In this episode of Spectrum in Camouflage, I wrap up stories from my recent Colorado hunting trip and delve into the importance of giving yourself grace as a parent—especially when raising a special needs child. Through personal stories, I discuss the parallels between hunting and fatherhood, from learning patience to honoring personal convictions. After a challenging experience where I chose not to take a shot at an elk due to ethical considerations, I came back home to face the complex reality of parenting Wyatt and the unexpected waves of stress that can come with daily life.

I reflect on the need for flexibility and understanding, both with our children and with ourselves. Each moment requires a unique approach, and as parents, it’s essential to recognize that things may not always go as planned. This episode encourages all parents to acknowledge their limits, celebrate their efforts, and embrace their humanity.

• Knowing When to Take Your Shot: Recognize when to act and when to pause—whether in hunting or parenting. Making decisions based on what feels right can prevent regret and promote peace.
• The Power of Self-Compassion: Parenting a special needs child can test our patience and resilience, but it's vital to practice self-compassion, even when things don’t go as planned.
• Learning from Experience: Just as hunting requires ethical and personal boundaries, parenting also benefits from understanding and respecting our values and limitations.
• Handling Stressful Days: Some days may feel like setbacks, but taking a breath and resetting is a healthy way to manage moments of frustration.

If you found value in this episode, please share it with others who might benefit from these insights. Reach out with your own experiences at tommy@spectrumincamouflage.com, or visit spectrumincamouflage.com for more episodes and resources.

Today, I reflect on powerful lessons learned from a hunting trip in Colorado and how they apply to parenting, especially as a parent of a special needs child. I share a story about my friend’s perseverance in hunting and how that same resilience is essential in parenting, where the “prizes” are small but monumental milestones, like Wyatt learning to take himself to the bathroom.

I discuss the importance of avoiding rigid timelines for our children’s growth, especially in a world that can sometimes push parents to compare or rush progress. Instead, I encourage embracing each child’s individual pace. Through my experiences, I hope to inspire parents to persevere through the hard times and celebrate every small victory as it comes.

• The Power of Perseverance: Whether it’s in hunting or parenting, resilience is essential. Pushing through the hard moments often leads to breakthroughs.
• Avoid Time Constraints: Putting rigid timelines on your child’s development can create unnecessary stress and disappointment. Celebrate their unique progress, however small.
• Every Milestone Counts: For special needs children, even small achievements are major victories. Cherish each step forward as they grow at their own pace.
• Supporting Each Other: Surround yourself with a community that understands and shares your journey, and don’t hesitate to reach out when you need it.

If this episode resonates with you or if you know a parent who could use some encouragement, please share it! Feel free to reach out to me with your thoughts and experiences at tommy@spectrumincamouflage.com. You can also visit spectrumincamouflage.com for more episodes and resources to support your journey.

In this episode of Spectrum in Camouflage, I recorded from a hunting trip in Colorado and discussed how anxieties and fears can drain our energy before an event even starts. I also shared personal struggles with long road trips, family dynamics, and the exhaustion that comes with balancing personal needs with caring for my son, Wyatt, who is on the autism spectrum.

I emphasize the importance of embracing each new day as a fresh start. Through pep talks, faith, and practical strategies, I discuss how we can better manage our stress and stop worrying about what might go wrong. Whether dealing with a family event, an unexpected breakdown on the road, or just the daily grind, I encourage listeners to focus on the present and the small, meaningful moments like watching the sunrise.

Ultimately, this episode is about finding peace in life’s challenges and learning to protect your energy for the people who matter most—your family.

• The Power of Pep Talks: It’s essential to give yourself mental encouragement when facing stressful situations. Whether it’s an anxiety-inducing road trip or a difficult family gathering, a positive mindset can help you push through.
• Anxiety and Control: Sometimes, we stress about things we can’t control, like road conditions or our child’s behavior at family events. Accepting that not everything is in our control can ease that anxiety.
• Family and Energy Protection: Protecting your family and your energy is vital. You may need to set boundaries at family events or decide to skip certain activities for your own well-being.
• Embracing New Days: Every day is a fresh opportunity. Whether it’s dealing with a hard day or feeling anxious about tomorrow, there’s always a chance for something positive and new.
• Finding Peace in Small Moments: Simple actions, like watching the sunrise, can remind us that every day is a gift. These moments help reset our minds and prepare us for what’s ahead.

If this episode resonates with you, I’d love to hear from you. Whether you're dealing with similar challenges, have advice, or need to share your own journey, let's connect and support each other.

You can reach me at tommy@spectrumincamouflage.com or visit spectrumincamouflage.com for more resources and episodes.