Circles appear as symbols of power, movement, change and balance in our lives.
Some see circles as a symbol for the wholeness of self, timelessness, infinity and God itself.
Circles represent the passage of time. A year is a full orbit of Earth around the sun; hours pass in a circular motion around a clock.
The world moves through circles: the wheels on bicycles, cars and trains; the wheels that steer planes and boats.
Life itself is a circle, as Disney’s “The Lion King” tells us through the song, “The Circle of Life.” The source of life on Earth, the Sun, is circular.
Geometrically, all points around a circle are equal distance to the centre, representing balance and equity.
I thought about this last point when I attended my first learning and sharing circle last week for caregivers of individuals with FASD.
It was a free webinar that I learned about from our resource support at Surrey Place.
There were about 10 caregivers and it was moderated by two individuals, one of which is an FASD expert who is also an individual with FASD and a caregiver to kids with FASD.
Caregivers had an opportunity to ask questions and share their stories.
It was eye-opening to hear the stories, which I will not share details of out of respect, other than to say it was common challenges I read about in other forums, such as mental health and run ins with the justice system.
So in a sense, this was a support group.
They meet every two months and I decided to participate in future sessions. It’ll be good to connect with and to learn from others going through a similar journey.
While the stories were hard to hear, and in some ways made me anxious about T’s future, it did feel comforting to be in a circle with people who just get it.
The circle reminded me about the importance about being kind to myself, the hubby and most importantly, to T. We’re on this journey together – all the ups and downs of it.
Just like the loop of a circle, every day is a new day and new chance to do it better.
Speaking of things circling back again, we had our first snowfall of this season last Sunday – a lot of it!
T woke up, looked out the window and came into the room to tell us there’s snow on the ground.
Shortly after breakfast, we put on his snowsuit for the first time this season and he took his sled out to the park.
As he went down the hill, again and again, I thought to myself that I wanted to pause this moment in time and just enjoy it – as the world continued to circle around us.
Reading your post gives me hope that tomorrow will be better than the next. Also, it kind of made me realize of finding a support group that gets it. I’m going through some mental health problems and relationship problems myself and I realize not everyone relates and that I need to find that right group that understands and relate. I know that many people are uncomfortable when it comes to hard times, pain, anxiety and depression but it is part of life. Navigating through it is very important. Thank you for the inspiration and motivation my Friend.
Connecting with a group can be so important. I’m glad you found one! I recently joined one for parents with adults … it’s only a temporary group (due to funding) but it’s nice to be surrounded by people who get it.Hopefully it continues.
Thanks Yvonne! I’m glad you joined a group as well. It’s so important and very healing to be surrounded by a community that gets it. And I do hope the funding continues. These kind of services are so vital! Thanks for doing your part to continue to advocate for them!
Kindness and support Circle are so important. Sometimes we don’t notice they are part of our circles but even random generous People willing to give support unconditionally are. Thank you for sharing a inspiring post and positively motivating your readers to see the best in life and People. Truly I appreciate it. Happy weekend my friend and regards to you Hubby and T.
This is a wonderful way to gain support. It sounds like it was truly beneficial. Have those around us who understand and can hear, validate, and share is just so important. I think sometimes parents are forgotten in the process of parenting.
Thank you, LaDonna. I agree wholeheartedly. Will definitely be needing and leaning on these supports in the years to come. 😊 The validation part is so important too – not just for the kids, as you noted. Hope you are doing well!
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It’s always great to have a support network and a safe spaces to share experiences and stories. You’re totally right about how each day is a new day and a new chance to learn and do better. It’s always good to be mindful and try to be nice to those close by you and just everyone in general. We’re all on this crazy journey of life together. Wow, that’s a lot of snow. I’m kind of sad that all of ours has melted now. Good thing you made the most of it on the weekend.
Thanks Linda. Life is a crazy journey indeed and it’s best experience as a collaboration. 😊
Don’t be too sad, I’m sure there’ll be lots more snow coming in the next few months! 🤣
Having a support group has to be the best thing you could do for yourself. I am so happy for you to have found this group. What a heartfelt moment with T in the snow.
Thanks Diane. I do think it’s too early to say how I will gel with the group but I have a good feeling about it. 🙂
Wow – that group sounds like a sacred circle of knowledge and support. I love how you lean in to learning and then share/teach here which is yet another circle. So inspiring! And I love the daily circle!
Snow pictures are great. Fun!
Thanks Wynne. I think it’s too early to say how I’ll gel with the group but I have a good feeling about it. The moderators are wonderfully knowledgeable and generous with their time and compassionate. And the parents seem great, wanting to learn and do their best for their children.
Happy Thursday!
My dear friend, it is such a blessing that you have a supportive community with lived experiences regarding FASD. I hope and pray that it continues to benefit you and your family.
Thanks Tammy. A true blessing indeed! A community is also commonly symbolized as a circle too. 🙏 And I sure hope so too about the continued benefit of the support.🤞🏻Take care!
Yes Sir, that’s exactly why I choose the word “community”. I had just completed a section in my mental health peer training that related the circle concept to community as well as culture so I was excited when reading your post as it provided confirmation for me.
It’s great that you are doing the peer training! A wonderful thing for yourself and for others. 🙏
Thanks Ab, I’m so excited ❣️