Happy Tic-O Tuesday, people!
I am writing to you on the eve of the best day of the week, Hump Day, to ask you a very simple question: Are you taking care of yourself?
I ask because I continue to hear from loads of mamas, either from my writing or T.S. circle, that are drowning under the weight of all their worry and responsibility.
I get it – because that was me for a very long time! But despite a pretty crazy year this year, I have to admit that these days I’m doing pretty well. There’s a bunch of reasons for that:
- I’m 51 now. I just care a hell of a lot less about what anyone, other than my own soul, thinks
- Everyone is healthy, despite a scary Covid season
- I continue to remain employed (despite wearing some outfits that look like Good Will had a buy one/get one free sale)
- My book writing/coaching business is picking up traction
- One of my kids went back to school (thank GOD)
- My other is almost graduated (thank GOD)
But the biggest reason I find joy is because I take care of me. I no longer wait for approval from people, places or things. If my kids or Rex are unhappy with me, for example, that is never fun, but I have made a commitment to be less enmeshed. Last I checked they had their own God, and it wasn’t me. The time I spend seeking approval from others, or trying to manage other people, is better spent doing what my higher power wired me to do. And, shockingly, it turns out those are the things I love most!
- Writing my musical (it’s 50% done! Wait til you see my camels dance and rap!)
- Creating content for my writing and T.S. support groups (info to come with a new website!)
- Watching Bridgerton (don’t judge)
- Taking online writing classes from Story Summit
I am saying all this, people, because T.S. taught me so much. It reminded me that often my fears about how my child would fare were unfounded. That I often made it so much worse by sticking my nose into stuff that I didn’t need to. What my kid needed most was for me to be a calm and rational mom. I can’t say that was always the case. But late is great!
These days, I am making up for lost time – not just to my kids but to everyone I come in contact with. That doesn’t look overly fancy on the outside. I’m still the same six foot, red headed, cat eye wearing Taco Tuesday loving lady I’ve always been. But my inside? It’s wild with joy. Because my peace does not come from what I thought it would come from – a cure for T.S.. The cure was in me all along. The cure was to focus on my own gifts and talents so I could better support my kids with theirs.
I hope this week finds you doing some things that you love just for you. I’d love to connect with you either in one of my support groups (coming soon) or on Facebook!
Or email me. I don’t bite.
INTERESTED IN TAKING A JOURNALING CLASS WITH ME?
I’m going to be leading two workshops this Spring:
- For mamas of Tourette Syndrome kids who want to heal through journaling and connecting with other moms in the same boat.
- For mamas who want become more authentically themselves through journaling, laughter and joy.
Both will be 4 weeks. I’ll share more as it gets closer. Sign up for my newsletter below or leave a comment! I’d love to have you!
BE PART OF MY NEWSLETTER!
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OTHER WAYS TO FIND ME
Facebook (Writing and Inspiration)
Facebook (Tic Support and Inspiration)
AndreaFrazerWrites (Weekly Blogs on Book Writing)
Happily Ticked Off 