Monday, December 3, 2007

S-L-O-W D-O-W-N

Slowing down is such an important part of RDI. Why do I find it so very very difficult?

I'm the sort of person who has always done four things at once, while thinking about the fifth and sixth things to do at the same time. I like achievement. I like efficiency. I like competence. I like not wasting time. I finish people's sentences for them. I get impatient when I have to wait... for anything.

I'm a classic Type A personality. I create stress and panic when I can't. It's not a great way to live.

Our feedback from our consultant today was to give Bright Eyes more space to process and think, and to slow down ourselves as we do this.

I really appreciate feedback like this. It brings me back to the basics. I've been flapping around in my head, panicking madly for a number of weeks now, and feeling dreadful physically as I do it. So today I have been conscious of my breathing and conscious of needing to chill out and just calm down.

I think one reason is that I was busy looking for another 'magic bullet' to fix Bright Eyes. I need to remember that I've found that magic bullet already. It's called RDI. The only trouble is, it's not instant and its' going to take time, and I have to change myself to be able to make its magic work.

1 comment:

Beth said...

Slowing down is hard. I know this first hand, as I work with developmentally disabled adults. But take heart! You're doing the right thing, both for yourself, your son, and your entire family, and it will have results.

I have a nephew ("Tree") who has Asperger's, and who is now in his mid-30's. Through the support of his mother, he was able to learn ways to cope with the chaos he lives with on a daily basis. He has worked hard at learning normal social cues, and has done so wonderfully.

Tree is now a fully functional adult. He knows when and how to isolate himself from input overload, and in fact people don't realize that he is anything but an interesting albeit bit eccentric fellow. He works full time, is active and well-loved in our church, and just became engaged to be married.

Although each step along the journey can be hard-won, you are on the right path with Bright Eyes. The foundations you are able to give him now are invaluable.

*grin* And reducing your own stress won't hurt him, or you, or your family, either! *wink*

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