Lit From Within

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“If you light a lamp for somebody, it will also brighten your path.” – Buddha

I think the people in life who I’ve learned some of the most memorable lessons from are the ones who are lit from within. Like Robin Williams in the movie Dead Poets Society, there’s an infectious spirit that makes me feel like I’m not only learning but also catching a spark.

I mention this because of a recent podcast conversation Vicki Atkinson and I had with blogger, parent, FASD advocate and amazing human, Ab from the My Life with T blog. Ab is definitely lit from within.

Ab tells us of the moment both his advocacy and blogging started. When a program supporting kids like his young son was canceled, it lit both fires.

The writing practice is part of Ab’s self-care. It helps him process the events that need to be noted, held onto, learned from, and cherished. It’s a great tool in his wonderful resource kit for parenting well.

And then his writing helps to raise awareness about people living with FASD. Ab shares the definition of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and we discuss how building awareness and understanding is so important.

Ab makes such great connections about different blogs and the way our writing unites us.

It was so much fun to be able to talk with Ab. It feels as if we are old friends after interacting nearly every day for 4 years on one blog or another. He is so passionate, funny and articulate and we could have talked for hours. Vicki and I are so lucky to have the great fun of being able to talk with people who are dear blog friends.

This in an incredible conversation about how moments of disappointment and frustration can blossom into something fruitful when you follow the threads as Ab did.

I’m confident you’ll love the scenic and beautiful places we explore as we share the power of storytelling.

We know you’ll love it!

Search (and subscribe!) for Sharing the Heart of the Matter on Apple, Amazon, Spotify or Pocket Casts OR Listen to it from your computer on Anchor: Episode 85: Writing and Advocacy with Ab

AND subscribe to our YouTube channel to see a video clip of each story: @SharingtheHeartoftheMatter.

Links for this Episode:

My Life with T blog by Ab

In Canada: What is FASD? – CanFASD

In the United States: FASD United

A great resource for caregivers trying to understand and support a loved one with FASD:

Trying Differently Rather Than Harder: Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders – Third Edition: 9780972953207: Books – Amazon.ca

A book by recognized FASD educator Nate Sheets:

Essential FASD Supports: Understanding and Supporting People with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders: Sheets, Nate: 9781977245083: Books – Amazon.ca

From the Hosts:

Vicki’s recently released book: Surviving Sue

Wynne’s book about her beloved father: Finding My Father’s Faith

42 thoughts on “Lit From Within”

  1. Sounds like a wonderful, fun, and important conversation. Amazing isn’t it, all the reasons we all blog. Ab does to express himself and raise awareness on a seldom talked about disability. Thanks to Ab and you two lovely ladies for sharing.

    Liked by 3 people

  6. FASD as a background is intriguing. That, alone, sets his life apart from many of us. Thanks for bringing his voice to your podcast ladies.

    Liked by 3 people

  9. We never think we’ll become an advocate, until we do! Sometimes it’s just a whole lot better to turn the poison into medicine, isn’t it!

    In my own journey, I struggled to find answers and I think that deep struggle is what became my motivator to share my lessons.

    50 years ago, the concept of being able to actually do inner healing from past traumas instead of denying them and shoving them deep down, wasn’t available to people, so they self-medicated. Alcohol and pain medications were abused, resulting in many children struggling with the fallout.

    As tumultuous as our times are now, we’re very blessed to have a lot of information around to be able to do our inner healing from our pasts.

    Liked by 2 people

  11. I just finished watching the podcast and left a comment over there. Terrific job, Wynne! Big shoutout to Ab for getting it right as a parent.

    Liked by 2 people

  15. Wynne, thank you again to you and Vicki for having me on your podcast. It was both a joy to finally meet you both and to also have an opportunity to spread awareness and advocacy about something so important to me.

    I’m trying to remember now which one of us met the other first. Regardless of how we met, I am thankful that we did. 😊 And seeing each other’s kids grow up from afar is fun too.

    My days do feel like they’re on fire on some days so maybe that’s what you mean by being lit. 😆 All jokes aside, that’s a very kind comment. I certainly don’t have always have great moments, but I do try to focus on the positives in life. And my T gives me the inspiration to do so.

    Thanks again and enjoy your weekend! I look forward to sharing this on my blog shortly and with my loved ones too. 🙏💕

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Soooo fun to meet you in Zoom, Ab! Yes, this journey is amazing — and you are a great companion for all the ways you are on fire!! 🙂 ❤

      Love this podcast with you. We’re going to have to do more you know!

      Liked by 1 person

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