Your AIM: YOU! 

In February of 2020, one of the NBA’s most famous all-stars Shaquille O’Neal shared an anecdote about his former teammate Kobe Bryant at the deceased Bryant’s Celebration of Life: During one game, when Kobe didn’t pass the ball, Shaquille barked the old adage “Hey, Kobe, there’s no “I” in team!” Apparently Kobe replied, “I know. But there’s an “M-E!” And smiled. 

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Shaquille brought some needed laughter to a sad memorial, but I also think Kobe’s witty reply during that basketball game holds an important truth; the fact is, a team is made up of a group of individuals. The team is only as strong as the strength and skill of each individual. 

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This is true in your relationship with your child too. To the extent that YOU are present, loving, accepting, playful, animated, and creative is the extent to which you will build good rapport with them and be able to facilitate their learning. 

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It’s not only okay, it’s imperative, that you focus on YOU first, before looking to your child to change.

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YOU are super important! It’s good to prioritize rest for yourself, exercise, and time to care for yourself, even just for 2 minutes here and there. 

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I know that your days are overwhelmingly full. You barely have time to make dinner or walk the dog for 5 minutes. But if you always put your self-care at the very bottom of your To Do list, it will never happen. Agree? 

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Try this RIGHT NOW… it will take less than one minute. 

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Pause.  Take a really S-L-O-W deep breath.  Relax your shoulders.  

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You did it! You just prioritized taking care of yourself. It only took 1 minute! 

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Just like recharging your phone, you now have a little bit more energy to give to be present with your special child. 

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This week, AIM to be “self-focused” by putting at least 1 minute per day of self-care on your To Do list. 

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Bring a more energized and present “ME” to your TEAM!

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You got this!

Jonathan Alderson

Autism Expert

Founder, ThriveGuide

Author, Challenging the Myths of Autism

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