It’s November. Hopefully by now the hustle and bustle of a new school year has become more routine. You have managed the perfect balancing act of school, homework, and shuttling the kids between physical therapy sessions and practices.  Sometimes when we are caught up in the business of the routine of life it is hard to take a step back and realize the many blessings around you, especially if that business includes learning how to navigate life with a child who has a disability. But that shouldn’t stop you from enjoying this season of change and taking a moment to look at all the many things for which you have to be thankful. This month, as the holidays approach, let’s go through an exercise on thankfulness. Take some time out of each day to think of a different person, blessing or thing for which you are thankful. Maybe it’s the weather, maybe it’s you or your child’s health, or maybe it’s something you have to dig a little deeper to recognize. Make it a goal that you and your child participate in together. Some days you may choose what you are thankful for and some days, you could let your child choose. You may be surprised with what comes up.

Here at NCHPAD we are also celebrating MOVEMBER this month where we will have a different move to keep you active every day. This is the season of eating, and as the temperatures continue to drop, it may seem easier to stay inside and not be as active. Everyone knows that it is easy to gain weight over the holidays, therefore we need activity to help combat all the extra tempting food. Each day this month try to stay more active, whether by taking a walk around the block or having a spontaneous dance party in the living room, strive to get 30 minutes of physical activity most days of the week. If you run out of ways to move, check out www.nchpad.org for the daily Movember movement!