ML Interest Tag: soul

A Prequel to “Soul” Is Coming to Disney+ & It Answers Some Important Questions

by Erica Loop

Disney recently announced the upcoming release of a brand-new short from Pixar Animation. Based on Tina Fey’s sarcastically witty soul 22 from the 2020 animated hit flick Soul, the short explores the meaning of life and more!

The prequel to Soul, titled 22 vs. Earth, tells the tale of soul 22 and her attempt at a rebellion in The Great Before. Instead of entering Earth, 22 has other things in mind—namely staying exactly where she is.

photo courtesy of Disney/Pixar

Not only does 22 refuse to go to Earth, she teams up with five other new souls to rebel against the rules. 22 vs. Earth director and 21-year Pixar veteran, Kevin Nolting, said in a press release, “While making ‘Soul,’ we talked about the why of a new soul not wanting to live on Earth, but it didn’t ultimately belong in that movie.”

Nolting added, “22 vs. Earth was a chance to explore some of the unanswered questions we had about why 22 was so cynical. As a fairly cynical person myself, it felt like perfect material.”

22 vs. Earth will stream on Disney+ starting Apr. 30!

—Erica Loop

 

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Mama, I See You

By Chrystal Venator

I see you doing it all.

I see you down on the floor helping your child get through a meltdown.

I see you exhausted in the night, as you wake up hourly to settle your child but then get up with them at 4 a.m. to start your day.

I see you longing for the diaper-free days as you continue to change your 7-year-old.

I see you feeding your child whatever they will willingly eat and be worried sick about their growth.

I see you at the pharmacy buying the stool softeners and probiotics because you’re desperate for your child to get relief.

I see you checking the emails late at night and trying to construct a response to the teacher about your child’s behaviors from the day.

I see you on the phone advocating and fighting for the supports and services that your child needs.

I see you covering the scratches on your arm because people will judge your child instead of offering to understand.

I see you worrying about your other children. I see you feeling guilty as you try to meet all the needs of every member of your family.

I see you desperate for a word, a sound….anything that will keep perpetuating hope.

I see you skipping meals because you’re so busy with appointments, cleaning and daily care that you forget to eat.

I see you trying to keep up with the dishes and laundry, homework and suppers.

I see you tired deep in your soul but still pushing forward, still showing up every single day.

I see you sitting through the therapies and appointments always doing what needs to be done for your child.

I see you praying hard for peace, comfort, progress and sleep.

I see you constantly completing paperwork for insurance wondering if it will ever end.

I see you dealing with family and friends who just don’t understand.

I see you crying silently in the shower because you’re stretched so thin trying to do it all.

I see you as the beautiful Mama that you are.

I see you showing up every day for your family.

I see your worries and fears for the future.

But most importantly:

I see your strength.

I see your dedication.

I see that you’re amazing.

I see that you’re doing a great job.

No one else can fill your shoes.

I see how much you love and how loved you are.

I see the difference that you’re making for your family.

You are everything.

You are enough.

I will always see you.

This post originally appeared on Stalen’s Way Blog.
Feature image via iStock.

I am a proud wife, ASD Mom, Step-Mom. At 21 months, my son was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. He is 5 years old and non-verbal. I have become a full-time stay-at-home mom. I am 1000% focused on raising autism awareness and helping my son live a full and fun life. 

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It’s Okay to Rest Your Weary Head

By Ali Flynn

Photo: Ali Flynn

Sometimes we all need to rest our weary head, take pause and simply sit for a moment.

It may not look pretty. We may look a mess. But, we are doing exactly what we are meant to do, at that moment.

Some days we truly need to rest our weary head.

Maybe we are in overdrive due to not being able to shut down thoughts, which perseverate through our mind, day after day, and the stress taking hold, causing feelings of isolation…but it’s okay to rest your weary head.

Maybe it’s taking on too much as a Mom and attempting to be everything to everyone, answering what feels like hundreds of questions daily, while our name is being called over and over again…but it’s okay to rest your weary head.

Maybe it’s the balance of work, friends, family, and everyday stressors taking over and suffocating who you are as an individual woman…but it’s okay to rest your weary head.

It’s okay to say no.

It’s okay to take a break.

It’s okay to feel overwhelmed even when trying your best to keep life moving forward with positivity.

So friends, no matter what is weighing heavy on your heart and no matter what is weighing you down, know this to be true:

It’s okay to take a pause and do what is meant for you at that moment.

Not what is meant for your friend. Not what is meant for your mother. Not what is meant for your neighbor and not what is meant for your sister.

You. Do what is right for you.

Do you need a break away?

Do you need ten minutes alone to regroup?

Whatever it may be, acknowledge what you need and give yourself permission to lay down your head, take a deep breath and move forward along your journey.

Your soul will thank you for the respite.

It’s okay mama to rest your weary head.

This post originally appeared on Hang in there mama by Ali Flynn.

 

 

Ali Flynn Is excited to share with you the joys and hardships of motherhood with an open heart, laughter and some tears. Ali is a monthly guest contributor for Westchester County Mom  and has been seen on Filter Free Parents, Grown and Flown, Today Parents and Her View From Home.

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Turning My Worry into Wonder

By Kim Mcisaac

Worry could be my middle name.

I suffer from severe anxiety. 

I don’t know where normal worry begins or ends because the anxiety takes of over like an uncontrollable monster that steals every ounce of rational thought.

All parents worry and parents with special needs children, or medically complex children even more so. 

Our children are so vulnerable and that makes us vulnerable too. 

I worry about what will happen to my daughter if I die. If anyone will love her, understand her, and connect with her the way I do. 

I know she will be cared for and I know she will be loved but she needs so much more. 

I worry about her getting sick or hurt as she is unable to communicate this with us.  When she is sick I have to fight the panic that can consume me. 

I worry about someone mistreating her or worse—how will I know?  

The worry can eat away at you. 

I wonder why this happened to her and what she would be like if she wasn’t affected by this. 

Would she be as happy, as sweet and lovable? Would she bring light and joy to everyone the way she does now?  

I wonder why I was blessed with this beautiful soul to take care of, this sweet and sassy, smart and silly girl, who is full of innocence and love. 

I wonder what kind of person I would be without her. 

I wonder what she thinks, how she feels, what it’s like to be her—is she truly happy?

I wonder if she knows how much I love her, deep in my soul, a connection like no other. 

I wonder if she knows how proud I am for every single accomplishment, no matter how small because I know how much work it is for her and how hard she had to dig for them. That my heart could burst with every new word that I thought I would never hear, every hug or kiss that I didn’t think I would ever receive. 

I wonder if she knows I would take all her struggles, confusion, and pain as my own and carry them for her if I could. 

I wonder what she will surprise me with next because she never ceases to amaze me. The worry as a special needs mom, a mom in general, and for me as a person will never stop. I have learned however to find happiness and peace in the here and now. To find the humor in every situation and to appreciate the beauty this life has bought me. 

 

Kim McIsaac , is a blogger at autism adventures with Alyssa . She resides in Massachusetts with her husband and four children .  She advocates and passionate about spreading autism awareness and educating and inspiring others . She likes to write , spend time with her  family and loves the beach . 

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You Are Forever Loved

By Ali Flynn

Photo: Ali Flynn

Sweet girl, can I tell you a few secrets?

You are forever loved and cherished for being you.

Your giggle is imprinted on my soul.

You may feel lost at times, finding your way, but hold on tight and have the confidence to know your path will be revealed.

Your perseverance is admirable and forces me to reach towards my goals.

You are my first born and my first true love.

The first moment I held you, I lost my breath with sheer joy.

You radiate positivity and I pray you continue this throughout your life journey.

Your smile is infectious and one not to be judged or quieted down.

Your words need to be heard.

Your unique self is perfect just as it is.

Your strong will is admirable and makes me realize you are equipped to take on the world.

You, my girl, are one of life’s greatest blessings.

You. Me. Us. We.

Always connected. Forever bonded. Continuously loving one another.

XO

This post originally appeared on Hang in there mama by Ali Flynn.

 

 

Ali Flynn Is excited to share with you the joys and hardships of motherhood with an open heart, laughter and some tears. Ali is a monthly guest contributor for Westchester County Mom  and has been seen on Filter Free Parents, Grown and Flown, Today Parents and Her View From Home.

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Bindi Irwin & Chandler Powell Welcome a Baby Girl!

by Erica Loop

Bindi Irwin and husband Chandler Powell are parents! The Crikey! It’s the Irwins star (and daughter of famed “Crocodile Hunter” Steve Irwin) welcomed daughter Grace Warrior Irwin Powell on Mar. 25.

March has a whole new meaning for Irwin and Powell now. Not only is it the couple’s anniversary, but it’s also their first child’s birth month. Irwin posted a sweet family Instagram pic and a caption celebrating both awesome occasions.

Irwin wrote on IG, “March 25, 2021. Celebrating the two loves of my life. Happy first wedding anniversary to my sweetheart husband and day of birth to our beautiful daughter.”

She continued, explaining her new daughter’s special name, “Grace Warrior Irwin Powell. Our graceful warrior is the most beautiful light. Grace is named after my great-grandmother, and relatives in Chandler’s family dating back to the 1700s. Her middle names, Warrior Irwin, are a tribute to my dad and his legacy as the most incredible Wildlife Warrior. Her last name is Powell and she already has such a kind soul just like her dad.”

Irwin also posted an adorable onesie pic with her newborn’s name and birth stats. According to the post, baby Grace Warrior Irwin Powell was born at 5:52 p.m., weighs seven pounds and seven ounces and is 20 inches long!

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Shutterstock

 

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I Had to Grow up Faster Than I Ever Imagined

By Samira Soto

It’s only been a short period of time that I’ve stood beside Kanen in this autism journey—6 months ago to be exact is when I heard the official words that changed my world. I don’t know what it is about those words that find a way into a mother’s soul and crushes her spirt but they do. I think mainly because we know this world is not designed for different. It’s simply not made for our child.

During the grieving process you might find your self slipping into the darkness that surrounds any diagnosis. Praying for a light at the end of the tunnel. Before autism changed my world, I was motivated. I was selfish. I was everything you would expect a young 25 year old girl to be. And overnight I knew I had to grow up far beyond the years of my peers.

It was almost instantly that I stopped relating to girls’ night out or “Sunday Funday’s.” While my friends were out living their best lives, my life suddenly felt like I was parachuted into the middle of a dark jungle, expected to walk down a path I’ve never seen before. With no directions, no map, no flashlight, and definitely no tour guide.

Along the voyage I learned I wasn’t alone. I found other mom’s in the dark. And they did something remarkable. Life changing even. They took a seat right beside me. Maybe they sat for only a moment, maybe it’s was for a few days, or a week, or a month. “I will sit in the dark with you, for as long as you need. Whenever you need” they said.

I’ve learned life will throw you curveballs you were never prepared to bat up for. And when they hit they’ll leave bruises that might take a lifetime to heal. It’s okay to cry, be angry, mad, sad, frustrated, and confused. To feel like you’re lost in the dark. Feel all the feels, you’re human too, remember that. But just know you’re never alone. I’ll always be here to take a seat with you. For as long as you need or whenever you need.

Samira is a 25 year old single mom to a 2 year old son Kanen Arley. Her son Kanen was diagnosed with severe non-verbal autism in September of 2020, which inspired her to start sharing their journey through My Charming Arley on Facebook and Samirasstella on Instagram.

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The Darker Side of Motherhood

By Jaime Ramos

It’s no secret being a mom is hard. I think it once was a secret, but it isn’t any longer. Too many of us blabbing about it on the internet. I knew before kids it would be, but It’s a different kind of hard than I expected. Mothering is a paradoxical life event. An ability I was born with. A biological and worldly life calling I never doubted. It’s a weight though. A heavy life-altering load. It changes your identity, It consumes you in every way.

I have two kids. They are my everything. My oldest, Johnny, is five and on the autism spectrum. Something I wasn’t prepared for. I’m consistently trying to learn and grow, but it’s hard. There is no guide book given to the parent of any child, but especially a child with autism. We have a lot of ups and downs.

Everything in our life is off the beaten path. It’s hard to explain, but we have days, and sometimes weeks, where Johnny is more engaged and aware. He is still autistic and himself but it’s like he is with us more. He has more gains and wins. I’m not going to lie, it’s easier. It’s the time of hope and payoffs to all the hard work.

The other times that my husband and I usually compare with babies “Wonder Weeks”, he’s grumpier, temperamental, and sensitive. These weeks bad behaviors like spitting, screaming, meltdowns, rough nights, etc. become the norm. During these times I feel down, lost, and discouraged. The older he gets, the back and forth between these times get harder.

I should expect the roller coaster, but I always hope they will level out, and hopefully with us on top. On the hard days, I try to stay positive but doubt and worry swarm my mind. This week, it’s very hard. It’s hard not to internalize your child yelling at you, hurting you, and hurting himself. The worst is how I don’t know how to make it better for him. I don’t know why or what is causing it.

When you have a child you take on the responsibility for their life. It’s your job to raise, protect, and teach them. I’m trying my hardest to do those things but it wears on me. Right now it feels like I’m talking at the wall. Like teaching is off the table. It’s pure protection, planning, and defense. I need breaks from my child sometimes. Not in the cute hiding in the bathroom eating a candy bar way, but in the crying into my pillow wishing I had more endurance and patience way. A way that hurts my soul that makes me feel wrong.

I don’t know what I thought motherhood would be. I’ve taken on an enormous task I knew wouldn’t be easy, but I didn’t quite understand the effects. I don’t feel like my child needs to change or fit, but more like I’m the one that doesn’t fit. I should be strong and endure. I should be able to do what needs to be done. I should be able to stay calm in the storm. I do those things 90% of the time, but it takes a toll. Some days it breaks me a little bit. It’s my darkness, but luckily I know it will go. I’ll go for a walk and I will recenter myself and get back to it because I’m the mom and I love my kid.

This post originally appeared on Johnny's Spirit.

Jaime Ramos, is a mom from Colorado. She's married to Isaac and has two kids, Amelie and Jesse. Jesse, her Johnny, is on the Autism Spectrum. She went to school to be a filmmaker, but now spends her days mainly as a stay at home mom.

 

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Where Has the Time Gone?

By Samira Soto

As we approach your 3rd birthday I can’t help but reflect back on these past years.

It’s just been you and me from the start.

And although some days feel like an eternity, I still catch myself wondering, ‘Where has the time gone?’

God made me the luckiest woman alive when he chose me to be your mom.

Thank you for your tender kisses, and for your ferocious hugs.

For showing me in return all the heart and soul I have poured into you, and for your gentle ‘I love you’s’ to remind me of why I will never stop.

Thank you for making me a better mom every day. 

For teaching me more patience than I ever knew I was capable of, and for still loving me unconditionally in the times I don’t.

Thank you for your strength and perseverance.

For reminding me every day of the miracle of a spoken word, and for giving me every reason to believe in hope for the future.

 

Thank you for being uniquely you.

For allowing me to step into your world, to see all the wonder, magic, and beauty within, and for your forgiveness in the times I can’t always.

 

Thank you for the lives you are touching, and the mindsets you are changing.

For these people will now move forward in their lives with a better understanding of autism, and hopefully will walk through society with more compassion because of you.

 

You and this world of wonder that I call autism have taught me amazing things about life this past year that I don’t think I would’ve experienced if not for you two.

You’ve both have taught me how to turn my grief into gratitude. 

Pain into perseverance.

Sorrows into sacrifices.

 

It’s surreal to say that a little boy so curious and charming like you, and a world I knew nothing about could teach me the most important things about this life.
 

I’d choose you in every lifetime Kanen.

The goofiest little goober, I love you more than you’ll ever understand.
 

Your mom,

Samira

Samira is a 25 year old single mom to a 2 year old son Kanen Arley. Her son Kanen was diagnosed with severe non-verbal autism in September of 2020, which inspired her to start sharing their journey through My Charming Arley on Facebook and Samirasstella on Instagram.

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Friends, I Feel You

By Ali Flynn

friends

Friends,

If you are worried and lay awake, in the wee hours of the night…I feel you.

If you are feeling a bit isolated and miss seeing a friend…I feel you.

If your home is missing the sweet spot of laughter from family and friends…I feel you.

If you miss eating at your favorite restaurant for date night…I feel you.

If you are scared a loved one can’t find a location for a vaccine…I feel you.

If you are lonely…I feel you.

If you love this time alone and your introverted self is smiling…I feel you.

If you miss the hustle and bustle on the streets, whether you live in a big city or a small town…I feel you.

If you are holding in your family’s emotions day after day and keeping it all in check, but about to lose it at any minute…I feel you.

If you are out of ideas for dinner and have lost your desire to cook…I feel you.

If you are hoping each day your children’s activities can begin so they have an outlet…I feel you.

If you are surviving on insurmountable amounts of coffee to get you through the day…I feel you.

If algebraic expressions have caused you to break out again like a teenager…I feel you.

If you hear the word Zoom one more time and want to scream or wipe it out of your vocabulary…I feel you.

If you are yearning for your kiddos to use paper and a pencil again, for fear they have forgotten how to write…I feel you.

If you worry about your kid’s happiness…I feel you.

If joy isn’t entering your soul as often as it once did…I feel you.

If the silver linings allow joy to seep in at every moment possible…I feel you.

If you miss the days of meeting a friend at the local coffee shop and talking for hours at the tiny table in the corner…I feel you.

If you are happy but feel a piece of you is missing…I feel you.

If you see a new independence within your child, as they navigate online learning and see life lessons emerging…I feel you.

If you see your child depending on you each day, to hold their hand to get through the day of online learning…I feel you.

If each day is a struggle with online learning taking over, emotions running high, and arguments flying all over…I feel you.

If you are feeling a bit depleted and lost…I feel you.

Friends, it’s hard… I feel you. I see you. I am with you.

Let’s all lean in on each other. Through each other’s strength and support, we will be lifted and rise above.

There is a light.

I see the flicker and I am following the glimmer, with a heart full of hope.

This post originally appeared on Hang in there mama.

 

 

Ali Flynn Is excited to share with you the joys and hardships of motherhood with an open heart, laughter and some tears. Ali is a monthly guest contributor for Westchester County Mom  and has been seen on Filter Free Parents, Grown and Flown, Today Parents and Her View From Home.

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