Hey, What’s Up! It’s Tommy. Today, I discuss how holding onto negative thoughts can wear down both your body and mind. The last year brought a lot, from business pressure to parenting through autism to a close friend’s death. That weight showed up in my sleep, patience, focus, and energy. I checked the basics, then ran complete blood work. The results indicated that I am healthy, but I am deeply stressed. That was a relief. It also pushed me to rebuild with gratitude, better inputs, and a mindset shift. I share what chronic stress does to the nervous system, why a single thought can spiral when we attach a story to it, and how simple gratitude work can change our brain chemistry. If you are a parent, caregiver, teacher, or friend in the special needs world, this is for you. You get a chance every morning and a choice every day. I am choosing gratitude.

• Negative thought loops can trigger real physical symptoms. Chronic stress hits hormones, mood, and immunity.
• Naming the real fear matters. For me, it was mortality and the “what happens to my kids if I’m gone” question.
• Check the basics first. Water, food quality, sleep, movement, and helpful reading.
• Data calms fear. Comprehensive blood work showed strong overall health and clear stress markers. That knowledge reset my mindset.
• Gratitude is a tool, not a cliché. It boosts dopamine and serotonin, lowers cortisol, and helps regulate emotions.
• “Kill the monster.” Face the nagging issue you keep avoiding. Take the step you are putting off.
• You may not be the old you. That is okay. Aim to be stronger, wiser, and more resilient than before.
• Routines help. Morning scripture or quiet reading, a few breaths, and a short gratitude check set the tone for the day.
• Caregivers run hot. Your nervous system carries a lot. Give it real recovery, even if it is small and steady.
• Every morning gives a chance. Every day gives a choice. Choose gratitude.

If this episode helped you, share it with another parent or caregiver who needs encouragement today. Visit spectrumincamouflage.com for more episodes and updates. Email me anytime at tommy@spectrumincamouflage.com with questions or topics you want me to cover.

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Together, we can create a community to support autistic kids and their families. If you have questions or ideas or want to share your journey, email me at tommy@spectrumincamouflage.com.

Let’s learn, grow, and make a difference, one step, one piece of the puzzle, one child at a time.

Hey, What’s Up! It’s Tommy.

Life at our house has been a roller coaster. Some days are tough. Some days feel calm. Lately, I feel hopeful. I used to set deadlines for Wyatt’s progress and fall apart when the date slipped. I do not do that now. I focus on the moment and the next small step. That shift has changed me, and I think it is helping our family. In this episode, I share what is working for us right now: tight home routines, a calmer nervous system, better sleep, and learning to celebrate small, real wins. If you are feeling stuck, I get it. There are more chances to start again than we think. One breath at a time.

• Hope grows when I stop setting deadlines and focus on today.
• Routines help. We eat at set times and keep a steady bedtime during the school year.
• Nervous system care has helped Wyatt sleep and settle. Chiropractic support has been a big part of that for us.
• Small wins matter. Independent bathroom trips. Playing with toys in new ways. More chill, more present.
• Gut health can affect behavior. We saw changes with dairy and gluten out, and by adding probiotics and omega-3s.
• Magnesium helped us with winding down before stressful times or sleep.
• Movement helps. Outside time, sandboxes, scooters, and play burn energy and lower anxiety.
• ABA and early intervention changed a close friend’s story. Getting help early can open doors.
• Some days are still hard. I try to prepare for the future without missing the good that is here now.
• Opportunities are constant. You can choose a new start any moment you decide.

I would love to hear what you are seeing in your home. If you feel stuck, try one simple change you can keep this week. Keep it small. Celebrate it. Then stack another one.

Visit spectrumincamouflage.com for more. Email me at tommy@spectrumincamouflage.com with questions or your story.

• We’re on TikTok: tiktok.com/@spectrum_in_camouflage
• Join our Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/4002769846662357
• See us on Instagram: instagram.com/spectrum_in_camouflage

Together, we can create a community to support autistic kids and their families. If you have questions or ideas or want to share your journey, email me at tommy@spectrumincamouflage.com.

Let’s learn, grow, and make a difference, one step, one piece of the puzzle, one child at a time.

Hey, What’s Up! It’s Tommy.

Life gets busy. Emotions run high. And some days it feels like the tank is empty. Today, I’m sharing what I’m doing to become an energy giver instead of an energy taker. I talk about choosing your circle, checking in on your body, and taking small steps that build real momentum. I open up about tough months, why September’s Suicide Prevention Month matters, and how faith, family, and community keep me moving forward. If you’re in the trenches with autism parenting or your own mental health, I’m right here with you.

• Energy is a choice you practice daily. Hydration, sleep, and simple movement lift mood and steady your day.
• Your circle matters. You become the average of your five closest people, so spend time with those who lift you up.
• Self-reflection beats blame. You can’t change others. You can change your habits, your inputs, and your response.
• Mental health needs a physical plan. Walk, stretch, or do a few pushups. Small steps count when life is heavy.
• Food is fuel for mood. Aim for protein-forward choices, steady water intake, and fewer late-night sugars or drinks.
• Create safe spaces. We built our backyard to give our family a place where our son can play and we can breathe.
• Get medical clarity when needed. Bloodwork can show mineral or hormone gaps that affect energy and focus.
• Give from a full cup. You have to have joy to spread joy. Make time for what restores you, even if it’s 10 quiet minutes.
• September is Suicide Prevention Month. Community, honest talk, and early help save lives.
• Faith anchors the hard days. I trust God to lead me through, and I’m learning to be grateful in small things.

If this helped you, share it with a friend who needs a lift today. Tell me what part landed with you, or what you’re trying this week to rebuild your energy. Visit spectrumincamouflage.com to connect with me and the community.

Contact Information
Questions, ideas, or your story to share: tommy@spectrumincamouflage.com

• We’re on TikTok: tiktok.com/@spectrum_in_camouflage
• Join our Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/4002769846662357
• See us on Instagram: instagram.com/spectrum_in_camouflage

Together, we can create a community to support autistic kids and their families. If you have questions, ideas, or would like to share your journey, please email me at tommy@spectrumincamouflage.com.

Let’s learn, grow, and make a difference, one step, one piece of the puzzle, one child at a time.