Driving on a journey can be done faster usually on the interstate. There are lots of lanes, convenient services, and less obstacles to encounter. Today, I am taking about the alternate routes you take with children with mental illnesses or autism.
Recently, my family met my oldest son who is away at college half way for dinner. It was in beautiful east Tennessee. I love to travel in the fall to see the scenery. On our way home, we decided to take an alternate route back home. It was one we had never been on and it was a windy road down the mountain. The day was just perfect for rolling down the window and enjoying the view. For me, a road trip on back roads has become a place a relaxing. I usually want a cup of great coffee or tea in my hand as I look out the window.
In thinking about life as a parent or life coach for my diagnosed son with mental illnesses, I remember the many times it felt like we were taking an alternate route from the flow of life others were taking and the route we expected life to take us. It used to stress me out. I have to admit, in my younger years, taking the interstate was faster and got you to where you were going in less time. Life's pace was faster and I had too many plates spinning in the air I had to keep up. I didn't enjoy anything that took us an alternate route from the normal realm of travel for a parent and child. The extra appointments to work into the schedule, the extra time to get ready, the extra patience, and the episodes of complete chaos that took us off the road we were on to unfamiliar routes. I have to admit, I faced them with complaining and frustration which in reality, just made things worse.
I am no sage, but I have learned a few things that have helped the many alternate roads you travel on with our children. One things is to just relax! You will get to wherever you are going when you get there. No fretting, worry, or frustration helps you get there faster, my friend. It is what it is, so just relax. All that fretting, worry, and hurry does is affect your own health and the peace of your children. Believe me, I know.
Another thing I have learned is enjoy the trip. As I said before, I love a good cup of coffee while traveling. I still find a good cup of coffee when I am weary running to appointments to help me just relax and enjoy the trip. I guess the coffee in my hand reminds me to chill. We also instituted something years ago when having to go to countless appointments for my children. They would be treated to a special treat or lunch somewhere new. I can' tell you the number of difficult therapies that we got through with my son by giving him a special reward for enduring. Many restaurants have been explored by us in the city by doing this and special memories made that allowed all of us to enjoy the trip.
The last thing that I learned is to make the most out of the trip. Use your time wisely. Plan for those long appointments, not only for your children, but for you. Bring stuff to read that encourages you or paperwork you need to do. If you knit or crochet, it's a great time to get some gifts done! Some of our appointments took lots of time and waiting. It really helped me to have things that needed done with me to help keep my life less stressed. (Now, I realize, when they are younger your entire time is spent keeping them from stressing and helping to entertain them. It does get easier through the years, be encouraged.) Another thing I learned to do while I was out was to fit as many other things in I could. I would make a Walmart or grocery run on my way home so I didn't have to make another trip out or run through the drive through at the pharmacy or the post office. Learning to make the most out of my alternate route helped my productivity and lessened the stress for me.
The next time you are driving on an alternate route in life, remember you may not have chosen this route, but you can choose to enjoy and make the most of it and just relax. You might as well!
Thanks for stopping by,
Lynne
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