New Year’s Resolutions 2
On this last day of the year, we are discussing the concept of New Year’s resolutions. You may not typically make New Year’s resolutions, but it is certainly helpful to have a point of focus to give purpose and direction to the next year.
or
continue reading
Yesterday we discussed the concept of systematically intensifying our lives – living each day to the fullest and making every effort to enrich the lives of our friends with autism. Today we are talking about a New Year’s resolution that seems to be the polar opposite of intensity: relaxation.
It doesn’t seem reasonable to advocate both intensity and relaxation. The two concepts seem to be polar opposites. But we can actually do our friends with autism a favor if we incorporate both intensity and relaxation as we approach each day of the upcoming year. But, if we learn to relax about things beyond our control while at the same time taking advantage of every opportunity that arises, we can achieve a balance that makes a real difference in the quality of life of our friend with autism and the people around him. Let’s look briefly at some areas of life that call for a relaxed response.
1. Autism. Sometimes we need to simply accept the fact that some behaviors and character traits are inherent in autism, making it somewhat futile to spend time and energy trying to make a round peg fit into a square hole.
2. Meltdowns. Calm, measured responses are effective in the face intense meltdowns and furious temper tantrums. It is certainly difficult to stay calm when a person with autism is clearing the shelves in a store or when they scream and bite their arm. But the most helpful response under the circumstances is to relax, to talk in quiet tones, and to avoid escalating the problem with too many words.
3. Criticism. People will be critical of you and of your friend with autism. It is most helpful to relax, grow thick skin, and let judgmental remarks roll off your back. Just smile and nod and say something like, “Life is really complex for all of us, so we’ve learned to enjoy each day.” Then ignore any other comments.
4. Time management. You will not be able to address every issue or meet every item on your “to-do” list. The most important task of each day is personal relationships. So, no matter the circumstances, just relax and connect with your friend with autism, taking time to develop an intense personal relationship.
So consider putting intensity and relaxation on your list of goals for the upcoming year. Enjoy the adventure and take time to smell the roses.
NOTE TO READERS AND LISTENERS: I am Cathy Knoll, a board certified music therapist and long-time friend of many folks with autism. At FAQautism.com we are committed to providing free, practical, everyday tips for making life better for people with autism. Feel free to send me a confidential email at talk@FAQautism.com with your thoughts or challenging situations or innovative solution. And don’t forget to check out our website for a wealth of ideas and a glimpse into the world of autism. http://FAQautism.com
Automatically generated related posts:
- New Year’s Resolutions 1 What are your resolutions for the new year? Even if...
- Broken Resolutions YIKES! We’ve not even reached the end of January, and...
- New Year’s Resolutions “I can’t believe another year has come and gone,” commented...
- Starting New Year New Year resolutions are often a joke. But, as a...
- Myth of Relaxation We can best meet daily challenges when we relax. But...