by Connie Erbert

How many New Year’s resolutions have you made for 2012?  The great thing about New Year’s resolutions is that it energizes us with hope that something good, healthy, fun, exciting, emotional, spiritual, socially or personally will happen if we just simply make it happen with a little work, effort, shift in attitude, and, of course, hope! 

The problem with New Year’s resolutions, as most of us know, is that many are forgotten or abandoned by the end of January.  Personally, I think the goals set are soon neglected, because we get caught up in the busyness of our daily lives by January 3^rd.  Quite simply, most of us are too busy to take care of our primary needs of health, happiness, and even prosperity.  Most of us start the year setting ourselves up for disappointment, even before the end of the first month of the year! 

This past year was a difficult one for our family, as we lost my dear sister in March, my amazing uncle in July, and a very dear childhood friend the week of Christmas.  Never is loss felt so deeply as when the holidays roll around and they are no longer present.  There were so many losses for so many people in 2011, that sadness and grief became familiar companions.  It is in these losses, however, that I find the greatest lessons.  It is also where I find hope. 

Over the Christmas break, I made an effort to stay in contact with many of the families of the CARE department. Whether a phone call or an email, I wanted to stay in touch with them through what is sometimes the toughest time of the year.  Autism doesn’t take a break, and for many families, the changes that come with holiday celebrations brings about increased chaos in the home. Regardless of where an individual falls on the spectrum, changes are difficult, and often result in meltdowns, depression, and increased isolation.  In short, it can shape a holiday into something that, despite the best planning, is quite difficult to navigate. 

I could say I was surprised by the response to my contact through these various conversations or emails, but I wasn’t.  What I found was resilience.  The families I work with, and have worked with over the past 20 years are some of the strongest, most resilient people I’ve been blessed to know.  Despite the trials this past season has brought them, all of them, each and every one of them, were choosing hope.  What does it mean to choose hope? 

Choosing hope means that despite our current condition, we refuse to allow darkness, despair, challenges, and sadness to rule.  Choosing hope means that we look at the glass half full, not half empty.  Choosing hope means we look to our left or to our right and see that someone else’s need is much greater than our own. Choosing hope means that we value what we have instead of inviting defeat by what we have not.  Choosing hope means that there is always tomorrow.  All of these families chose hope this past season, and it is where I draw my one and only resolution for 2012. 

I sincerely believe that our greatest accomplishments come through service to others.  It is in small actions that big outcomes can be achieved.  It is where we can be the sustainers of hope when someone is drowning in despair.  It is always where we reap the most reward and make the greatest impact. 

For 2012, you can make a difference by resolving to be involved.  It is not the size of the act that is important…even the smallest kindness can make a huge difference!  Consider the list below as you begin 2012.  When we serve others, it increases their ability to keep their “hope tanks” full.  For a family of an individual with autism your involvement means everything!

1.      Get to know your neighbors who have a child with autism.  By knowing them, you become one more set of “safety eyes” in the neighborhood.

2.     Have some friends who have a child with autism?  Offer to invite their child over for a play date every now and then.  Start with a short period of time at first, maybe watching a preferred video, then increase the amount of time to include other activities.

3.     Teach your child about autism spectrum disorders.  The more your child knows about autism, the better he/she can understand, advocate for, and possibly befriend a classmate with an autism spectrum disorder. 

4.     Be an autism advocate and help increase awareness in your community.  Awareness increases opportunities for individuals on the spectrum in the form of jobs, schools, eating establishments, grocery stores, and church as well as safe and positive interactions with law enforcement. 

5.     Join us April 14^th 2012 for the 5^th annual Autism CARE walk at Heartspring.  Walking with families who have an individual with an autism spectrum disorder is a show of support ALL families deeply appreciate.  It is a simple act that sustains hope for all families throughout the year!