“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:
A book by recognized FASD educator Nate Sheets:
From the Hosts:
Vicki’s recently released book: Surviving Sue
Wynne’s book about her beloved father: Finding My Father’s Faith
Surprised By Joy 