Pamela Russell

Cultivating curiosity helps us learn to tune into our true selves. Our true self is always in the present moment. It allows us to see our patterns of thoughts and judgments. And, with practice, can even give us the gift of feeling like we can step away from the situation and see it for what is really happening.

Padma Gordon

We discovered that this change may include a struggle to accept your new role. Do you find yourself wrestling with what it is? If so, this is very common. In most cases, Rare caregivers make the choiceless choice to take care of their Rare child. Who can do it better than you?

Pamela Russell

The stories we tell ourselves often hold judgements and cycles of old habits and patterns. This is how we create the filters we see life. It is becoming more commonly understood that our brains are constantly changing with new information, this is called neuroplasticity… now it’s not as easily recognized that this happens regardless of the information being real or imaginary.

Padma Gordon

The theme of the meeting was appreciation. We explored how important it is to appreciate and acknowledge yourself. Let’s face it, most of us are our own toughest critics. It can be challenging to appreciate yourself. Self-appreciation is a practice. It’s a muscle and when you use it it gets stronger.

Pamela Russell

We, as human beings, have inner voices and those inner voices determine who we become. So it's very important for us to make sure that our inner voices are working on our side, rather than against us.

Padma Gordon

Evolution means growing into the best version of yourself. Ask yourself, how can you be more conscious and self-aware? Slow down and notice yourself and your reactive habit patterns.

Padma Gordon

For those of you who are not in a primary relationship and are in a Rare family, I wanted to announce that beginning in two weeks the group will focus on Rare Family Dynamics. We will explore the different kinds of relational dynamics you have in your Rare family starting with the relationship you have with yourself, your Rare child, your neurotypical child and the various members of your care team.

Pamela Russell

Sometimes the going gets really tough, because you can’t help but feel like everything is piling on top of you at once… whether it’s one thing after the other or it’s a huge piece coming at you. It’s natural for this to happen in life, but that doesn’t mean we have to relate to it from a place of anxiety, overwhelm or pushing through.

Padma Gordon

Humor serves in relationships in many ways. A well-placed joke can lighten the mood in the midst of a challenging moment with your Rare child. Humor has the amazing quality of being able to break up what is happening and catalyze a shift. Humor is magical in its' transformative nature.