One Minute Reflection

Nicki Bradley
May 13
2 min read

Raising an autistic child is a journey filled with unique moments—some challenging, some breathtakingly beautiful. As a mom, you pour your heart into navigating therapies, celebrating small victories, and advocating fiercely for your child. But how often do you pause to celebrate you? Today, I’m inviting you to try a simple, one-minute ritual: write down one thing you’re proud of as a mom today. It could be as big as helping your child through a tough meltdown with patience or as small as sharing a quiet giggle over their favorite toy. No moment is too small to matter.

Why One Minute Matters

Parenting an autistic child can feel like a whirlwind, with little time to catch your breath. But taking just 60 seconds to reflect can be a powerful act of self-kindness. Writing down one proud moment helps you:

Acknowledge your strength: You’re doing hard, meaningful work every day.
Shift your focus: It’s easy to dwell on challenges, but this ritual highlights your wins.
Build a treasure trove: Over time, your notes become a record of your love and resilience.

How to Do It

Find a quiet moment: Maybe it’s during naptime, after bedtime, or even in the carpool line.
Grab anything to write on: A notebook, your phone’s notes app, or even a sticky note.
Write one thing: What made you proud today? Maybe you stayed calm during a sensory overload, or your child tried a new food because of your encouragement.
Breathe and smile: Let that moment sink in. You did that.

Examples to Inspire You

“I’m proud I listened patiently when my son explained his favorite train facts for the tenth time today.”
“I’m proud I advocated for a sensory break at school, and it made a difference.”
“I’m proud we danced together to his favorite song, and he smiled so big.”

Keep It Simple, Keep It Yours

This isn’t about perfection or adding another task to your plate. It’s about giving yourself permission to shine, even for a minute. Some days, your proud moment might feel small, but to your child, it’s the world. So, tonight, take that one minute. Write it down. You’re an incredible mom, and every step you take with your autistic child is worth celebrating.