Monday, 24 May 2010

• The Soul's Caffeine

  
  

  
  

  Recently, my husband Neil and I had a morning date. We went out to participate in a sport/hobby we both enjoy. He gets to play often. I haven't had the opportunity for a long time.  Even though it had been quite awhile for me, it was as if I had been  playing/practicing all along. I must say, I surprised myself.  I felt good. I felt competent. As I felt competent, my confidence grew. As my confidence grew, the fun factor multiplied.

  Experiencing competence is empowering. It is a quick dose of feel good booster, particularly if it's something I really enjoy.  Feeling competent can be a tremendous  shot in the arm.  

  I think of my son, Kyle. As is sometimes or maybe, often, true for many people on the autism spectrum, he does not get to experience competence on a regular basis. This is something we have been focusing on a lot over the last few years. I have to break things down into the tiniest  pieces and offer just enough support without offering too much to help him get to a place of competence. Once again, it's complicated. In fact, it's more of an art than a skill. As he feels competent, he gains confidence. He is less likely to want to flee the scene of an activity. (He's a competent flee-er ) When he knows he's competent, he responds more quickly. 

  Experiencing that feeling of competence gave me a boost of energy. It was "feel good fuel" for the rest of the day.  

  The soul's caffeine, perhaps? Ummm, feels so good. Have you had any lately?

  
  

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