I AM…

“You’re a disgusting human! Go away!” 

“You’re weird! You can’t play with us!” 

“ You’re retarded!” 

“ you’re acting stupid! Talk!” 

Or 

“ You’re a sh**** mom!” 

“ You’re too laid back!” 

“ You’re not enough!” 

“ You’re not capable of raising your son!” 

One of my biggest fears when Liam was diagnosed with Autism was him not being socially excepted by other kids and me being judged as a parent! Truth be told, you will either be too much for some people or never enough for others! 

I want to equip my child with the right tools on how to cope with his feelings in a healthy way and prepare him rather than trying to cure those feelings after the fact. 

I think it’s so easy to fall into depression and self doubt when you don’t have a firm foundation built off of self-worth, self-respect, self-acceptance, and self-love. It’s so important to connect with yourself. 

It’s hard being a mom and a child in today’s world and not be judged for every action or receive every opinion. It’s even harder when you’re a special needs family. 

In our home, we are actively creating a safe haven. We are building a foundation made with love, compassion, protection, vulnerability, and self understanding! 

I want my child to have all the confidence to know that he doesn’t need any outside sources to find true joy! I want it to be taught and manifested! 

I want to speak light and love into his life before he has the ability to speak self doubt and self hatred. 

It’s so important to me that my child subconsciously and consciously is aware of himself, connecting with his thoughts and feelings so he can carry that throughout his life when things get tough. 

I live by mantras and words of affirmation. It always nourishes my spirit, heals my soul, and shines light on my days and my life! ❤ It reminds me Daily of my worth and the values that I hold. 

I noticed one morning my son “ trying” to repeat my words of affirmation with the biggest smile on his face and that’s when I realized I was giving him the tools to create and build a foundation made with gratitude and love that will serve him throughout his life. 

Everyday we write down different affirmations on paper, a chalk board, the mirror, etc. Then we speak life into them as we repeat: 

“ I am a child of God!”

“ I am a great mom!”

“ I am happy!”

“I am powerful!”

“ I am loved!”

“ I am courageous!”

“ I am deserving!”

“ I am smart!!”

“ I am strong!”

“ I am enough!” 

“Mean words and mean people can not hurt me!” 

What a great reminder that your worth is WITHOUT QUESTION! 

Allow yourself to connect, listen, and value who you are as a person. Walk confidently and speak boldly. Allow yourself to be your most authentic self. 

Can you list at least 10 things that you love about yourself? 

Do you accept yourself wholeheartedly? 

What are things you do to raise self awareness?

Ashlee porter is a stay at home mom to a three year old little boy who was recently diagnosed with Autism.  She has been married for 7 years. In her free time she loves connecting with other mamas, blogging and advocating for Autism/ Sensory Processing Disorder, and enjoys spending time with her family.