Are You Going Through Something Hard Right Now?

Tell yourself these three truths…

Hey friend,

Are you going through something hard right now?

It doesn’t necessarily matter what it is.

Just that it’s hard. And you are struggling.

Maybe it’s keeping you up at night.
Maybe you find yourself crying in the shower.
Maybe you cannot see the bright side.
Maybe you don’t know how you will survive this.

I get it. I have something in my life too. Something I don’t share a lot about with family or friends.

And because of that, that silence, it feels really heavy. Suffocating even. I feel bleak at times. Tired. The kind of tired sleep can’t fix.

I recently heard something that helped me. And maybe it will help you too.

Tell yourself these three truths…

I didn’t cause it.
I can’t control it.
I can’t cure it.

I actually stopped what I was doing when I heard them said out loud.

How powerful.

I didn’t cause this. I can’t control it. And I can’t cure it.

But I can keep going. At my own pace. Carrying the weight of it. Sometimes gracefully. Sometimes not.

I can bend instead of breaking.
I can refuse to give up.
I can refuse to let it harden me.
I can admit it’s unfair.

And most importantly, I can give myself grace.

And you should too.

Thank you for being here. For listening and learning. For loving and supporting our family. And believing in Cooper.

We appreciate you so much.

Kate

NOW WATCH THIS

NOW LISTEN TO THIS

I had the honor of being a guest on the DrMomCast Podcast last week for Episode 6 on parenthood, love, invisible disabilities, and finding community. We talk a lot about trying to get into the community as a special needs family. It’s a good one!

UPCOMING EVENTS

Stepping into the Role of Advocacy as a Special Needs Parent (VIRTUAL)

Thursday, May 4th at 6:00 pm central

Join bestselling author and advocate, Kate Swenson, for a presentation about stepping into the role of advocacy as a special needs parent.

Many assume that stepping into the role of advocacy came naturally to her. It did not. She even refers to herself today as the 'reluctant' advocate.

Sign up now to hear how she stepped into the role. You will get tips, ideas, and action steps to become a parent advocate.

This presentation will be done via zoom and will be recorded for your use afterwards. So, if you are unable to watch live, no worries. You will still get a chance to see it.

Autism Mothers and Caregivers Retreat (Jupiter, Florida)

Els for Autism Auditorium Jupiter, Florida

May 19 @ 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Join parent/advocate Kate Swenson of Finding Cooper’s Voice and author of Forever Boy as she reflects back on her family's journey through an autism diagnosis, early intervention, school services, and the emotional toll these processes can take on a family. Kate will discuss her transformation she made not only as a parent, but as a person, and the support parents need from professionals, family, and educators to help their family adjust to this new chapter of life. A brief Q&A with Kate and special guests, Liezl Els, autism mom and Founder of Els for Autism in Jupiter, Florida and Pam Minelli, autism mom and Founder of the Autism Project of Palm Beach County.

The evening will conclude with a meet and greet, book signing, refreshments, and vendors at the The Els Center of Excellence, O’Donnell Pavillion.

Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 14th. 12 days away.

And I have the best idea for a gift for mamas of special needs children. My autographed book, Forever Boy, and a letter from me.

So, listen up spouses, sisters, friends, grandmas, and more.

I wrote a letter. One that says all the words I needed and still need to hear. I cried as the words poured out of me.

It’s recognition. A thank you. Validation too.

So….

Order a copy of my book from Valley Bookseller and they will ship it out signed by me and Cooper (USA only). And include a letter written by me.

Order here: https://www.valleybookseller.com/book/9780778311997

Thank you all!

PS. There are limited quantities so order soon if you want one!