Neurodiverse Family Life - Reclaiming Self-Care For Moms | Self-Care, Autism, Sensory Overload

Dr. Stephanie Holmes is a trailblazer regarding advocating for neurodiverse couples and families within a Christian framework.  She shares her personal wisdom raising a family in a time neurodiversity was not understood and how she managed her self-care. There are so many good lessons she shares with us. Also if you are a movie buff, check out their Holmes Cinema Clues in the show notes. You will see movies in a completely dif...

Let's walk through one of the self-care categories of the J.O.Y. planner to see how you could use it.  The focus for this episode will be on our mind, our mental and emotional health. Also note it is the Hearing Heart and not Healing Heart app.

Also the opportunity to join the Kickstarter is less than two weeks so jump on board!

Journey Of You Planner

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/cmpaperie/the-joy-planner-system

Resou...

It is story time, let's chat about two different women using the Journey Of You Planner.  First is a single mom with a young neurodiverse kid.  The second story is a woman married 20 years to a neurodiverse man and most of her kids are living on their own. We will explore how tiny steps in these women lives can add up over time to grow their self-care and be intentional in their relationships.

Journey Of You Panner Kickst...

It is time! The Journey Of You or J.O.Y. Planner is finally launched on Kickstarter. At it's very essence this is a planner system which allows you to ensure your self-care happens on a weekly basis, be intentional in your important life roles and manage your long to-do list. My "why" for using the planner is being in a neurodiverse family, yours may be different.  Maybe you are a caregiver or dealing with autoimmune challen...

The time has come! I will be launching my Kickstarter for the Journey Of You (J.O.Y.) planner on July 21st. This is the system I have used over a decade protect my time and self-care but also invest into my important roles. I encourage you to take a leap and invest in yourself.

📒Planner Info: https://christinamariepaperie.com/planner/

💌 Sign Up for Email List  https://christinamariepaperie.kit.com/podcast

❤️‍🩹 Se...

If you need a laugh, this episode is for you. I have found so much joy in the unique way my kids see the world.  And I have used it to help increase my joy, especially in those hard moments with them.  

📖 Planner KIckstarter Launching Soon! https://christinamariepaperie.com/planner/

💌 Sign Up for Email List  https://christinamariepaperie.kit.com/podcast

❤️‍🩹 Self - Care Coaching Available https://christ...

The more you hide yourself and your daily problems, the more hollow and discontent you will feel. Pretending all if fine, when each day feels a battle field is a recipe for sadness and burnout. We shouldn't sugar coat life nor ignore the challenges those with autism or ADHD in our family are experiencing.  But we can find a way to authentic on various levels in everday life so we no longer feel like a chameleon, hiding our tru...

If you are serious about your self-care and also need to manage a lengthy to-do list, this episode is especially for you.  After many iterations of this planner system, I will soon be launching my Kickstarter to bring it to life.  This planner is great for any woman in a neurodiveres family but also for any woman who is a caregiver, dealing with autoimmune issues or their spouse is strugging with addictions.  

To sup...

Driving in the summer, your windshield can be filled with bugs.  So many it can be hard to see through your windshield unless you turn on your wipers.  The same can happen to our hearts, unintentional or intentional comments can leave marks on our heart and we can not see ourselves clearly anymore. Taking time to realize these comments are clouding our vision and removing them is how we can begin seeing ourself clearly ag...

Do you start your day with a goal in mind and by lunchtime complete forget it? Or working on a mindset shift but keep slipping into negative habits? I share one easy method to help me remember my goals and dreams.

Little Words Project https://www.littlewordsproject.com

Ring Spinner https://www.littlewordsproject.com/products/affirmation-spinner-ring

Spinner Necklace https://www.littlewordsproject.com/products/just-take-your-time-s...

I chat with Libby Clark, from the Cassandra Uncaged Podcast about her marriage and family life before and after the diagnosis, the difference the diagnosis made and how she does self-care in her life. I hope her story encourages you.

Let me introduce you our guest. Libby has an intimate walk with Jesus, and has been married to Steve for 41 years, and they have 7 children. The first 32 years were chaotic confusion, but following Ste...

Summer is meant for day trips and spending time in the sun and on the water.  One way to make your time outdoors easier is creating a go-bag or mom bag.  Think of it as your arsenal of goodies ready to handle sensory challenges and normal daily needs. I share what is in my bag and along with items I bring for my own self-care.

Prefer video? YouTube 

Some of the links in this description are affiliate links. That me...

You enjoy dinner parties, family events, concerts or travel but your spouse prefers his friends, small events, his special interest events and solitude. Your friends are doing double dates or vacations together and it seems a far away possibility. Sometimes we put our interests and needs for community on hold because our spouse is unable or does not want to join us. With creativity, you can find a way to enjoy life and be part of a...

The dictionary defines mindset as a "fixed mental attitude or disposition that predetermines a person's responses to and interpretations of situations". So it is wise to examine our own mindset, especially since it can impact being a wife, mom and our follow through on self-care.

Resources:

My Fav bluelight blocking glasses for better sleep: https://dreamwalkerz.ai Use CHRISTINA10 for 10% off*

*Some of the links in this desc...

Back in season 1, Episode 45 I shared being on the struggle bus with my sleep for YEARS. I began using night-time blue blocking glasses but it wasnt until I listend to Thaddeus Owens that I had an operating guide for my whole day for better sleep. My previous glasses, my husband said made me look like a Miami Vice Drug Queen so I went on the search for feminine, attractive glasses. When I saw Heidi Sime's (Thaddeus wife) circadian ...

Support is a vital need for moms in neurodiverse families and for any woman. You have small and big dreams. A cheerleader to encourage your journey is a blessing, especially when others may try to discourage our dreams. If you are seeking cheerleaders in your life, here are three steps I've taken to bring encouragers and supporters into my life.

❤️‍🩹 Self - Care Coaching Available

Dr. Stephanie Holmes Support Groups 

Co...

Two opposing facts can be true. You can love the idosyncrancies of your spouse and kids, laugh at their corny jokes and appreciate the unique view of the world. Also you can be stressed from the verbal olympics on simple topics, unexpected emotional outbursts any time of the day that rattle you and lingering hurt over words or actions without empathy. By spotting these 3 signs, you can begin taking steps to process your feelings an...

A common theme among mothers raising neurodivergent children is the impact to her career.  Many women quit their jobs or switch to part-time work to allow the time and flexibiility for their family needs.  

Financial constraints or marriage challenges may propel you to look for a job.  But if you have been out of the workforce for many years, it feels impossible. Where do you begin?  By breaking down the process...

There are joyous moments in a neurodiverse family which we can laugh about but we can not ignore the hard moments. Sometimes the hardship is tackling simple communications for other couples, but it requires long conversations breaking down the nuance of word meaning and vocal tone. Every day trying to comprehend what your child is communicating in a meltdown over clothes or sound.

Honestly, tasks which many families can do in minut...