For the last 5 years, my life has been revolved around my kids and their medical needs. There’s been so many diagnoses and a lot of therapy. Doctor appointments that always have to be scheduled. Hospital stays for surgeries and procedures.

I lost sight of myself. My three kids need so much attention that I forgot to take care of my own needs. I was too exhausted to do anything that I once loved doing. I’m not just talking about showering or going to the dentist. I’m talking about hobbies and activities that give me true joy and are fruitful.

My children have made some huge improvements in the last few years. They’ve gained big skills that have helped them be more independent. Walking on their own, communicating, learning to dress themselves, etc. I feel like I actually have just a little more time for a little self care.

When I turned 33 years old last year, someone mentioned it was “the year of Jesus.” I felt my anxiety increase as I thought I was going to have to change the world somehow like cure cancer or do something extravagant. Jesus did so much in his three years of ministry leading up to his death at 33. There was no way I could top that.

As I approach my 34th birthday at the end of September, this past year has been the biggest year of reflection. I found myself returning to all the things I love doing again. That I had to put off for a handful of years to help my kids figure out how to live in a world that’s different from them.

I started my blog two years ago, because I wanted to help other parents that were in a similar situation as our family. I also wanted to educate and spread awareness to those who weren’t familiar with disabilities. The support I’ve received from sharing our family’s life has been rewarding. I’ve really enjoyed making connections with my followers. I was once in a dark place, but my blog has shown me light.

I started contributing monthly to a blog called Momma Beans, a Catholic blog about all things motherhood. I wanted an outlet where I could talk about my faith. I wasn’t sure if my own blog was the right place for that, so I took it to prayer. I found Momma Beans on accident and submitted one piece for them. A few months later I was asked to become a resident blogger where I contribute my writing monthly.

I love having a place where I can write deeper about my faith, but also help other Catholic moms on their spiritual journey. I recently became the Spiritual Advisor for Momma Beans, which has been such a great experience so far.

I also contribute monthly for Accepting the Gift, a special needs blog that connects Catholic special needs parents. I’ve been writing for them since they started at the end of the last year. I’m also a moderator on their Facebook page.

I like being able to connect with special needs families that share the same faith as me. That’s something I realized I was missing with the online support groups I was a part of. My faith is important to me, but I couldn’t find any special needs support groups that were faith-based. So, I created my own.

I started a special needs support group at my church one year ago. We’ve been doing Zoom meetings during COVID, which have been going so well. We can talk about the hard times, but we can also laugh with another. We don’t judge each other, which is the best part. Since my family moved in February, we go to a different church now. I’m starting a support group at our new church now. Our first meeting is in October.

I’m part of a writer’s group called Writer’s Bloc, where we share our writing pieces with each other and give one another feedback. I’m the only one who writes non-fiction, so it’s different for me, but I’m learning so much.

I’ve immersed myself into two online groups on Facebook for special needs parents. I’ve been in Coop’s Troop since day one, the supporter page of Finding Cooper’s Voice. I’m also part of the Chat Team in a video chat group called Labeled and Loved, where we help special needs moms form friendships. They truly are the best and most supportive special needs groups on the Internet.

The past few years have been good. I’m doing things for myself. Everything I love doing with writing, church, and helping people. My marriage is good. Steve and I are still doing our weekly movie nights. We’re going to be a marriage mentor couple through the marriage preparation class at our church. We’ve even talked about us starting a podcast together.

I’m wearing make-up again. I’ve lost 40 pounds since January. My kids are thriving. We moved into a house that gave us more space and less stress. Our finances have improved.

I did change the world this year. I took care of myself which helps me take care of my family. I’m doing all the things I love doing, which is so important. And I’m doing them during a pandemic, no less. Being at home has been a blessing in disguise. This year I found myself, and it’s an even better version.