"Alternative", Western World, Woo-Woo & Witchcraft

I used to feel badly about people who thought I was weird. What a funny time in my life. Until recently, it really... and I mean, REALLY... bothered me when someone thought that I was anything other than what I am. For example, if someone thought that I meant a certain thing when I really meant something else it would upset me like no other if I couldn't convince them that I meant what I ACTUALLY meant. 

And then I thought to myself... why do I worry about people thinking I am weird? Or different. Or strange. Or "alternative". They are RIGHT!

I am different. If you have read my previous post on A Rebels Perspective then you would know how freakin' hard I have worked, my entire life, to not be like anyone else. And then I realized I didn't even have to try! There is such a unique "Me-ness" to me that it is not difficult to be unlike anyone else. The true struggle was ACCEPTING myself as this person, and all of the judgment and perceptions of me that other people may carry along because of that self-acceptance. This is true for YOU too. And you. And you over there. And you. And Grandma in the corner, knitting, of course. And Batman. This is true for EVERYONE!

What is the point in telling you this? Well... at the moment, I don't know. But this is where my fingers started walking over the keyboard, and I imagine the words they are creating will come together at some point to make a fantastic masterpiece. So, let's keep going, shall we?

There is an interesting conversation I had with a friend the other day about "alternative" being called "alternative". We were talking about Holistic Health, and how so many of these practices are being labeled "alternative", as if they are totally crazy and weird and out of the norm. When really, if you reeeeeeaaaally take a good hard think about it, these "alternatives" have been around for much, much longer than the Western world way of thinking. And for some reason, they seem to be seen as taboo, crazy hippie talk, woo-woo medicine, and perhaps even... *gasp*, "don't say it!", WITCHCRAFT! 

Eegaad!

So, that got me thinking. As a parent of a Highly Awesome Child, if you are looking for solutions or tools to support your child on this wild and wonderful, (and admittedly challenging), adventure if can become entirely overwhelming trying to find the right ones for you. 

You can walk the path towards the Western medical system and they might tell you that medication and diagnoses are the way. This might be something you feel comfortable with and find solace in. If so, and these tools support your child, then RAD! Some of you might walk the "alternative" route and work with energy workers, nutritionists, and coaches of Magic Moms of Highly Awesome Children... *ahem*. (A shameless plug, reminding you that I am here to support you never hurt anyone, right? :) ). And some of you will find comfort in the center line, with teachers on both sides, Western and Woo-woo.

Whatever way you go, and wherever you find support that helps your child THRIVE is the right way for your family. 

"So where the heck do we start?!", you may be asking. And this is where it gets really fun, AND can feel really intimidating. So this is my strong suggestion for you...

Start with ONE tool. Find one person, one method of therapy, one idea, one practice, one something that you trust, feel comfortable with, feels easy (as much as it can) and feels good to you. 

When we start trying to do too many things at once, we become overwhelmed. Especially as Magic Moms (or Rad Dads) of these Highly Awesome Children. You may have lived in your child's experience before and I believe that I speak some truth when I say that you know what it would feel like for your child to be faced with so many different people, and new exercises to try, all at once. 

A business coach recently offered some new tools to me in the form of online support, and she recommended the same thing. Choose ONE! 

This doesn't mean that you have to stick with only one. Or that you are going to have the same one for the rest of your lives. OR, that the one you choose will even work for you. What it does mean is that you are starting somewhere, jumping in and learning what works and what doesn't work. Which then leads you to understanding you and your child's needs on a deeper level that before, and with more confidence to go out there in the world and find what you are looking for. 

So I have a few questions for you now...

1. What ONE tool are you going to start exploring? 
2. Have you fully, and I mean FULLY, accepted yourself yet?
3. If not, how do you plan on beginning to do so?
4. And, how do you plan on teaching your child just how freakin' AWESOME they are? With all their gifts, all their quirks, all their special characteristics, and all their wonderful weirdness?

YOU are worth this. Yep, and you. And Grandma in the corner. Even Batman... and Robin. We are all worth this. And it is just a matter of going out there, grabbing life by the cahones, and starting with ONE thing. 

Please share below and let us know (yep, I rhymed), what ONE thing you are choosing to start with in any aspect of your life. 

And remember, as always, have fun!

Love, Light and Unicorns,
Erin Stephanie
Coach for Magic Moms (and Rad Dads) of Highly Awesome Children