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The roadmap, the path you are already on. Maybe you are closer than you realize.

One of the biggest losses of the special needs mom experience is the loss of what you thought would be your future.  And due to the unpredictability of your child’s needs and future your footing is wonky, you feel like you’ve lost your ability to plan and dream about the future.

Today I want to talk about what I call the Pathway to Peace Process, which is helping you figure out where you are so you can figure out how to reclaim your life.

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Website: https://www.kararyska.com/

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Hello and welcome to the podcast! This week we’re discussing ways to improve a difficult relationship you may have, even with your spouse.  I talk about this in two parts.

Part one: Acknowledging and Identifying your Unspoken Agreements
Part two: Accepting people as they are.  

After this episode, I think you’ll feel more in control of yourself to handle some of these difficult relationships.

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespecialneedsmompodcast/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/

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This episode continues our monthly series focusing on relationships. Rach Wilson joins me to share about her own “hell year” with her neurodiverse children. She speaks with extreme vulnerability about this time and how she had to fix a seriously-damaged self and spouse relationship.

Connect with Erica:
Email: [email protected]
IG: http://instagram.com/divinerelating
Website: http://divinerelating.com

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespecialneedsmompodcast/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/

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Do you secretly (or not so secretly) struggle with the relationship with your special needs child? In this episode, we’re going to reflect on the thoughts and feelings we have revolving around our child and dig deeper into them.  It usually isn’t about THE CHILD.

I also have an exercise for you. Write down all the things you think about your child. The things you love, your hopes, the mom you wanted to be, the dreams you had before they were born, the behaviors, etc.  My guess is you have a list of unspoken agreements and ideas that explain why it’s making it hard to have the relationship you want with your child!

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Connect with Kara, host of The Special Needs Mom Podcast:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespecialneedsmompodcast/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/

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Welcome to the podcast. In this episode, I share a conversation with Erica Stearns about hospitalizations. Erica is a researcher and disability activist, disabled adult and mother of two children with disabilities. 

Being in the hospital happens in all different circumstances for families with special needs children.  Erica and I talk about these in some depth.  Each situation has its own challenges and as Erica shares, some small amounts of comfort or joy can also be found if you try. We also discuss the complexity of communication with our friends and family while we are in the hospital. 

Erica and I also talk about that transition of heading home, as you are often completely depleted. And sometimes the cycle can start all over again, immediately. 

All in all, we both hope this conversation can bring you closer to this community and gain some more insight and empathy for others in these situations. See you on the next episode!

Connect with Erica:
Email: erica@atypicaltruth
IG: http://www.Instagram.com/ericajolene/
IG: http://www.instagram.com/atypicaltruth/
Website: www.atypicaltruth.org

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Connect with Kara, host of The Special Needs Mom Podcast:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespecialneedsmompodcast/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/

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Hello and welcome to the podcast.  In this weeks episode, I’m talking with Michelle Fehlman about misconceptions and similarities between therapy and life coaching. 

Michelle gives a good description of coaching versus therapy, saying coaching is about learning to do and therapy is more about learning to be.  Also, coaching is about look forward about goals and forming an plan that makes the goals attainable. 

The bottom line in both is the work has to come from you!  And Michelle and I both encourage you to pay attention to the signs and get some help if you are struggling or feeling stuck   Coaching or therapy can make a huge difference. 

Connect with Michelle:
Website: https://www.opentoextraordinary.com/

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespecialneedsmompodcast/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/

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This is a very different style episode than what you are used to here at The Special Needs Mom Podcast.   If you've ever listened to The Moth, you'll feel right at home.

This episode was recorded on-site at the Global Genes Conference in San Diego in September 2022.  Global Genes envisions a globally connected community equipped to eliminate the challenges of rare disease.

To create this episode, I provided the storytellers with a framework to support them in telling their stories and in minutes they crafted these powerful and vulnerable stories. 

In this episode, you will witness thirteen stories total from moms and dads like you, adults with rare disease, and even a researcher who develops drugs to treat rare diseases.

Sit back and enjoy, and notice how you don't feel alone as a parent to a child with disabilities and medical complexities after you listen to these stories.

Episodes Mentioned in this Show:
Who Am I Now with Rachel Alves Episode 88
Having Impermissible Thoughts About Your Special Needs Child Episode 76

Other Podcasts mentioned in this show:
Once Upon a Gene Podcast
Parents As Rare with Adam Young

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespecialneedsmompodcast/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/

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Hello and welcome to the Special Needs Mom Podcast. This episode I am diving into some of the common themes of responsibility that we feel as special needs moms.  I actually did a poll on my social media accounts and the responses were overwhelming. I am highlighting the most common ones today. 

What I want to accomplish most with this episode is for you to know you are not alone in these feelings. I also want you to know that you don't have to be crushed and paralyzed by all of the responsibilities you have on your shoulders. It is okay to step out of that and take time for yourself and to reflect on how strong, amazing, brave, resilient you are!

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespecialneedsmompodcast/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/

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Welcome to the podcast, this weeks episode is with guest Sarah Hoke. She is a mother to three girls, her middle daughter was born with a genetic disorder called Digeorge Syndrome.

In Sarah’s story, her daughter’s prognosis actually improved as the dug deeper with the doctors and as time went on. Sarah recognizes that this isn’t the norm and she uses this to fuel her optimism for their life. 

She is also a  member of my special needs mom coaching group and has unique insight into just how valuable it was can and the connections she didn’t know she needed.

Connect with Sarah
IG: www.instagram.com/sarah_hoke

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespecialneedsmompodcast/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/

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Welcome to the podcast! This episode was unplanned originally, but after attending The Global Genes Conference I wanted to share my takeaways with you. 

The first is the idea of trust. Trust in yourself and your instincts. But also trusting that you’re not the only one who can care for your child. 

The second idea is community. Finding your people has the ability to shift your life in such profound ways. There is also something different about being in a community where everyone has their hard and your story is normal. 

The third idea is purpose. There is a profound importance in finding your purpose outside of being just a special needs mom. 

Lastly, I want to share an idea from one of the keynote speakers, an acronym, P.U.S.H.   Push Until Something is Heard.  Don’t stop. Don’t stop until somebody listens.

I hope these takeaways are meaningful and helpful to you and look into the conference for next year! 

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Connect with Kara, host of The Special Needs Mom Podcast:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespecialneedsmompodcast/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/