Description

Hey, What’s Up! It’s Tommy. Today, I discuss how holding onto negative thoughts can wear down both your body and mind. The last year brought a lot, from business pressure to parenting through autism to a close friend’s death. That weight showed up in my sleep, patience, focus, and energy. I checked the basics, then ran complete blood work. The results indicated that I am healthy, but I am deeply stressed. That was a relief. It also pushed me to rebuild with gratitude, better inputs, and a mindset shift. I share what chronic stress does to the nervous system, why a single thought can spiral when we attach a story to it, and how simple gratitude work can change our brain chemistry. If you are a parent, caregiver, teacher, or friend in the special needs world, this is for you. You get a chance every morning and a choice every day. I am choosing gratitude.

Key Takeaways

• Negative thought loops can trigger real physical symptoms. Chronic stress hits hormones, mood, and immunity.
• Naming the real fear matters. For me, it was mortality and the “what happens to my kids if I’m gone” question.
• Check the basics first. Water, food quality, sleep, movement, and helpful reading.
• Data calms fear. Comprehensive blood work showed strong overall health and clear stress markers. That knowledge reset my mindset.
• Gratitude is a tool, not a cliché. It boosts dopamine and serotonin, lowers cortisol, and helps regulate emotions.
• “Kill the monster.” Face the nagging issue you keep avoiding. Take the step you are putting off.
• You may not be the old you. That is okay. Aim to be stronger, wiser, and more resilient than before.
• Routines help. Morning scripture or quiet reading, a few breaths, and a short gratitude check set the tone for the day.
• Caregivers run hot. Your nervous system carries a lot. Give it real recovery, even if it is small and steady.
• Every morning gives a chance. Every day gives a choice. Choose gratitude.

If this episode helped you, share it with another parent or caregiver who needs encouragement today. Visit spectrumincamouflage.com for more episodes and updates. Email me anytime at tommy@spectrumincamouflage.com with questions or topics you want me to cover.

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If you have questions or ideas or want to share your journey, email me at tommy@spectrumincamouflage.com.

Let’s learn, grow, and make a difference, one step, one piece of the puzzle, one child at a time.