I didn't snap a picture but I was at the nature preschool I contract with and it was a gorgeous day with all the fall colours and sunshine. Also, one of my private clients that I see at my office attends the KG at the same location. He is autistic and at first he didn't quite make the connection that I was the same Abbey that he comes to play with. But when he did he had the biggest smile and gave me the best hug ever!

I have a pretty good sense of activities that feed my need for exploration and movement (hiking, paddle boarding, skiing). They are also very aligned with my core values (health, fun, autonomy, achievement, connection). I know how amazing I feel while doing these as well as after. However, these can't be an every day thing. What you talked about in terms of capacity really stuck out to me. I have a hard time finding things that light me up just as much when I have to stay home/in town. My all or nothing thinking kicks in. I can reframe how I look at some of the other things I am doing (e.g., working out at the gym, yoga, going for a walk, etc.). I am still moving my body, connecting with nature/other people, having fun, doing activities to support my health. I am trying to see the small achievements and celebrate those (E.g., increasing weight at the gym, actually being present mindfully for part of the yoga class, etc.). If I have a hard time motivating myself to do these things I can remind myself WHY they can also be considered self-care (even if I am not doing my most favourite activities).

lol no surprise for me: Kinesthete and Explorer. I need to move my body and if it is doing something adventurous even better!

My name is Abbey and I am an SLP in Calgary, AB. I run my own private practice working with mostly neurodivergent toddlers and preschoolers. I pretty much thought I was the pink power ranger!