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Description:
The holidays can be a season of joy, but for parents of children with disabilities, they can also bring unique challenges. In this episode, we explore how to navigate the holiday season with peace, intention, and resilience. Through actionable tips and heartfelt insights, you’ll discover how to focus on what truly matters while minimizing stress.
We’ll also dive into the PEACE framework—a simple, five-step guide to cultivating a more peaceful and fulfilling journey, even when life feels overwhelming.
What You'll Learn in This Episode:
- Practical strategies for simplifying the holidays with meaningful traditions.
- Tips for integrating peaceful practices into your daily routine, like journaling, mindfulness, and gratitude.
- How to identify and address common disruptors of peace, such as unpredictable schedules, emotional overwhelm, and financial stress.
- The power of the PEACE framework:
- P: Presence – How to embrace the moment and connect with your child and yourself.
- E: Empathy – Fostering compassion for yourself and others.
- A: Adaptability – Cultivating flexibility to manage challenges gracefully.
- C: Calmness – Creating a serene environment and practicing mindfulness.
- E: Empowerment – Equipping yourself with knowledge, support networks, and self-care strategies.
Key Takeaways:
- Simplify the season by focusing on what’s meaningful to you and your family.
- Incorporate small daily habits, like gratitude journaling and mindful walks, to create moments of calm.
- Recognize the disruptors of peace and learn strategies to restore balance.
- Use the PEACE acronym as a guiding reminder to navigate challenges with grace.
Quotable Moments:
- “Peace is not an absence of conflict; it is the ability to handle conflict by peaceful means.” ~ Ronald Reagan
- “Being fully present with my child is one thing, but being present with myself is a journey I’m still learning.” ~ Valerie Arbeau
Resources Mentioned:
- [Episode 54: Emotional Waves – Do You Experience Them?]
- Tips for financial planning, including working with a special needs-experienced financial advisor.
- Online forums and local support groups for connecting with fellow parents.
Final Thoughts:
This holiday season, take a moment to reflect on how you can embrace PEACE in your life. Whether it’s by being present, setting boundaries, or cultivating support networks, remember—you’re not alone in this journey.
Share this episode with a fellow parent who could use more peace in their life. Let’s spread the gift of peace this holiday season!
Live with Intention - Embrace the Journey.
Connect with me:
Valerie's Links: https://bit.ly/3RL0da2
Music Acknowledgement: Audio Coffee - Denys Kyshchuk
Editor: Scott Arbeau
Link for book: The S.H.I.N.E. Principle: The special needs mom's path to strength, hope and happiness by Valerie Arbeau
https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0CW18ZXGX (Canada)
https://a.co/d/03hFdZI4 (United States)
Learn more about your host at:
https://coachingwithvalerieanne.com/
