Advocacy Avenue

Do you have a spot ?

I have a spot, and it’s been the same spot since I was a teenager.
Same beach.
Same rock.
Same ocean.

I have had some of my deepest thoughts, revelations and awakenings in this spot.

I sit
I stare
I watch the ocean roll in and out
I watch the sky kiss the sea
I let the clouds roll above

In this spot, everything is right with the world.

I can position myself just right, that I see nothing but sky and sea. Marveling in creation.

It’s been a while since I’ve been at my spot. And being able to visit it this weekend was a treat 🤍

I have been known to say, ‘it’s the time away that makes me a good mother’. It’s the few hours (or day) at work, it’s the sneaky mid week coffee with a friend, it’s the weekend spa appointment I plan weeks in advance, or it’s the romantic weekend getaway.

However it looks, it’s these moments I fill my own cup.

It may look like rest, side splitting laughs with a friend, focus on a job/project, or fancy dresses and champagne. Either way, it allows me to have my own personal expression and fulfillment.

Parenting is hard. Especially parenting a child/ren with additional needs. What do we have to give to them if we don’t first fill ourselves.

I always find I am far more patient, attentive and present after I have had some time for myself.

So go on Mumma, make the coffee date, schedule the hair salon, book the night away!!

The world will not fall apart if you do… I promise!!

💫

About last night.

Raising much needed funds and awareness for

Ladybird provided counseling and support to bereaved families.

Next Sunday 2nd October is ‘Go Dotty Day’ to continue the great work this foundation is doing.

Follow them on IG & FB for more updates.

This photo came up in my memories today from last year.

It’s a photo of my boy and I enjoying a Rugby game. But what you don’t see is behind the smile on his face is boy FULL of strength and courage.

You see he is afraid of heights, and that night we were in just about the highest seats of the stadium. He had gripped the railing as we climbed the stairs. When we reached our seats he was physically shaking.
I offered to take him back down, but he wanted to watch the Wallabies play.
He chose in that moment to take deep breaths and work through his obvious anxiety.
He was able to regulate himself, sit and enjoy the game. Even jumped out of his seat to celebrate a try!!

This photo means the world to me… because when I look at that smile I don’t just see my boy. But I see his determination, strength and courage to work through whatever he is faced with.

When I look at this photo I am reminded, he will be ok! ♥️

Our beautiful Queen, oh how you will be missed.

You served God and your people with such grace.

Thank you ma’am ♥️🇺🇸
Rest In Peace 🙏🏻

Did you know, parents of children with ASD are significantly more likely to suffer from anxiety and depression than any other parent.

So looking after your mental health is crucial. Mindfulness and meditation are proven to be great strategies to improve your mental health!

It’s hard to get time to yourself while traveling. Grabbing these small moments whenever you can is key… and the .app helps make that time effective!

Pick a program, put it on and away you go!

Are you in your lane?

Or are you looking at someone else’s lane trying to jump in?

We are all created for our own purpose. Our very own human design. One in a million. And whether you believe it or not you were created for exactly the life you have.

So why are we so obsessed with another persons lane?

Why do we look sideways so much? Is it because in the age of social media it’s just too easy to watch how your neighbor is living and wishing you had what they had?

I’ve learnt recently that I have my lane, and it’s awesome… cause it’s mine! Our lanes may cross from time to time, and there are seasons we drive together. But we are forever anchored to the lane created purposefully for us. It’s there we will experience the most fulfillment and joy!

So look at your lane, drive it well!

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✈️ First overseas travel in a post Covid world.

It’s exhilarating to be traveling again.

Negative emotions are a part of life. We all have them.

So how much better would it be if we taught our children to navigate these emotions rather than suppress them.

Negative emotions (like every emotion) are there to be felt and processed through our being. They carry with them lessons and opportunities for growth.

Emotion : energy in motion

✨ Acknowledge
✨ Learn
✨ Let pass

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We ♥️ Travel

I am about to embark on my first overseas trip since 2020 and I’m SO flipping excited!

We travel a lot… and we have somewhat mastered traveling with kids, and traveling with a autistic child with sensory processing issues.

🙋🏻‍♀️ if you love travel
🙋🏻‍♀️ if you want some tips how to do it!
🙋🏻‍♀️ if you want holiday spam

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💡🔵

I always underestimated the importance of rest. You would often hear me say, I don’t have time for that.

And I hate to admit I wore busyness like a badge on my chest.

But that led to burnout and ultimately wanting to quit many areas of my life.

Now that I have discovered the beauty and power in REST… everything has changed.

✨ I have vision
✨ My cup is full
✨ I enjoy what I do

And then THIS rested Mumma overflows to my children… and I demonstrate what like is… not what I had made it to be.

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💡🔵

✨ The power of now ✨

The past and future can bring up feelings of fear and shame… and they have no place in your world Mumma.

All you have is right now.
Embrace that.

But like anything, this requires practice.

So take some time each day to just sit with your thoughts, your emotions, your feelings.
Without judging them. Without condemning yourself.

Just BE.

You lead the way Mumma… watch as your children imitate you 💕

How hard is it for those words to come out of your mouth?

For me it was hard!! I’m so focused on my children that I forget to stand up for myself.

And when we want to teach our kids self advocation where should we start… with OURSELVES!

So how do we do this?

✨ Choose you
✨ Speak up
✨ Fuel yourself

When your kids see YOU doing that… they learn to do that for themselves!

Watch it flow…..

🥂 This photo right here sums up the inspiration for Advocacy Avenue.

Last year I joined a Business Networking group in my city. It was in this group that I found connection, friendship, inspiration and solidarity with likeminded women.

We celebrated achievements together and supported one another in the down times.

It was here that I thought, what about something like this for mother of kids with disabilities.

✨ What if we bonded over our journey, the highs and lows.
✨ What if we could support & learn from each other.
✨ What if there was another mum that would hug you like this when you needed it?

It’s coming!!!

For now… join our FB group to start the conversation.
Go to the link in my bio to join!

Can’t wait to see you there!

📸:
🤍: .tuitupou
✨:

💫 NDIS Support Coordination

I am so excited to launch our first service, NDIS Support Coordination.

What is a NDIS support coordinator?
Support Coordination is an NDIS funded Support, designed to assist you to make sure you get the most out of your NDIS funding package.

What can I help you with?
Understanding your NDIS Package and accessing informal, community, mainstream and NDIS funded supports.

Support Services opening soon *limited spaces*

🤍 DM me for more information or to secure a position on the waitlist.

Hello, did someone order a can of worms? Cause I got some and I’m about to open them!!

Let’s talk advocating for your child at school. Easier said than done!! But here we are… necessary in our daily lives.

So let me help break it down... but it will need more than a post.

How would you like to get this?
💫 IG Live
💫 Blog
💫 FB Live / Video

Viewers choice… and go….

Advocacy Avenue updated their address.

Advocacy Avenue updated their business hours.

Do you practice gratitude? 💫

Taking time each day to jot down what you are thankful for is a wonderful way to fill your heart with joy! 🤍

It creates a habit in your mind to take note of the people or things around you that your are grateful for.

Often we focus only on our problems, and miss the good all together.

So if you don’t already… take a moment now to name just three things you are grateful for.

One of my favorite quotes, and something I repeat to myself often.

We can talk ourselves out of some of life’s most incredible adventures because of fear.

It’s important though to recognize the emotion and not judge ourselves because of it. Ask the fear

💫 why are you here
💫 what are you protecting me from

Once you know the answers to these question it’s a simple case of reassuring it that you are ok, allow it to pass through and get ready to embrace the opportunities ahead!

🧩 Autism Awareness Day 🧩

Yesterday was Autism Awareness day… a day set aside to raise awareness of Autism Spectrum Disorder.

I didn’t know what to post to be perfectly honest. This last 12mths have seen enormous changes in our family that has changed my views and understanding of Autism.

There is so much I am seeing and experiencing through my boy. And I am constantly learning about who he is be how he sees the world.

So here is to continually learning, always having an open mind and allowing him to be just who he was always created to be!

Anyone else experienced with ADHD out there?

Love this…. 💕

Take my hand and come with me,
I want to teach you about ADHD.
I need you to know, I want to explain,
I have a very different brain.
Sights, sounds and thoughts collide.
What to do first? I can’t decide.
Please understand I'm not to blame,
I just can't process things the same.

Take my hand and walk with me,
Let me show you about ADHD.
I try to behave, I want to be good,
But I sometimes forget to do as I should.
Walk with me and wear my shoes,
You'll see its not the way I'd choose.
I do know what I'm supposed to do,
But my brain is slow getting the message through.

Take my hand and talk with me,
I want to tell you about ADHD.
I rarely think before I talk,
I often run when I should walk.
It's hard to get my school work done,
My thoughts are outside having fun.
I never know just where to start,
I think with my feelings and see with my heart.

Take my hand and stand by me,
I need you to know about ADHD.
It's hard to explain but I want you to know,
I can't help letting my feelings show.
Sometimes I'm angry, jealous, or sad.
I feel overwhelmed, frustrated, and mad.
I can't concentrate and I lose all my stuff.
I try really hard but it's never enough.

Take my hand and learn with me,
We need to know more about ADHD.
I worry a lot about getting things wrong,
Everything I do takes twice as long.
Everyday is exhausting for me...
Looking through the fog of ADHD.
I'm often so misunderstood,
I would change in a heartbeat if I could.

Take my hand and listen to me,
I want to share a secret about ADHD.
I want you to know there is more to me.
I'm not defined by it, you see.
I'm sensitive, kind and lots of fun.
I'm blamed for things I haven't done.
I'm the loyalist friend you'll ever know,
I just need a chance to let it show.

Take my hand and look at me,
Just forget about the ADHD.
I have real feelings just like you.
The love in my heart is just as true.
I may have a brain that can never rest,
But please understand I'm trying my best.
I want you to know, I need you to see,
I'm more than the label, I am still me!!!!
The author is Andrea Chesterman-Smith. From Hertfordshire in the UK

Advocacy Avenue updated their website address.

Scenario: you have received a call from your child's school to attend a meeting to discuss their IEP... what do you do?

I've sat through a number of these meetings myself and have complied my top 5 tips to help you through!