3 LESSONS I LEARNED FROM AUTISM

            Living with a child on the autism spectrum has its challenges and its joys. In the process, I have learned a few lessons from my son; lessons that have changed my own life. Let me share three truths Benjamin has taught me.

1.      It’s okay to not be okay

We all experience days when we aren’t feeling 100%. That’s okay. Just be yourself, believe in who you are and do your best.

It’s okay to break down and cry when you’re upset or anxious. It’s okay to ask for help and admit you don’t have it all together. That’s just life.

2.      Tomorrow is a new day

One of the phrases Benjamin’s teacher always uses on his bad days is, “remember, Benjamin, tomorrow is a new day.”

It’s okay to have a bad day once in a while. Just leave it behind and move on. Tomorrow is a clean slate with so many fresh opportunities and prospects. Leave the past in the past and start each new day with a fresh outlook.

3.      Enjoy life to the fullest

Yes, Benjamin has his moments. Don’t we all? But he has the innate ability to enjoy the good moments in life. Sometimes I envy him that ability to switch so quickly from tears to laughter. He can have a crying fit then, just a few minutes later, the woes that so enveloped him are cast aside as laughter spews from him like lava spews from an active volcano.

He finds joy and laughter in some of the silliest and simplest things in life, like shows on TV, a comment I make or funny situations he encounters throughout his day.

There is more joy and laughter in this little boy than tears or sorrows. He is a ray of sunshine and brings joy and laughter wherever he goes.

            Life can be tough. Autism can be hard. But if we live life one day at a time, face those challenging days with help from friends and family and enjoy those moments when the sun shines bright, then we’ll find that life is just that little bit easier.