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samIam's avatar

I started running for the first time ever at 36. Having never been athletic, it was so amazing to watch myself get stronger. I am so happy you have found this outlet. You are doing a great job being the best mom you can be during an extremely difficult time. You rock!

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Kristen LaValley's avatar

Thank you!!

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Emily's House of Dreams's avatar

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

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Elisa S. Johnston's avatar

I am so glad you have friends and support. I was going through IEP processes with two of my kids when I got sick for our trauma-filled pregnancy, and some of it had to wait until the waves of all of that weren't in full-on survival crashing storm-mode. I definitely know the weight of carrying ALL the things--grief of what happened while trying to get kids support and the grief that comes with that (even if the kids are still wonderful and a joy). One of my kids has an ASD diagnosis and I'm kinda trying not to freak out as my toddler is nowing showing signs of that too and it feels like too much.

Some wise person told me when I was going through the process to view each diagnosis as an extra chair at the table. That actually finally made me understand why it was so much, so hard, a ton of energy. My family of six now actually has, let me see...thirteen chairs at the table. I need a bigger table. Lol.

I think "control" is an illusion, but there are parts of having IEPs and diagnoses in place that at least help growth. We just end up needing extra help longer than we ever guessed.

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Lauren Jane Bellows's avatar

You’re not alone. I hope you feel all us neurodiverse moms raising neurodiverse babies standing behind you and nodding because I promise it will get better. It will. And you will feel like parts get easier because you are so used to them. Sending you so much love🖤

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Katie Pires's avatar

So much weight to carry and so much to grieve. 🥺

As an experienced runner, I can attest to the peace and quiet running can bring. There were days it was the only sanctuary I could bring myself to be in. I hope God meets you there and you find Him matching you stride for stride.

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Kristen LaValley's avatar

Thank you! 🥹

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Kerry-Ann Scheidegger's avatar

I started running about a year ago after being diagnosed with ADHD, It has quickly become my sanctuary. My calm place where I can decompress and regulate both my body and emotions. I have on child who seems to display sensory processing issues and another who seems to have a tendency towards ADHD which is not surprising with two parents who are neurodivergent. There are times that it feels like it is the blind leading the blind. But running and learning how to support my own ADHD struggles has helped me to better show up for my own children.

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K Runion's avatar

I love this so much. I have always loved running... I do it pretty slowly and not very far... but it's definitely been good for me, both mentally and physically. I'm so proud of you! Praying things get better very soon. <3

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Doris Fahnestock's avatar

Your words call up memories from our experience of different circumstances yet familiar deep feelings, reactions, etc. Running was never part of my routine but maybe it should have been!

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Jazmon Bradley's avatar

Man. Yall are going through it. Praying for you and your family. I love that you’re running and getting better and better. I appreciate your honesty and realness. Moving our bodies and being in nature truly is healing. Yesterday I happened to escape to a state park trail after dealing with so much anger I triggered by parenting for months. And I felt so much better coming back home. Keep going!

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Rachel Hicks's avatar

Running with some upbeat worship music has been my outlet and time with God for years. However, having babies and the recovery after I have gotten out of the habit so I'm trying to build back strength to run safely. Anyways, I'm glad you've found some peace and release through running. You are doing a great job balancing so much!

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Faith Newton's avatar

I hear you! I see you. There is so much loss in our families not being the way we imagined and our kids struggling so much. I wrote a post about dashed hopes in 'We had hoped' and about meeting jesus and others on our journey.

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Stephanie Douvas's avatar

Continuing to pray for you and lift you up as you navigate this journey!

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Katie Luinstra's avatar

just keep swimming errr running… you are navigating this as well as anyone could possibly could! Love and prayers of endurance and strength as well as continued vulnerability and connection for you to feed your soul! ❤️

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Ashley Reneau's avatar

I just want to thank you for sharing. I feel so many of these emotions. Alot of days it feels like I am drowning in motherhood and navigating raising my 6-year old autistic son. His younger toddler brother is very triggering to him and it feels like our life is in a constant state of chaos. He requires so much more of our attention and I cannot go anywhere by myself with both kiddos which makes me feel like a failure. I truly cannot imagine how you feel with twins and a larger family. I will be praying for your family for peace and comfort in the waiting and hopefully some rhythms and routines that work for your family. I want to try something physical to help with my mental health, I finally jumped into counseling which has been life changing. You are not alone and are an amazing mom!

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B Smith's avatar

Im sorry, Kristen, and I'm also so proud of you. ❤️

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Katrina Butler's avatar

I started going to Celebrate Recovery when my sensory Daughter was about 5 because I was struggling with so much. A support system is so necessary❤️ Praying for you.

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