Life is about passions.

I've decided to use this time to revamp my blog and start it up again. April is a special month for me. It's when the tulips bloom, the weather starts to warm up, and it happens to be the month I met my husband. But April is also the month that celebrates two things to say I am passionate about would be an understatement. 

First, April is Autism awareness month. I have a little brother who has autism and he changed our family dynamics (for the better!) forever. My little brother is one of my best friends. He has the funniest sense of humor, but is the most loyal and loving little brother a girl could ask for. He loves his "hipster" glasses and his knowledge of history and Legos will never cease to amaze me. He doesn't show his love the same way all little brothers do, but it is unwavering. There have been plenty of struggles and frustrations in figuring out his needs. To be honest, the increase in awareness about autism over the past 15 has been a blessing and a frustration. I feel like I've been able to find others who understand our circumstances as a family when I explain my brother has autism. However, it bothers me that it is an easy label to hide my brothers behaviors behind, but it ends up hiding him behind that label too. It bothers me when autism is used to define who my brother is, but I'm guilty of using it as an excuse too. All my brothers quirks and hilarious ways are not him because he is autistic. It's him because that is exactly who is! And I love that about him.


Reason number two April is awesome is that is Occupational Therapy month, which

I am paying big bucks to study so I better love it! I was first introduced to OT years ago when my brother began therapy and I fell in love with it. OT is really the perfect the job in my book. Originally it was perfect because it can make big impacts on a family's life, all while I get to play with a little kid!! OT is so much more than playing with little kids though. It helps individuals maintain independence, and aids them in participating in the activities and the roles that they love. The profession is ranked number 9 in best jobs to have. Personally, I love the flexibility within the profession. There are so many different settings from schools, hospitals, and in the community that I don't have to be tied down to one type of experience. The best part about OT though, is that ,yes, it is a healthcare profession, but it is a healthcare profession that looks at a person as a whole person with thoughts, desires, and hopes and not just another body to be fixed. More info on OT here.

Life is about finding what is important to you and pursuing it. Life is about passions.

Life is great.