn’t making day-to-day changes for myself outside of anything that focused on my son. Through therapy, I realized that helping myself by reducing stress, getting enough sleep, and incorporating mindfulness would help my son’s and my relationship in a broader, more lasting sense. But where to begin?
Enter parent coaching – a supportive and empowering resource that helped me bridge the gap between understanding the value of self-care and actually incorporating it into my daily routine. My coach worked with me to develop a personalized plan that aligned with my unique circumstances and goals. Together, we explored practical strategies for integrating self-care practices and mindfulness techniques in a way that felt natural and sustainable.
Through coaching, I discovered the power of setting boundaries, practicing self-compassion, and embracing moments of stillness amidst the uncertainty and struggles of parenting a son who demanded time and attention. These were all concepts that I had worked on in therapy, and coaching helped me put the concepts into practice. I learned that taking care of myself is essential for my well-being and my ability to show up fully for my family.
To all the parents out there who may be feeling overwhelmed or stuck, I want to offer you this gentle reminder: you deserve to prioritize your own needs and nurture yourself. Therapy and parent coaching can be powerful, complementary tools on your journey towards greater self-awareness and well-being.
You are worthy of all the care, love, and support you give to others. May your journey be filled with compassion, growth, and moments of grace along the way.
Thanks for reading,
Anissa
I laughed. Self care? After the whirlwind of activity and emotional turmoil of investigating the best psychiatrists, therapists, consultants, evaluations, wilderness programs, and schools for my son, the concept of self care was as foreign and distant to me as the Costa Rican school where my son received support. But oh, it sounded like it could be a saving grace. Had the dust settled enough where I could focus on myself a little? Where would I begin and how could I develop a healthy lifestyle rather than just applying a one-off bandaid?
As parents of sons who are in crisis, we often find ourselves juggling countless responsibilities and putting our own well-being on the back burner. It is easy to become laser focused on the crisis at hand and maintain that focus on our sons even after the storm has passed. I was no exception, feeling overwhelmed and exhausted trying to meet the needs of my family, but still determined to put my son first. Although I embraced the therapy and parent support that New Summit Academy provided, I wasn’t making day-to-day changes for myself outside of anything that focused on my son. Through therapy, I realized that helping myself by reducing stress, getting enough sleep, and incorporating mindfulness would help my son’s and my relationship in a broader, more lasting sense. But where to begin?
Enter parent coaching – a supportive and empowering resource that helped me bridge the gap between understanding the value of self-care and actually incorporating it into my daily routine. My coach worked with me to develop a personalized plan that aligned with my unique circumstances and goals. Together, we explored practical strategies for integrating self-care practices and mindfulness techniques in a way that felt natural and sustainable.
Through coaching, I discovered the power of setting boundaries, practicing self-compassion, and embracing moments of stillness amidst the uncertainty and struggles of parenting a son who demanded time and attention. These were all concepts that I had worked on in therapy, and coaching helped me put the concepts into practice. I learned that taking care of myself is essential for my well-being and my ability to show up fully for my family.
To all the parents out there who may be feeling overwhelmed or stuck, I want to offer you this gentle reminder: you deserve to prioritize your own needs and nurture yourself. Therapy and parent coaching can be powerful, complementary tools on your journey towards greater self-awareness and well-being.
You are worthy of all the care, love, and support you give to others. May your journey be filled with compassion, growth, and moments of grace along the way.
Thanks for reading,
Anissa
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