I am an advocate for difference and freedom. I have grown up and discovered my passion in a very public way, having a mother who's an actress, comedian, speaker, and eventually an internationally renowned mental health therapist and expert is part of it. But also having grown up in a family of obnoxious difference meant being forever in the public eye. Our noisy, autistic, colorful, and never fitting the mold family invited stares from strangers pretending not to stare, and judgmental (even fearful) opinions from others pretending to care.
Living and learning while lots of people watch is quite
comfortable for me. I know no other way, and have noticed that it's
helped me enjoy and appreciate all the changes in who I am and who
we are as a world along the way. When everything is on the table
(from spelling mistakes to abusive behavior) it's almost impossible
to be very judgmental; of myself or others.
What I've learned is to try and do, give and accept, learn
from and teach to, never waiting until I'm "ready" but to become
ready by doing.
It was my birthday the other day. And my two oldest sons (who
live far from me) had something up their sleeve. They knew that I
would love it--which is a gift itself! They were excited and
thrilled to finally present me with what they had worked on, and
were absolutely right to assume would be the most beautiful gift
for this mom.
A song my son wrote about how cool he and his brothers are.
About how different, colorful, and awesome our family is. And a
music video of that song edited by my other son, who surprised both
me and his brother with the gift.
You know, there are not many inherently right or wrong answers
in this world. All of us are making it up as we go, and I've seen
even in my own writings and on camera interviews proof of ever
evolving ideas on what is and isn't true, smart, and
right.
But one thing I can say with confidence is that my sons are
getting life right. Gifting me with what I truly want, gifting
themselves with what truly matters, gifting the world with what it
can always benefit from: Living. Loving. Doing. Celebrating.
Trying. Giving. Accepting.
This music video is a beautiful example that. This video is an
example of everything I love and believe. It's proof that parenting
by example is still working, and didn't end with my own mom.
Putting it out there for the world to see is a family
tradition.
Please take a moment to enjoy the song, the celebration, and
the amazing gift that is: My Sons!
"Be the change you wish to see in the world"~Mahatma
Gandhi
I've always loved that quote. And it's made even more powerful
when we see that it works!!
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