Parents Have Special Needs Too: Recent Episodes
Ashleigh Johnston
This podcast is for you, parents raising children with special needs. Here you will find practical tools and real life application that will take you from where you are now to your next level as you create the life you want to live. We cover how to feel better, relationships, self-care, grief, resilience, dealing with medical professionals, parenting special needs children, confidence, creating solutions for your unique struggles, and all other aspects of taking care of you so you can take care of your child. Did you know you can create a life you want AND raise your children with special needs? This is the life you were meant to live.
Email: ashleighjohnstoncoaching@gmail.com
DM me on instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/mommas_have_special_needs_too/
A bit of our journey with our kids.
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@parentshavespecialneedstoo2022
Email: ashleighjohnstoncoaching@gmail.com
DM me on instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/mommas_have_special_needs_too/
A bit of our journey with our kids.
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@parentshavespecialneedstoo2022
Ladies,
You get to believe what ever you want. But you best be careful cause some beliefs can be SUPER weighting and limiting. In this podcast, I talk about limiting beliefs that make your mental load heavy and how to get rid of them to lighten your load. You don't have to change your situation to lighten your mental load.
Being a special needs momma is hard. It can nearly suck the life out of you. But you are not alone. There is a care team to hold YOU as you navigate your experience as a special needs mother. I would be honored to be part of that care team because your health and happiness matter. Schedule your free coaching session today by emailing me at ashleighjohnstoncoaching@gmail.com. No hard fast rules, bring any problem or pain to the call and let someone else hold you for a change.
Email: ashleighjohnstoncoaching@gmail.com
DM me on instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/mommas_have_special_needs_too/
A bit of our journey with our kids.
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@parentshavespecialneedstoo2022
I'm not sharing indepth goal setting strategies. I talk about the ideas and mindsets that fuel those strategies. Strategies are like the vehicles we drive and our mindsets are like the fuel we put into those vehicles. You can get anywhere without the right fuel!
Being a special needs momma is hard. It can nearly suck the life out of you. But you are not alone. There is a care team to hold YOU as you navigate your experience as a special needs mother. I would be honored to be part of that care team because your health and happiness matter. Schedule your free coaching session today by emailing me at ashleighjohnstoncoaching@gmail.com. No hard fast rules, bring any problem or pain to the call and let someone else hold you for a change.
Email: ashleighjohnstoncoaching@gmail.com
DM me on instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/mommas_have_special_needs_too/
A bit of our journey with our kids.
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@parentshavespecialneedstoo2022
In this episode I talk about a new perspective that you and your family can have of eachother to make families events more connecting and fun. A little bit of coaching and mindset shifting can go a LONG ways in creating a connecting family get together.
Being a special needs momma is hard. It can nearly suck the life out of you. But you are not alone. There is a care team to hold YOU as you navigate your experience as a special needs mother. I would be honored to be part of that care team because your health and happiness matter. Schedule your free coaching session today by emailing me at ashleighjohnstoncoaching@gmail.com. No hard fast rules, bring any problem or pain to the call and let someone else hold you for a change.
Email: ashleighjohnstoncoaching@gmail.com
DM me on instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/mommas_have_special_needs_too/
A bit of our journey with our kids.
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@parentshavespecialneedstoo2022
Where do you go after acceptance? It's tempting to go back to not accepting a difficult life circumstance. Especially when things get hard. How do you maintain or get back to acceptance and peace?
In this podcast I share how to maintain and get back to acceptance and peace.
Being a special needs momma is hard. It can nearly suck the life out of you. But you are not alone. There is a care team to hold YOU as you navigate your experience as a special needs mother. I would be honored to be part of that care team because your health and happiness matter. Schedule your free coaching session today by emailing me at ashleighjohnstoncoaching@gmail.com. No hard fast rules, bring any problem or pain to the call and let someone else hold you for a change.
Email: ashleighjohnstoncoaching@gmail.com
DM me on instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/mommas_have_special_needs_too/
A bit of our journey with our kids.
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@parentshavespecialneedstoo2022
There is no getting around grief. Life has all kinds of loss and no one is exempt from it. How do you accept the circumstance the loss has created? How do you move on?
In this podcast I share one simple yet powerful tool that will soften the sting of grief and help you move forward.
Being a special needs momma is hard. It can nearly suck the life out of you. But you are not alone. There is a care team to hold YOU as you navigate your experience as a special needs mother. I would be honored to be part of that care team because your health and happiness matter. Schedule your free coaching session today by emailing me at ashleighjohnstoncoaching@gmail.com. No hard fast rules, bring any problem or pain to the call and let someone else hold you for a change.
Email: ashleighjohnstoncoaching@gmail.com
DM me on instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/mommas_have_special_needs_too/
A bit of our journey with our kids.
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@parentshavespecialneedstoo2022
In this episode I talk about acceptance in relation to the past, present, and future.
Is it useful to accept the past? The present? And the future?
It's not the same across the board. Acceptance can actually be a bad thing. Learn how and where in this podcast.
Being a special needs momma is hard. It can nearly suck the life out of you. But you are not alone. There is a care team to hold YOU as you navigate your experience as a special needs mother. I would be honored to be part of that care team because your health and happiness matter. Schedule your free coaching session today by emailing me at ashleighjohnstoncoaching@gmail.com. No hard fast rules, bring any problem or pain to the call and let someone else hold you for a change.
Email: ashleighjohnstoncoaching@gmail.com
DM me on instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/mommas_have_special_needs_too/
A bit of our journey with our kids.
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@parentshavespecialneedstoo2022
What is acceptance and why do you want to engage with it?
In this episode I talk about:
- What acceptance of a hard life situation is.
- Why you want to engage with it.
- The outcomes of resisting your situtation.
- The outcomes of accepting your situation.
- What is on the otherside of acceptancing your situation and why you want it.
Being a special needs momma is hard. It can nearly suck the life out of you. But you are not alone. There is a care team to hold YOU as you navigate your experience as a special needs mother. I would be honored to be part of that care team because your health and happiness matter. Schedule your free coaching session today by emailing me at ashleighjohnstoncoaching@gmail.com. No hard fast rules, bring any problem or pain to the call and let someone else hold you for a change.
Email: ashleighjohnstoncoaching@gmail.com
DM me on instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/mommas_have_special_needs_too/
A bit of our journey with our kids.
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@parentshavespecialneedstoo2022
Ep. 124 Happiness is a superfical goal
What could possibly be better than happiness?! I think there are alot of things better than happiness. Today I will mention just one.
Being a special needs momma is hard. It can nearly suck the life out of you. But you are not alone. There is a care team to hold YOU as you navigate your experience as a special needs mother. I would be honored to be part of that care team because your health and happiness matter. Schedule your free coaching session today by emailing me at ashleighjohnstoncoaching@gmail.com. No hard fast rules, bring any problem or pain to the call and let someone else hold you for a change.
Email: ashleighjohnstoncoaching@gmail.com
DM me on instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/mommas_have_special_needs_too/
A bit of our journey with our kids.
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@parentshavespecialneedstoo2022
Suffering just is. No one gets through this life without it. You and I happen to share a similar form of suffering. Family members with delayed development and co-occurring health issues. This is hard work and no joke.
If dealt with incorrectly life's sufferings and pull us under and drown us. In this podcast I share what I am learning and how I have turned suffering into more of an asset and less of a burden.
Email: ashleighjohnstoncoaching@gmail.com
DM me on instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/mommas_have_special_needs_too/
A bit of our journey with our kids.
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@parentshavespecialneedstoo2022
Ep. 122 Crucial conversation Forcasting
In this podcast I talk about:
- What crucial conversation focasting is
- Why I use it
- How it works
Being a special needs momma is hard. It can nearly suck the life out of you. But you are not alone. There is a care team to hold YOU as you navigate your experience as a special needs mother. I would be honored to be part of that care team because your health and happiness matter. Schedule your free coaching session today by emailing me at ashleighjohnstoncoaching@gmail.com. No hard fast rules, bring any problem or pain to the call and let someone else hold you for a change.
Email: ashleighjohnstoncoaching@gmail.com
DM me on instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/mommas_have_special_needs_too/
A bit of our journey with our kids.
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@parentshavespecialneedstoo2022
Ep. 121 Extreme Ownership
Does the idea that you can just "change the way you think about your circumstances to have a better experience of it." Rub you the wrong way? Feel dismissive to what is really happening in your life.
I got you.
In this episode I discuss why this feels dismissive. And how you can use extreme ownership to your advantage when it comes to dealing with emotional pain.
Being a special needs momma is hard. It can nearly suck the life out of you. But you are not alone. There is a care team to hold YOU as you navigate your experience as a special needs mother. I would be honored to be part of that care team because your health and happiness matter. Schedule your free coaching session today by emailing me at ashleighjohnstoncoaching@gmail.com. No hard fast rules, bring any problem or pain to the call and let someone else hold you for a change.
Email: ashleighjohnstoncoaching@gmail.com
DM me on instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/mommas_have_special_needs_too/
A bit of our journey with our kids.
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@parentshavespecialneedstoo2022
Have your ever felt overwhelmed because you were feelings so many emotions at once? Or were overwhelmed because your emotions were so intense? Me too. There were so many emotions swimming around in my body the first year of my daughter's diagnosis. Worry. Anger. Guilt. Defeated. Overwhelmed. Grief. And they were all there all the time. So I decided to just stop feeling all together to get some relief. But that came with a heavy price...no more feeling alive.
So I had to learn to feel again. Be it is feeling your emotions fully that brings true relief. It was hard... and it was the best thing I've ever done for myself in a long time.
Listen in to hear:
- how emotions work
- how to NOT feel them
- how to feel them
- some of my personal tips on feeling your emotions
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p7F5ZXdnUS4
In this episode I share my thoughts on why we avoid emotions. And share my story of feeling defeated. What I made it mean and how I was avoiding it.
Being a special needs momma is hard. It can nearly suck the life out of you. But you are not alone. There is a care team to hold YOU as you navigate your experience as a special needs mother. I would be honored to be part of that care team because your health and happiness matter. Schedule your free coaching session today by emailing me at ashleighjohnstoncoaching@gmail.com. No hard fast rules, bring any problem or pain to the call and let someone else hold you for a change.
Email: ashleighjohnstoncoaching@gmail.com
DM me on instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/mommas_have_special_needs_too/
A bit of our journey with our kids.
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@parentshavespecialneedstoo2022
Pay it forward talk: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81285149246#success
In this episode I share
- What it means to want to "fix" your child's struggle.
- Why wanting to "fix" your child's struggle is okay and a real concern.
- The reason you feel urgency to "fix" your child's struggle.
- How to stop feeling urgency.
Being a special needs momma is hard. It can nearly such the life out of you. But you are not alone. There is a care team to hold YOU as you navigate your experience as a special needs mother. I would be honored to be part of that care team because your health and happiness matter. Schedule your free coaching session today by emailing me at ashleighjohnstoncoaching@gmail.com. No hard fast rules, bring any problem or pain to the call and let someone else hold you for a change.
Email: ashleighjohnstoncoaching@gmail.com
DM me on instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/mommas_have_special_needs_too/
A bit of our journey with our kids.
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@parentshavespecialneedstoo2022
Message me at my Insta to start creating the life you want NOW!
DM me on instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/mommas_have_special_needs_too/
A bit of our journey with our kids.
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@parentshavespecialneedstoo2022
In this episode I share
- What is giving, recieving, and the give and receive cycle
- Why we block receiving
- What you can do to open up to receiving more without adding to your to do list.
Message me at my Insta to start creating the live you want NOW!
DM me on instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/mommas_have_special_needs_too/
A bit of our journey with our kids.
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@parentshavespecialneedstoo2022
In this episode I share
- My experience with sustaning my personal energy
- Why it's not selfish
- How to notice your own energy sustaning moments.
Message me at my Insta to start creating the live you want NOW!
DM me on instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/mommas_have_special_needs_too/
A bit of our journey with our kids.
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@parentshavespecialneedstoo2022
In this episode I talk about
- Energy and the human brain and body
- How understanding energy can help your kick chronic exhaustion in the butt
- How to conserve your energy to increase your daily energy levels and even free up your time!
Personal Energy Bank Withrawals and Deposits:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/165pqesaMBTkTG0QXjKlBATSqKnzEyeIi/view?usp=drive_link
Message me at my Insta to start creating the live you want NOW!
DM me on instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/mommas_have_special_needs_too/
A bit of our journey with our kids.
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@parentshavespecialneedstoo2022
In this episode I talk about
- What personal responsibility is
- Why it is important for you
- And the consequences of taking responsiblity and not taking responsibility.
I help mothers manage their minds and emotions around raising kids with special needs and help them create lives they want and enjoy. If you are feeling trapped, exhausted, overwhelmed...or all three, and you want to experience more freedom in you life, we need to have a chat!!
Message me at my Insta to start creating the live you want NOW!
DM me on instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/mommas_have_special_needs_too/
A bit of our journey with our kids.
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@parentshavespecialneedstoo2022
In this episode I talk about - Why wanting is important - Why what you want matters - The benefits for yourself and your family in getting what you want - Wanting from abundence versus scarcity - Why YOU taking initiative to get what you want is most effective
I help mothers manage their minds and emotions around raising kids with special needs and help them create lives they want and enjoy.
Message me at my Insta to start creating the live you want NOW!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mommas_have_special_needs_too/
This question plagues every mother. In this podcast I address: - Why we ask, "Am I enough?" and "Am I doing enough?" - How we commonly answer this question... (pssss... not well). - Why this is a bad question to ask. - What to ask instead.
I help moms transform their life experience by helping them manage their thinking and feeling around being a special needs mom.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mommas_have_special_needs_too/
In this episode I talk about - What a balanced life is and why it is bogus - The side effects of trying to live a balanced life - Why you should live an unbalanced life - The side effects of living an unbalanced life and why it is better for you
I am a life coach and am helping moms, just like you, transform thier lives by helping them navigate and manage their thoughts and emotions around being a special needs mom.
Let's have a chat and get you moving!
DM me on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mommas_have_special_needs_too/
A bit of our journey with our kids. Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@parentshavespecialneedstoo2022
I am a life coach and am helping moms, just like you, transform thier lives by helping them navigate and manage their thoughts and emotions around being a special needs mom.
Let's have a chat and get you moving!
Get on my calendar: https://calendly.com/ashleighjohnstoncoaching/conversation?month=2023-06
DM me on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mommas_have_special_needs_too/
A bit of our journey with our kids. Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@parentshavespecialneedstoo2022
I am a life coach and am helping moms, just like you, transform thier lives by helping them navigate and manage their thoughts and emotions around being a special needs mom.
Let's have a chat and get you moving!
Get on my calendar: https://calendly.com/ashleighjohnstoncoaching/conversation?month=2023-06
DM me on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mommas_have_special_needs_too/
A bit of our journey with our kids. Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@parentshavespecialneedstoo2022
In this episode I talk about - The thought "This is going to be the rest of my life" is just a moment. - Change is the way of life. You will not be in this moment forever. - How you can intentionally make positive changes in this moment.
I am a life coach and am helping moms, just like you, transform thier lives by helping them navigate and manage their thoughts and emotions around being a special needs mom.
Let's have a chat and get you moving!
Get on my calendar: https://calendly.com/ashleighjohnstoncoaching/conversation?month=2023-06
DM me on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mommas_have_special_needs_too/
A bit of our journey with our kids. Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@parentshavespecialneedstoo2022
I am a life coach and am helping women just like you navigate and manage their thoughts and emotions around being a special needs mom.
Let's have a chat and get you unstuck: https://calendly.com/ashleighjohnstoncoaching/conversation?month=2023-06
A bit of our journey with our kids. Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@parentshavespecialneedstoo2022
In this episode I talk about how - expectations can cause us pain - acceptance can create opportunites to enjoy life more - you can still progress towards a goal utilze acceptance (a.k.a.- acceptance is not "settling" or "giving up").
I am a life coach and am helping women just like you navigate and manage their thoughts and emotions around being a special needs mom.
Let's have a chat and get you unstuck: https://calendly.com/ashleighjohnstoncoaching/conversation?month=2023-06
A bit of our journey with our kids. Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@parentshavespecialneedstoo2022
Happy 4th!
I share a story about a special needs mother’s sadness about her daughter being excluded at family events AND what empowered her to help create inclusion for her daughter.
Want personalized support and help?
Let's have a chat and get you unstuck: https://calendly.com/ashleighjohnstoncoaching/conversation?month=2023-06
A bit of our journey with our kids. Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@parentshavespecialneedstoo2022
You are stuck in a cycle of hard emotions and you want out. But you are struggling to get unstuck. And you don't know why you can't just snap out of it.
I've got you.
In this episode I share WHY you are feeling stuck and the pathway to feeling free.
Want personalized support and help?
Let's have a chat and get you unstuck: https://calendly.com/ashleighjohnstoncoaching/conversation?month=2023-06
A bit of our journey with our kids. Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@parentshavespecialneedstoo2022
"Come learn how to do get it all done in the "Get it done" workshop. In June on Tuesday the 20th, 10am MST. If you are ready to actually get it done and check it off your to do list with less stress and overwhelm and not just plan for it, then this is where you want to be."
https://buy.stripe.com/4gw1839411cQceYeUW
If you enjoyed this podcast give it a review & rating and share it with a loved one.
Follow “Mommas have Special Needs Too”;
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/486595858884320
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@parentshavespecialneedstoo2022
My email: ashleighjohnstoncoaching@gmail.com
"Come learn how to do get it all done in the "Get it done" workshop. In June on Tuesday the 20th, 10am MST. If you are ready to actually get it done and check it off your to do list with less stress and overwhelm and not just plan for it, then this is where you want to be."
https://buy.stripe.com/4gw1839411cQceYeUW
If you enjoyed this podcast give it a review & rating and share it with a loved one.
Follow “Mommas have Special Needs Too”;
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/486595858884320
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@parentshavespecialneedstoo2022
My email: ashleighjohnstoncoaching@gmail.com
"Come learn how to do get it all done in the "Get it done" workshop. In June on Tuesday the 20th, 10am MST. If you are ready to actually get it done and check it off your to do list with less stress and overwhelm and not just plan for it, then this is where you want to be."
https://buy.stripe.com/4gw1839411cQceYeUW
If you enjoyed this podcast give it a review & rating and share it with a loved one.
Follow “Mommas have Special Needs Too”;
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/486595858884320
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@parentshavespecialneedstoo2022
My email: ashleighjohnstoncoaching@gmail.com
"Come learn how to do get it all done in the "Get it done" workshop. In June on Tuesday the 20th, 10am MST. If you are ready to actually get it done and check it off your to do list with less stress and overwhelm and not just plan for it, then this is where you want to be."
https://buy.stripe.com/4gw1839411cQceYeUW
If you enjoyed this podcast give it a review & rating and share it with a loved one.
Follow “Mommas have Special Needs Too”;
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/486595858884320
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@parentshavespecialneedstoo2022
My email: ashleighjohnstoncoaching@gmail.com
"Come learn how to do get it all done in the "Get it done" workshop. In June on Tuesday the 20th, 10am MST. If you are ready to actually get it done and check it off your to do list with less stress and overwhelm and not just plan for it, then this is where you want to be."
https://buy.stripe.com/4gw1839411cQceYeUW
If you enjoyed this podcast give it a review & rating and share it with a loved one.
Follow “Mommas have Special Needs Too”;
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/486595858884320
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@parentshavespecialneedstoo2022
My email: ashleighjohnstoncoaching@gmail.com
If you enjoyed this podcast give it a review & rating and share it with a loved one.
Follow “Mommas have Special Needs Too”;
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/486595858884320
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@parentshavespecialneedstoo2022
My email: ashleighjohnstoncoaching@gmail.com
It’s Mother’s Day today.We are all amazing mother’s in so many ways.But I don’t want to leave it there…because that is only half the truth.The other half is that we are terrible at mothering sometimes too. On purpose or not, we’ve had some epic fails as a mother.We are BOTH. We are amazing AND terrible. We succeed AND we fail.This is the standard of mothering…I know this because this is how it is! And we all know it because we live it daily.I am not saying to “settle”, to not care, to “give up”, to not try.We can all be better mothers and striving for that is a beautiful thing.What I am saying is that there is a place where we can mother well AND embrace the whole of our own humanity.Beauty and ugly. Good and bad. Pride and shame. Love and struggle.Know that you are enough AS YOU ARE RIGHT NOW and you can strive to be better too.Embrace it all.Then decide where you want to go as a whole REAL mother living a whole real human life.
If you enjoyed this podcast give it a review & rating and share it with a loved one.
Follow “Mommas have Special Needs Too”;
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/486595858884320
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@parentshavespecialneedstoo2022
My email: ashleighjohnstoncoaching@gmail.com
If you enjoyed this podcast give it a review & rating and share it with a loved one.
Follow “Mommas have Special Needs Too”;
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/486595858884320
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@parentshavespecialneedstoo2022
If you enjoyed this podcast give it a review & rating and share it with a loved one.
Follow “Mommas have Special Needs Too”;
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/486595858884320
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@parentshavespecialneedstoo2022
If you enjoyed this podcast give it a review & rating and share it with a loved one.
Follow “Mommas have Special Needs Too”;
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/486595858884320
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@parentshavespecialneedstoo2022
If you enjoyed this podcast give it a review & rating and share it with a loved one.
Follow “Mommas have Special Needs Too”;
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/486595858884320
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@parentshavespecialneedstoo2022
If you enjoyed this podcast give it a review & rating and share it with a loved one.
Follow “Mommas have Special Needs Too”;
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/486595858884320
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@parentshavespecialneedstoo2022
If you enjoyed this podcast give it a review & rating and share it with a loved one.
Follow “Mommas have Special Needs Too”;
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/486595858884320
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@parentshavespecialneedstoo2022
Mommy guilt is big a pervasive issue. Over the next little while I'll be deconstructing mommy guilt. Join me as I share my thoughts this week about:
- What do I feel guilty about?
- Why do I feel guilty about that?
If you enjoyed this podcast give it a review & rating and share it with a loved one.
Follow “Mommas have Special Needs Too”;
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/486595858884320
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@parentshavespecialneedstoo2022
If you enjoyed this podcast give it a review & rating and share it with a loved one.
Follow “Mommas have Special Needs Too”;
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/486595858884320
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@parentshavespecialneedstoo2022
One of the top reasons that special needs mommas are overwhelmed, exhausted, and burned out is because they neglect taking care of themselves. But why do they do this?
In this podcast I share:
- A story that depicts self-neglect
- Why we often self-neglect
- The consequences and signs of self-neglect
If you enjoyed this podcast give it a review & rating and share it with a loved one.
Follow “Mommas have Special Needs Too”;
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/486595858884320
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@parentshavespecialneedstoo2022
For more information like this join my free Facebook group at:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/486595858884320/?ref=share&mibextid=ykz3hl
In this episode I talk about the dilemma of grief over losing the motherhood experience you wanted, all the while not wanting to overlook the child(ren) you have, but still making room for how you genuinely feel.
I cover ways you can rethink it and a practical exercise that will help you.
For more information like this join my free Facebook group at:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/486595858884320/?ref=share&mibextid=ykz3hl
Join the private facebook group for Mommas like you and me: https://www.facebook.com/groups/486595858884320
Burnout, Burnout, Burnout!
In this episode I address burnout.
What is it?
Why do we get it?
And how do we get out of it?
I address burnout and other topics that move us mommas from chaos to order in my FB group. Link below.
Join the private facebook group for Mommas like you and me: https://www.facebook.com/groups/486595858884320
In this episode I talk about the idea that you DON'T need to be better than you are. That this train of thought actually keeps you from doing what you want to be doing and that it isn't actually realistic.
Join the private facebook group for Mommas like you and me: https://www.facebook.com/groups/486595858884320
So many things can erode self-confidence. From the unexpected life events to continued failed attempts to make a positive difference for your child, to dead end after dead end. Whatever it is, self-confidence can be rebuilt. And rebuilt into a more resilient and long lasting self-confidence.
Join the private facebook group for Mommas like you and me: https://www.facebook.com/groups/486595858884320
Can we just please get some REAL self-care that actually works?! As a special needs mom effecient and effective are important . In this episode I talk about:- Causal "real" self-care and what it is- How addressing your thoughts have a major role in real self-care- How to start solving emotionals struggles and pains
Join the Private FB group to take your life from chaos to order, surviving to thriving, drudgery to joy. It's free!https://www.facebook.com/groups/486595858884320
In this episode I share several common reasons WHY you keep putting yourself on the back burner as well as some tips on HOW TO STOP so you can actually enjoy your life and not resent those you actually love the most.
Link to apply for PRIVATE Facebook Group "Mommas have Special Needs Too"
https://facebook.com/groups/486595858884320/
Doors open TODAY, Jan 9th 2023, claim your FREE welcome gift!
In this episode I talk about how to thrive amid your weaknesses.
How to overview:
1) Simplify and decide
2) Make and plan of action and ACT!
3) Make all progress visible
*details of each in the podcast ;)
Link to apply for PRIVATE Facebook Group "Mommas have Special Needs Too"
https://facebook.com/groups/486595858884320/
Doors open Jan 9th 2023, claim your FREE welcome gift!
Hey there! Merry Christmas! In this Christmas episode I talk about how to address the emotional struggles that we all often feel when we get together with family for the holidays. And it’s not what you think. It’s manuals. That’s right. Our book of unwritten expectations that we have for our loved ones. In this episode I cover: - what a manual is, with examples - how we use them- how they cause disappointment and frustration - and what to do if you want to change your holiday experience to one your enjoy. P.s.- Did you know I’m a certified life coach. And I’m giving away FREE mini coaching sessions this Christmas season about all things special needs Mommas. Email me to schedule your free session: ashleighjohnstoncoaching@gmail.com
Want to enjoy Christmas but feeling down about the gifts you are buying for child, even though they are developmentally appropriate? Listen in as I share how I have come to enjoy Christmas with my kids regardless of their developmental level. P.s.- you don’t have to figure it all out on your own. Email me here, ashleighjohnstoncoaching@gmail.com for mental health support designed just for you.
It can be quite difficult to watch your neurotypical children develop a long side your special needs children. To see what experiences they are missing out on. To witness loneliness, sadness, frustration, and anger. But this is only one side of the coin and dare I say the other side of the coin makes it all worth it! In this podcast I share an experience that I had with my oldest son where he shares his thoughts and what it's like to have siblings with special needs. As he shares I get to witness some of the benefits he gets from it, such as compassion, gratitude, a desire to show love to his siblings, and a desire to connect and support them.P.S.- did you know that you can contact me directly at ashleighjohnstoncoaching@gmail.com? Comments, questions, and free coaching sessions welcome.
In this episode I talk about the struggle of comparing ourselves and our kids to other people and their children.
I talked about how to use comparison in a helpful way and when not to use it.
Then I give an analogy of how our children are like plants and how different children need different care in order to thrive.
Your child's struggle is not your doing, but their thriving can be.
In this episode I discuss how difficult feeling grateful for your life can be hard when you feel the rug has been pulled out from under you and your life is not what you expected. If you are in the first few years of having a child with special needs, this episode is perfect for you.
I discuss using self-compassion instead of gratitude.
Shot me an email at ashleighjohnstoncoaching@gmail.com for comments, questions, or your free phone call.
Best Wishes, Ashleigh
In this episode I talk about how we are similar to other parents in the world. Isolation is optional. We can feel connected with other parents that don't have special needs children when we think about how at our root parental desires we have more in common with them than different.
I share the poem "Welcome to Holland" by Emily Perl Kingsley that describes well the new experience of having a child with special needs.
I share a few of my thoughts about how being in Holland isn't bad or a problem.
Email me at ashleighjohnstoncoaching@gmail.com if you would like FREE coaching sessions. Share with me your main reason for wanting the coaching session, let's get a conversation going and get YOU the support YOU need so you can get your child the support they need.
We're heading into the holiday season. There seems to be ample triggers for grief and sadness.
In this episode I talked about the grieving experience I had around my son's birthday and how I dealt with it so we could have an enjoyable and celebratory experience with him.
ashleighjohnstoncoaching@gmail.com
It has been almost 6 months since we started therapy with my little guy, Jacob. Today it just dawned on me how much his demeanor has changed and progress he had made.
I asked a question this past week. How do you heal neurodivergence? This is the feedback I got. "You can't heal neurodivergence! Is this real!? This is awful! You just need to love your child as they are!" It led me to some profound insights you'll want to hear.
Let's talk about learned helplessness!
In this episode I discuss what learned helplessness is, what are the symptoms, how this plays out for parents with special needs kids, and what to do about it. Below I've linked articles I referenced in the show with a bonus article. Good stuff! https://www.betterup.com/blog/learned-helplessness https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-learned-helplessness-2795326#toc-the-role-of-explanatory-styles https://www.summitdaily.com/news/disability-101-learned-helplessness/
In this episode I discuss the utility of self-pity, the ways self-pity can undermine you, and how to become aware of self-pity. It's not what you think.
I used to think that acceptance was a "settling" of my life. Like "well this is as good as it's gonna get, and there's nothing I can do about it". But I was wrong. Acceptance can be powerful, if it's active. In this episode I talk about the two kinds of acceptance and how they work.
Your emotional pain stops you in your tracks. It's debilitating. But you aren't sure why. Listen in as I share what I learned from my years of debilitating depression after learning about my daughter's medical struggles.
If you’ve felt lost. Maybe like you never really belonged to yourself. And now you are giving a lot of yourself to care for your children, and you still feel slightly hollow and empty inside and no idea who you are then listen in!
Remember when you used to feel lit up and excited about life? When you felt fulfilled with what you were doing with your time? Does it feel like a distant memory?
If you are ready to re-ignite the flame and bring back that excitement then this is the podcast for you. I share an expansive perspective and simple process on how to get clarity on how to re-ignite that flame, starting small and simple.
It can be sad when you watch your child miss out due to their special needs limitations, but here's some tips to get through these situations.
Have you ever felt like if you allow yourself to feel your emotions that you're not sure if you will come out of it? Like your scary emotions are a dark pit that you don't know you can get out of once you are in it? Like you are at the mercy of your emotions? In this episode I talked about why you feel this way and what to do about it.
Parents with special needs children often have increased difficulties with their marriage. I hope to remedy that with these 6 tips to help strengthen marriages.
I'm your host, Ashleigh Johnston, here to offer tips to reduce negative self-talk and increase self-compassion.
One of the greatest frustrations people face is trying to solve this unsolvable problem.
Is it better to be realistic or to have hope for you and your special needs child? Here are my thoughts.
Have you felt overwhelmed with too much to do and just can't get it all done? Listen in to learn how to beat the overwhelm and get done what's essential.
Have you felt isolated at Family Gatherings because of your special needs children? Here are my tips on how you can handle those situations. Happy Independence day!
Have you experienced when other people judge your special needs children? I have. And here's what I learned on how to handle that situation.
Jacob has autistic tendencies and hearing issues. Elisabeth has a genetic mutation called Bryant-Li-Bhoj nerodevelopmental syndrome.
My Website - https://www.ashleighjohnston.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ajohn_ston/
Podcast - https://ashleighjohnstoncoaching.podbean.com/
This is something all parents need to hear more often because they rarely believe it: You're Doing a Good Job! And Happy Father's Day!
Watch this on YouTube: https://youtu.be/H34I3GgvdbE
Are you tired of being tired? I'll give you several tips in kicking exhaustion in the butt!
Summer is coming, kids are home all day, and here's some tips to make a plan for summer and avoid overwhelm.
Hey Everybody!
Let's talk feeling ostracized. When you don't fit the norm the probability of feeling ostracized goes up. If you are done feeling ostracized listen in to learn how those feelings develop and how you can get rid of them.
Hey there!
Thanks for your patience.
Here is the link to my YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/6IBMpCf4wgc
See you over there!
See you hear next week.
Take care!
Happy Mother's Day! I hope you are getting and giving yourself the support you need. If not, it's okay. I got you! Listen in for some gold on this topic.
Okay! Let's chat about diagnosis and labels. Are they good and helpful? Are they bad and harmful? Are they both? How do they effect our lives? How do they effect how we view our lives and our children? Listen in as I share what I know on this topic.
Ever been told how you are "a supermom" or "I admired all you give to help you child." Ever feel like the way to be a good mom is to give everything to your child with special needs? Ever feel like you really don't have a choice? Like you are stuck yet you would also give everything you have for your kids, especially to help your child with special needs. That breeds resentment. And yet, we tend to glorify the mom that does it all and more when caring for a child with special needs. Which may look fine on the outside but many are actually really struggling on the inside. Listen in to this podcast to hear about how glorifying self-neglect is commonly accepted, how it undermines your life, and how to break the cycle.
Self-care matters ya'll! And I mean REAL self-care. Not the fluffy superficial stuff that makes you feel good for a fleeting moment. That kind of self-care is over used and underqualified to actually sustain you throughout the day. In this episode I share the difference between real self-care that has long-lasting substance and superficial self-care that, while fun, will not help you conquer the daily challenges of your life. It's packed full of goodness! You don't want to miss this one!
If your child's disability feels burdensome I have just the story for you. This experience really helped me shift my perspective from seeing my child's disability as a weight, a burden, and something that inhibited my life to a blessing and something I appreciated. This story will expand you thinking and in turn lighten the mental load.
With all of the daily struggles that come with raising children with special needs it would be immensely helpful to understand how to feel better, so you can do better. I got you! In this episode I share all you need to know to feel better.
What are emotions? Why do they matter in my life? Should I pay attention to them? How do they effect my daily living? What can I do about them? If you have had these questions or any questions like them this is the podcast for you. Listen in as I talk about emotions, what they are and why they matter.
Do you ever find yourself compulsively researching when you get frustrated about a problem you can't seem to solve? Do you ever find yourself watching another show or scrolling through social media when your overwhelmed about your daily life? Ever wish it would just all go away so you can catch a break. I hear you! Listen in as I address these numbing behaviors, why they happen, and how to manage them.
Self-pity is a tempting emotion to live from but a hard one to own. Who want to claim they are indulging in self-pity? But listen, it's super validating, life is hard when you child has a disability! But you don't have to feel trapped. You can have a child that has disabilities and feel free, empowered, and in control of your life. Listen in to find out how to start by getting rid of self-pity.
The world is a rough place and our kids are already starting at a disadvantage. Resilience is a crucial emotional skill for our kids to succeed in any form. Listen in to hear about how an incredible couple helped their child become independent even though he had no arms or legs.
Note: The YouTube channel is called Truly, NOT Upworthy. Here is the video I promised. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ur8_IUldv-I&t=104s
Take a watch/listen. It is so inspiring!!!
Regardless of what difficult things happen in your everyday life, the world keeps spinning, and life keeps going. How do you deal with the sadness and grief when you can't seem to catch a break? Listen in as I tell you about a more realistic, practical, and sustainable way to help address your grief. If you are looking relief and reprieve without dropping the ball, then this podcast is for you.
We are creatures of emotion. Our emotions are a huge part of our human experience. We chase emotions like pleasure, happiness, and fulfillment and we run away from emotions like pain, sadness, and overwhelm. But did you know you can't run away from your emotions? It's impossible. They will always catch up. The best way to live a life of wholeness, which involves a lot less persistent negative emotions by the way, is to process your emotions; to allow and notice them. In this episode I will share with you how to process your emotions which will lead you to a life of more wholeness, peace, and contentment.
Below is the process and questions I promised. Enjoy.
Hello!
So glad you have decided to take care of your mental health and do the work! I am so excited for you to see and feel and peace, contentment, and freedom that comes with doing this work. Below you will find the steps of Allowing and Noticing laid out. Remember this is a life long journey not a quick fix. All the little shifts add up and make a huge difference!
- K, so, allowing your emotions looks like pulling up a chair and inviting your emotion to sit down and stay. You are feeling it, not acting on it. It is thinking about your emotion as a separate entity than you. Almost like this emotion is another person entirely that has come to visit you. So you hold still, go internal, and sit with it. This is allowing it. You aren’t running away from your emotion and you aren’t pushing it away from you. You are just allowing it to be there with you.
- Now were are going to notice it by asking yourself these questions and listening for the answers.
- Where is _(emotion)_ located in my body? Can be more than one location. No right answer. Just observe and go with it. Then choose one location, if you had more than one and go there.
- What does _________ look like in your my body at that location?
- What form is _________ taking? A person, a shape, and animal, an object?
- Does ________ feel heavy or light?
- Is ________ moving or still?
- What color is it?
- Is it doing anything? If so, what?
At this point feel free to go to one of the other locations in your body that you felt __________ in and ask the same questions of the _________ in that location. Notice if it is the same or different. Once you have done that then go back and forth between the two locations asking yourself “what is happening now? Has anything changed?” And just notice what is happening. No hard fast conclusions, just noticing. You are in a dialogue of sorts with _(emotion)_. What is it trying to tell you with all of this?
The goal is to see, hear, and understand the emotion.
When you start to wrap up your processing session just notice that this is how you feel that emotion. This is what feeling this emotion looks like for you. Then ask yourself “What do I think about ________?” “Am I trying to hide or run away? Am I fighting with __________? Is _________ covering up another emotion?” Etc. Again, no right or wrong answer here.
*insert the name of the emotion in all the blank spaces. Remember that emotions are one word descriptions such as overwhelm, sadness, angry, frustration, etc.
Remember this is a continuing daily work, like sleeping or eating. Keep at it and you will start to see and feel the improvements. It is worth it! You are worth it. You got this.
If you have to struggle, which you do, you might as well choose it. Listen in to learn why choosing your struggle is awesome, what it is, and how it will help you struggle less.
This is a huge part of your life if you have a child with medical needs and it can be tough. But it doesn't have to be. Listen in as I share what I learned and how I made it easier to work with my daughter's medical professionals.
Some doesn't need to die to feel immense loss. How do you deal with this kind of grief? I share my experiences as well as what I have done to process and move through my grief. If you want this too, you'll want to listen in.
It's hard and my life is limited versus I'm free and resilient. Where are you? Where do you want to be?
I wallowed in self pity, disguised as "reality", for too long. Thought that all the negative emotions that I was experiencing was happening to me. I wish someone would have told it to me straight at the beginning of this journey. So today I do.
There is a difference between suffering with a purpose and suffering unnecessarily. I'll tell what that is and why it is important when you have a child with special needs.
In this episode I introduce the idea of neuroplasticity and leave it open for interpretation of what it could mean for you and your families mental health.
In 1750 Benjamin Franklin, in his Poor Richard's Almanack, observed the great difficulty of knowing one's self, with: "There are three Things extremely hard, Steel, a Diamond, and to know one's self." And boy was he right. But I have found a gateway to starting the journey of knowing yourself better and more intimately and that is introspective questions.
Introspection is the examination or observation of one's own mental and emotional processes. As I have asked myself questions that foster introspection I start to understand why I do what I do, say what I say, and think what I think. It has been enlightening and freeing for me. I hope it can do the same for you.
Ever been angry with your child's doctors? In this episode I talk about when I was feeling angry and tried to avoid my child's doctor and what I discovered that helped me turn it around.
Have you ever experienced frustration or uncertainty when dealing with your child's doctors or therapists? You are not alone. Here are a few thoughts that have helped me increase my confidence and get the care my daughter needs when it comes to working with doctors.
Need a pick me up? Look no further than a little exercise. Not new news, yet highly under utilized. Check out the simple process I used today.
Study I referred to: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/fullarticle/2720689?resultClick=1
In this podcast I chat about shifting paradigms. This can be a powerful things when trying to make big changes in your life in which "white-knuckling it" just will not suffice. Thanks to Stephen R. Covey's book "The 7-habits of highly effective people" for planting the seed for this discussion.
Passive tantrum is a great way to stay comfortable and avoid struggle but in doing so you may be undermining your ability or your child's ability for growth and development. In this episode I discuss what a passive tantrum, my experience with it, and thoughts about it.
Ever feel out of control? Totally get it! Here are a few tips and questions to ask yourself to figure out where you have control and where you don't. When you put your energy in to the places that you do have control you take back your personal power. It's awesome sauce!
Ever feel drained or frustrated about communicating with your non-verbal child? Here are some tips that help me get rid of those feelings and connect with my child.
Did you know that you can access feelings of happiness right now if you want to? And it's not in big accomplishments, big results, or in life style changes.
Hey Ya'll, Did you know that our life experiences reflect and amplify our perspectives of the world? Yeah, it's a thing. And in the case of raising children with special needs those parts of us that we struggle with the most tend to be brought up front and center. Listen as I share what this looks like for me and how I started the path to overcome those challenges.
Have you ever felt grief knowing your child's life is now going to be different than "normal"? Grief that your life is now not going to be "normal"? Me too. In this podcast I talk about the process of grieving, what it might look like, and a few ways to process it.
Ever wonder how to interact with someone that is different than you? How to connect with someone that has nothing in common with you?
The answer...empathy. Empathy is the great connector between humans.
In this episode I talk about what empathy is, where to use it, and how to develop it.
Thanks to Brene' Brown for doing the research you have done and being brave enough to share it with the world.
Most problems can be categorized into 2 different groups: problems that grow us (quality problems) and problems that keep us stuck. What is interesting is that we often layer our these, positioning our "stuck" problem in such a way that our quality problem can be hidden from view. Why do we do this? That's what I talk about in this episode.
Have you ever felt like your child shouldn't have their issues? Like you shouldn't have yours? The world shouldn't have some of its issues? Me too. But here's the thing...even with us wanting them to be different, they aren't...and here's why I think that is a good thing, even the way it should be.
You every feel like you aren't a good enough parent? Like you seem to always be failing in some aspect of your parenting life that you wish you were just better at like...yesterday?! Me too. If I new of a way to do that I'd be all over it! But I don't. But I DO we can feel at peace with where we are as we continue to become more of who we want to be. Hope this can help you find a little more peace too.
P.S.- Did you know that I am a newly Certified Life Coach? For Reals! If you find that you enjoy this podcast and are in search of some one-on-one help contact me at ashleighjohnstoncoaching@gmail.com, my first 10 people get coaching for free!
Hey Ya'll
This week I shared a blog post I wrote awhile back where I wrote a letter to Elisabeth talking about all the things I learned through my toughest year yet with her. It has some great insights in it that may be helpful for ya. Have a good week!
Link to my blog post: https://www.ashleighjohnston.com/single-post/2019/01/17/Elisabeth%E2%80%99s-Story-Part-8
And....we're back...with some failure. Nothing like a good dose of failure. Actually making good friends with failure maybe your quickest path to success and confidence. If you have on the right glasses.
In this podcast I talk about the "behind the scene" thoughts that often get us to not let our kids fail and what they get to experience when we are willing to step out of the way and let them struggle themselves to a victory.
Hello my people! When I originally recorded this podcast I thought I would be needing to take some time off to figure some things out...but...I figured it out! I plan to be back this Friday.
Talk about the fear inside of you freaking you out and stuff! You know what I mean people! Come on!
Anywho...
Huge thanks to those of you that have been listening. Praying you are finding the help that are looking for.
Here is where you can find out more about "Raising Lions" by Joe Newman. Website: http://www.raisinglions.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gS4ecRyYuCY&list=PLZKLyVVbn-p31Udpr4JcCAPX_M-bI2Yfm Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Raising-Lions/dp/B07T8LW4SQ/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=raising+lions&qid=1588389398&sr=8-1
P.S.- No affiliate marketing. I love his work.
In this podcast I talk about those thoughts that sound generous and kind but are actually thoughts that sabotage you so you don't show up as the person or parent that you want to be or have that relationships that you want to have.
In this episode I discuss having a 20/20 hindsight vision when you are in the middle of a difficult time instead of waiting till the end. I have noticed 5 different phases that I have gone through so far and what I have learned from them. Maybe you have too?
Positive thinking does not make the struggle go away. Positive thinking does have a place and can be very effective, but if used toxically it can create a hot mess! In this podcast I talk about what toxic positivity is, how it works, and how to avoid it.
Does caring for a child with special needs feels like a heavy load to carry? But one that you never set down? The story I share in this podcast shifted my thoughts and feelings from ones of "this is too hard" and "it shouldn't be this way" to feelings of gratitude and empowerment. Take a listen as this could be the case for you too.
Most often human brains like to look for the problem and solve it. When you have a child with special needs the brain can easily make that mean "something has gone wrong". "Life isn't supposed to be this way." "Why me out of all the people?" But what if your brain is wrong about this? What if nothing has gone wrong here? What if you are just the person to have a child with special needs and have a fulfilled and successful life? Don't dismiss these last questions so quickly. You will miss out on possibility.
Scared about COVID and the many things it is effecting? You are not alone. Listen in as I share what to do when you feel fear and what other options there are for you so you can take action from a positive emotion instead of fear.
Is your life turning out just like you expected? Mine neither. Are the people in my life behaving like I think they should? Mine neither! This is SO frustrating!!! But no worries. I've figured out why and share it with you in this episode. If you haven't really analyzed the nature of expectations that get ready for a major paradigm shift. It's blow your mind! In a good way. ;)
Hey ya'll!
Welcome to the podcast! I so stoked that you are here! This a going to be an awesome experience. Here you will find everything that I have successfully done and will do to maintain my sanity and resilience as a parent raising children with special needs, mental and emotional health being at the top of the list. You will also find tool to create a life want. Perhaps one that you are doubting is even possible. It may not look like what you were initially hoping for but it will still be just a great! And I'm not talking about settling. I'm talking about pushing the boundaries of what you thought was possible for your life and the life of your child and going beyond that. What's possible for you? Let's find out!