I’m asked this question a lot, usually after I express a combination of the following:
- I am the mother of three children with autism.
- I am college student pursuing my Bachelor’s degree.
- I am establishing my professional writing career.
- I am in the pre-startup phase of launching a copywriting business.
The question seems like the inevitable consequence of relating this information: “How do you do it?” Yet, as inevitable as this question apparently is, I don’t really understand it. What am I doing that’s so spectacular/impressive/noteworthy? What am I doing that elicits this response?
The short answer, which I can give without any clarification, is: “I do what I have to.”
A more expansive response would relate any or all of the following:
- I have acknowledged and accepted the fact that my life is “different.”
- I have gone to great lengths, using a variety of strategies, to formulate a planned approach that satisfies a variety of needs simultaneously.
- I have a very supportive husband and mother who are constantly cheering for me and facilitate the attainment of my goals through personal sacrifice.
- I have a variety of supportive friends and family who, while less constant, are cheering for me and facilitate the attainment of my goals.
- My own neurologically is conducive to a strange mix of focus and distractibility that makes multi-tasking work for me in a way that, so I’m told, would drive others crazy.
- By raising my children and pursuing my dreams, I’m doing what I love and (hopefully) teaching my children to do the same.
- I’m really, really motivated to both be there for my family and financially support my family, which leads back to me just doing what I have to do.
Is this answer adequate? If not, how can I answer it further?
