Amy, Sara, and Carrie explore the pervasive feelings of loneliness and isolation that special needs parents experience. They discuss how their past focus on efficiency led to prioritizing tasks over relationships. Now, years into their special needs parenting lives, they need intentional connection. They discuss their strategies for pushing past isolation and loneliness towards deeper friendships and finding their worth in the Lord.

Join the conversation to learn how to nurture meaningful relationships and gracefully navigate the loneliness challenge.

Episode 173: November 5, 2024

Key Moments:
[1:44] Even 18 years later, I still feel unseen
[7:21] The loneliness of isolation prevents carefree time with friends
[19:15] Overwhelmed exhaustion keeps me from planning things
[20: 40] Being honest and continue to reach out
[24:49] Have a website to send to a friend who wants to understand
{28:56} Make an effort, especially to those who have been faithful to us

Resources:
https://www.amazon.com/Show-Up-Bring-Coffee-Disabled/dp/B0CFZKZGS8

If you enjoyed the show:

• Have you purchased our new book, The Other Side of Special?
• Subscribe to our newsletter on the Take Heart Website
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• Share us with others from wherever you listen to podcasts
• Follow us on Instagram @takeheartspecialmoms
• Find Amy at www.amyjbrown.com/ or on Instagram @amyjbrown_writer
• Find Carrie at www.carriemholt.com or on Instagram @carriemholt
• Find Sara at www.saraclime.com or on Instagram @saraclime

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Carrie M. Holt sat down with Sandy Ramsey-Trayvick, author of the new book, "When Dreams Are Disrupted," to talk about Sandy’s mindset journey as she was forced to step into the role of caregiver for her child. When a childhood illness changed the life of her son, it left her feeling helpless. In this episode, she shares what God revealed concerning her choices and how she’s been working with this new set of options God has given her. This conversation with Sandy will inspire you to choose an “un-disabled” mindset as you raise your child with disabilities or special needs and fill that role of caregiver.

Ep. 172: October 15, 2024

Key Moments:
[1:45 ] God-given choices persist despite diagnosis
[12:15] Humans struggle to believe God's unconditional love
[17:12] Trustworthy friends dispel irrational fears
[27:30} Parents impact children but should prioritize just being present
[31:35] God handles outcomes; human understanding is limited

Resources:
Undisabled Lives Website
Sandy’s Coaching
When Dreams Are Disrupted
The Bix Six: Things Kids Need From Their Parents: Adam Young

If you enjoyed the show:

• Have you purchased our new book, The Other Side of Special?
• Subscribe to our newsletter on the Take Heart Website
• Get our free resource on finding Gratitude, Peace, and Hope
• Review and like us on Apple Podcasts
• Share us with others from wherever you listen to podcasts
• Follow us on Instagram @takeheartspecialmoms
• Find Amy at www.amyjbrown.com/ or on Instagram @amyjbrown_writer
• Find Carrie at www.carriemholt.com or on Instagram @carriemholt
• Find Sara at www.saraclime.com or on Instagram @saraclime

Support the show

Long-term caregiving requires a mindset shift for our emotional life and our relationship with God and others. Carrie, Amy, and Sara discuss practical tips for surviving and thriving long term. They discuss spiritual practices, practical habits to avoid burnout, and mindfulness to address the stressors and difficulties that come with caregiving. You’ll walk away with valuable tips you can begin incorporating into your life right now!

Ep. 171, October 1, 2024

Key Moments:
[6:39 ] Our permanent situation and loss of dreams
[13:25] Where was Jesus in that moment?
[21:22] Caregiving is worship
[28:35] My roles and my boundaries
[36:51] Accepting help

Resources:
Interview with Laura Hernandez
Episode 157
The Place We Find Ourselves Podcast: Free Therapy!
The Allender Center Podcast

If you enjoyed the show:

• Have you purchased our new book, The Other Side of Special?
• Subscribe to our newsletter on the Take Heart Website
• Get our free resource on finding Gratitude, Peace, and Hope
• Review and like us on Apple Podcasts
• Share us with others from wherever you listen to podcasts
• Follow us on Instagram @takeheartspecialmoms
• Find Amy at www.amyjbrown.com/ or on Instagram @amyjbrown_writer
• Find Carrie at www.carriemholt.com or on Instagram @carriemholt
  Find Sara at www.saraclime.com or on Instagram @saraclime

Support the show