Gone Fishin’ – Part Two – Moving Autism Forward by Team TACA

By Lisa Ackerman

Balance. Family time. Pedicure. Well, let’s not get crazy! All things I write about and rarely accomplish. Well for the next two weeks, I am doing it and I’m forcing my family to tag along. We are unplugging and getting away from it all. Mostly.

By the time you read this we will be hours away from boarding a planefor much needed R&R. The best part? This is a family affair – me and the hubby, my hero Jeff, and daughter Lauren with her husband Ryan. Ryan is STILL a nice addition to our family, especially for Jeff since his cool new brother-in-law likes to teach him pick up lines (which he tries to use every chances he gets. He needs to ease up on the checker at the grocery store though as she is married.) These lines should come in handy on a tropical beach.

The difference this year is TACA business IS coming with us on vacation. This is a perfect time reflect, start the strategic planning process and get TACA to the next level. In between days of rest and relaxing and a few pina colada’s with umbrellas in them I will be working on TACA initiatives.

To TACA families everywhere – I’m not writing this to brag (although I am stoked to be leaving) but as a reminder. You HAVE to remember to do something for YOU, if not today than in the very near future. It can be something simple – grab coffee with a friend, get that manicure/pedicure, go on a “man” date, watch a PG or R rated movie with someone special that features real people (no cartoon characters!) while holding hands, simply breathe in your surroundings rather than racing through them on your way to the next appointment.

Breathe……It’s good for you. Life is already full of jam-packed schedules and long to-do lists before you throw living with autism in the mix! You have got to refuel and recharge. Even is that time is brief, done in your home or a short few blocks away you still need to do it.

Go back to my previous “10 ways to help a family living with autism” blog and order up a #6! (1)

Babysitting –it’s a beautiful word isn’t it? Go back to your trusted family and/or friends, the ones that get the challenges of ASD and ASK. It doesn’t need to be for a week, maybe just a few hours. Don’t be afraid. It’s summer for our kids so they get a break. You should get one too.

Ask. For. Help……… It’s ok. No really, it is.

And if you are a friend or family member who loves a child living with autism, and you are reading this, please reach out and offer a little love and support to the parents. It is a wonderful gift, it won’t cost you any money and it will be greatly appreciated and needed.

As for me, well I’ve gone fishing. I will be connecting with those I love, refueling, recharging, a lot of planning, thinking, planning TACA’s next steps AND enjoying life with my family. I will be back to tackle the mile long to do list later this month. For sure.