How are you feeling? Are you okay? If you're not okay, it really is okay. I know, everyone is hearing this all over the internet "It's okay to not be okay" or "You're not okay, and that's okay" - it's kind of cliche now, but the reality is, as a parent raising a child with Autism, I am not always okay, especially in the beginning of this journey. To take it a step further, I was also beating myself up for not being okay - like something was wrong with me, I couldn't handle things perfectly all the time. I was putting myself down, feeling guilty about it and it was only making things worse.

I was confused about this too. I was my son's biggest cheerleader, but I couldn't cheer myself on. What was up with that?

The reality is we have a lot going on, even just with our own child(ren). It's a lot, especially while handling a lot of emotions and challenges, not to mention all of the general life stuff. As a single parent, it has gotten so overwhelming at times, I was not okay all of the time. And guess what...that's okay. We are human.

But, there are ways to help when you're in these moments. I talk about some of these suggestions that have helped me. To build your 'toolbox' for yourself to help during these times of just not being okay.

- Let go of your own judgements and give yourself a break.
- Be gentle to yourself, be kind and be aware of your negative self talk
- Change your environment
- Try a new breathing technique
- Talk to someone, cry, let it out!

Bottom line is there is no right or wrong way with working through your emotions when you're not doing okay. Frist, realize that it's okay not to be okay, and figure out what works best for you to get yourself through it.

I really hope you hear this message. I hope you’re gentle to yourself, you take the time to be your own cheerleader and to even do something for just a minute that will help you.

If this resonates with you and if you know someone who this may relate to, please subscribe and share this podcast. Also, DM me @susanfink.rise and let me know if any of these techniques and suggestions work for you or if you have other things that have helped you, DM me. I’d love to hear from you. 

My mission is to help as many people as I can and I cannot do that without you. Thank you, thank you thank you for listening, thank you for your support in sharing this podcast to help others. And until next time, I appreciate, I empathize, and I am here for you. and...We...can do this!

With love and gratitude,
Susan

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