Grateful for Advocacy
Grateful for Advocacy
The Work of Caregiving
If we think about it, starting a family is like starting a business from the ground up. We put in long hours, are on-call 24-7, and make sacrifices on behalf of our mission and vision. In that light, let’s think about all of the specialized skills that go into caregiving.
The CEO or Chief Everything Officer sets the vision and core values of the family, making crucial decisions and solving problems. Human Resources focuses on relationships, fostering well-being and conflict resolution. Daily routines and logistics fall into Operations ensuring daily workflows run smoothly, handling logistics and schedules, and managing household supply chains. All things run through the Finance Department with a family budget and financial planning, planning future investments and teaching financial literacy. Shaping the family’s public image and community presence we find Marketing + Public Relations. Lifelong learning, skill-building and personal growth falls into Research + Development.
Mission of Advocacy – Can we meet it with Gratitude?
In a company there is a full staff with specialized skills working toward the same goal. In a family, Caregivers are it.
At Way to Grow, we see firsthand the immense dedication and love you pour into your family every single day. We also know that even the most dedicated "CEOs" face the risk of burnout. When we get so caught up in giving, we can forget to advocate for ourselves. But here's a truth we hold dear: your well-being is not a luxury; it's a vital part of your family’s mission.
Feeling seen, heard and valued can make an immense difference in the life of caregivers. Making practicing gratitude part of your daily routine can have a lasting positive effect on your life. From her book, Rising Strong, Brene Brown says, “I don’t have to chase extraordinary moments to find happiness – it’s right in front of me if I’m paying attention and practicing gratitude.” When we practice gratitude we acknowledge our hardships and step into the joy of gratitude and the confidence of an abundant future. We, at Way to Grow, will always seek to point to your strengths and lift you up, so that you too can see that great good we see in you.
The Power of Vulnerability
Our core values of authenticity and connection are not just for the children we serve—they're for you, too. In a world that often celebrates self-sufficiency, we want to remind you that vulnerability is a superpower. When you admit you're struggling, you're not failing; you're creating a powerful connection. You're showing your community that it's okay to be human, and in doing so, you give others the opportunity to step up and serve you in a meaningful way. This act of asking for help builds the kind of trust that is the bedrock of a strong family and a strong community.
The powerful truth is that vulnerability is often rewarded by resonant connection. You are not the only one in the boat. The staff of Way to Grow are here to advocate for prospering family relationships.
Connection is the Antidote
Collaboration and connection are your greatest tools against stress. The same way a company's success depends on its team, a family's resilience depends on its network of support. Your therapists, friends, and fellow parents are your partners. They want to celebrate your small wins and help carry the heavy loads. Helping others is one of the most fulfilling human experiences, and by letting others help you, you're giving them the gift of purpose.
A Call to Action for Every Caregiver
Remember, you don't have to navigate this journey alone. Your mission is too important.
Call to Action:
Reach out. Send a text to a friend and tell them you're having a hard day.
Share your story. Connect with another family in our community and share your "Growth Moments"—or your challenges.
Advocate for yourself. Look into our caregiver support groups, workshops, or simply book a one-on-one consultation with a therapist to talk about your needs.
Start a gratitude journal. Using the attached worksheet, join Way to Grow in a 30-day gratitude challenge this month, seeking one thing to be grateful for each day and writing it down.
Show your gratitude with a shout-out. Celebrate a parent, therapist, staff member, or community hero and let them know how much you appreciate them by sharing here!
When you take care of yourself, you are truly helping your family reach new heights.
Thankful for you,
Mary
The Way to Grow Pediatric Therapy Team 🌟
about our featured writer:
Mary joined team Way to Grow professionally this past summer, but she is certainly not new to the W2G community! She has played a huge role as advocate + beloved parent to her three precious daughters, as she has journeyed into the world of neurodivergence, regulation skills, and speech development + partnered with W2G along the way. Her fervor for advocacy + vulnerable connection spilled over into the wait room at Way to Grow, where she was later empowered to join our team part-time as a community partnership coordinator! While Mary’s career is in accounting, she has a degree in Radio + Television, and is passionate about expansion + creativity through many different forms including: creating podcast content, writing her book, painting, + sharing her personal story with others.
