A broken body isn't a broken person - Janine Shepherd

A Broken body isn't a broken person by Janine Shepherd

Are you feeling down today?  Do you feel like you just can't go on one more moment?  Want to change that?  Then watch this video and you will be inspired to keep fighting.  Never give up my Dragonfly friends.  Remember too that I believe in you so if you ever feel alone come here or contact me and know that I understand and I care!!!

Words from Parents and Dragonflies Wednesday

Today is Wednesday, so it is time to post a quote or two from a Dragonfly or a parent of a Dragonfly.  Today instead of just posting the quote this one was made into a picture.  Enjoy

Working on changing the world

Here are some pictures that I recently posted on my Facebook Pages: Forest Alliance Coaching and The Dragonfly Forest.  As you know I believe that every person (Dragonfly) should be included and not excluded from an education, sport, activity, and life in general.  Often people with a disability can feel different and be treated different.  I am on a mission to make sure that this doesn't continue and all people know they are of value and have a purpose in this world!

Here I am (on the far right) at the Decoding Dyslexia National Conference representing the State of Ohio with co-founder Cheryl Kleist (2nd on the left with the name tag), Dr. Bennett Shaywitz (far left) and Dr. Sally Shaywitz.  Dr. & Dr. Shaywitz are from the Yale Center for Dyslexia & Creativity.

Here's a picture I created that was inspired by comments from Dr. Sally Shaywitz:

Words from Parents and Dragonflies Wednesday

If teachers and other school staff members would just accept that it is okay to be wrong a lot more kids would get the help they need at the time they need it; not years later.  It is okay to not know everything.  

As a parent I didn't know anything about my child's disability until I had to learn.  Trust that I have spent more hours than you researching this disability.  I now know what works and what doesn't work so believe me when I tell these things. 

Heading to meet Dr. Sally Shaywitz

Heading off to New York City for a few days to meet with other State Representatives for Decoding Dyslexia and to meet with this great lady: Dr. Sally Shaywitz.  Here she is speaking about Learning Ally and the Yale Dyslexia Creativity Center! 

Dr. Sally Shaywitz

Cartoon Saturday

Becoming your own hero in your hero's journey

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hhk4N9A0oCA

Every Dragonfly has his or her own hero's journey.  I teach people how to see their own journey and become the hero they are born to be in this wonderful world!  

Words from Parents and Dragonfly Wednesday

I don't have a disability!  I don't have a problem with me other people have a problem with me.  Just because I don't fit your perception of what is smart does not mean I am NOT smart!

Mother's are great! Mom of a Dragonfly tells her story

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WoezWatux28

Mom's are always there and here is a great video of a parent of a Dragonfly!  

Happy Mother's day letter from child with special needs

Dear Mom,

Even without my words, you always know what I need.

When I am hurting or afraid, frustrated or weary, you gather me home into the safety of your arms.

You know what makes me smile and fills my face with light.

You make me happy when you sing my favorite song and sweep the softness of my favorite blanket across the curve of my cheek. And when you take me for walks and I feel the warmth of the sun, the cool breeze brushing by my skin.

You ignore the words of others telling you what I cannot do, and then fill the hours of every day telling me what I can.

Every day, you see other kids doing more, yet you celebrate me. Pushing away sadness, you focus on the hope of my future. You let my simple, small steps lead us forward. 

Never standing still, always in motion, you move before me. Your planning, protective and positive, prepares me for success -- meeting new people and new everyday challenges.

... and Mom, in case I ever go before I can whisper my words of thanks, or wrap my arms around you, know what I know: That before you someday soothe me into heaven's sleep, with you, I live the fullest life and I see the world through your understanding eyes. With your gentle touch, you fill my life to overflowing with the greatest kind of love. 

Originally posted on Specialneedsmom.com

Cartoon Saturday

Words from Parents and Dragonflies Wednesday

Please stop focusing on the things my child cannot do and start focusing on my child's strengths.  When you focus on my child's strengths you will not only be increasing that strength but also increasing my child's self-esteem.

As a person with a disability I feel that I am alone and isolated especially because my disability is not obvious.  This makes me very lonely.  All I want is for someone to be my friend.  

We are more alike than different

“No two individuals in the history of the human race have been born at the same instant, to the same parents, in to the same family and culture, with the same genetic endowment, educated in the same way, and the subject of precisely the same influences.  What makes us unique is our unique history.  But what makes us part of a personality type is the fact that we also share certain traits with other human beings.  Although we are unique, we are not totally different.  It would be an impossible world if everyone were literally completely unique, that is, if everyone were a totally dissimilar entity until himself or herself.  Language, literature, the arts, commerce, communication – all of society and culture – would be impossible if people did not have a great many qualities in common.”   (Riso & Hudson, 2000, p. 20-21)

References
Riso, D. R., & Hudson, R. (2000). Understanding the Enneagram: The practical guide to personality types (Rev. ed.). New York, NY: Houghton Mifflin.

Words from Parents and Dragonflies Wednesday

I didn't know how great I was until I stopped trying to compare myself to everyone else around me.  I wish I would have learned this years ago.