What is the season of your life?

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🌞The Beauty of Every Season

There is a unique beauty that comes with every season.

Spring brings growth and renewal — flowers blossom, ideas bloom, and dreams begin to take shape. It’s a time for fresh starts and inspiration, a breath of new energy that reminds us of what’s possible.

Summer is the season of joy and play. Dreams become reality, vacations happen, and goals take form. Whether it’s a few days of rest or weeks of fun, summer invites laughter, connection, and celebration.

After the warmth of summer, Fall arrives with cozy sweaters, comforting soups, and golden leaves that paint the world in vibrant colors. Change is in the air, and beauty appears in unexpected places. But as the leaves fall, we begin to prepare — physically and emotionally — for the quiet of winter.

Winter brings reflection and stillness. The cold air and bare trees remind us that another year has come full circle. We often look back on our goals — some achieved, some still waiting — and sometimes, the lack of sunlight brings on the “winter blues.” Yet deep beneath the surface, new life is already preparing to bloom again.

Life, much like nature, moves in cycles — growth, joy, rest, and renewal. Each phase offers something valuable. But what if we made these cycles more intentional and purpose-driven?

If you ever feel caught in a repetitive or stagnant rhythm, try refreshing your life with something new:

🌸 Find a new hobby
☕ Take a 20-minute nap
💬 Reach out to an old friend
🌍 Plan a trip with your spouse or family
📚 Visit a library or bookstore and explore a new genre
🍲 Cook a new recipe
👨‍👩‍👧 Exchange dinners with another family
💑 Go on a double date with a new couple
💻 Join an in-person or online class

Each season — just like each stage of life — offers new beginnings and opportunities to grow. The key is to keep learning, exploring, and embracing change.

Even when the cold winds of fall and winter arrive, remember: spring and summer always return — and so will your warmth, energy, and inspiration.

🌲 Are National Parks Sensory Friendly? Hands Down — Yes!

With their open spaces, natural soundscapes, and calming scenery, national parks are among the most sensory-friendly destinations in the world. They offer countless ways to explore nature, history, and some of the most breathtaking views on Earth.

If you’re planning a visit soon, note that with recent government shutdowns, some park services may be limited. However, essential maintenance like restrooms, shuttles, and search-and-rescue services are typically still operational. Always check the official National Park Service website for current updates before heading out.

Here are some of our favorite western U.S. national parks to add to your family’s travel list — each one offering unique sensory experiences and plenty of room to breathe:

🌄 Grand Canyon National Park — Arizona

Breathtaking views from both the North Rim and South Rim, each with its own character and beauty. For a magical winter experience, check out the Polar Express to the North Pole this holiday season!
🔗 Visit the park | The Polar Express Experience

🏜️ Zion National Park — Utah

Famous for its red cliffs and the unforgettable Narrows hike, where you walk through water between towering canyon walls. It’s best enjoyed in late spring or summer for warmer weather.
🔗 Explore Zion

🌅 Arches National Park — Utah

Known for its stunning rock formations and fiery sunsets. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a dusting of snow — transforming the red rocks into a magical winter wonderland.
🔗 Discover Arches

🏞️ Mesa Verde National Park — Colorado

A must-see for history lovers! Explore ancient cliff dwellings that tell the story of the Ancestral Puebloan people. It’s a fascinating blend of archaeology, culture, and nature.
🔗 Visit Mesa Verde

🌲 Yosemite National Park — California

Home to giant sequoias, El Capitan, and Yosemite Falls, this park is a living legacy. President Theodore Roosevelt helped preserve Yosemite — establishing the foundation of our entire National Park system.
🔗 Experience Yosemite

🐻 Yellowstone National Park — Wyoming, Montana, Idaho

Geysers, hot springs, wildlife, waterfalls, and mountain views — Yellowstone truly has it all. It’s a sensory wonderland of natural sights, sounds, and experiences that feel almost otherworldly.
🔗 Plan your visit to Yellowstone

🌼 Travel Tip:

For sensory-friendly visits, plan early mornings or weekdays when crowds are smaller. Bring noise-reducing headphones, favorite snacks, and visual schedules if needed. Many parks now offer sensory guides and accessibility programs, so don’t hesitate to ask park rangers for resources.

🌟 Love Beyond Words: A Heartfelt Message from the Non-Speaking Community

It can take a lifetime to begin to understand what often cannot be easily explained by the medical or scientific mind — the unique and extraordinary gifts of individuals with autism.

From their heightened sensory abilities to their deep empathy, intuitive awareness, or even unexpected communication through spelling, telepathy or art — the talents of many individuals on the spectrum go far beyond what we can see or measure.

Today, we’re honored to share (with permission) a beautiful, soul-touching letter from Baptiste, a 32-year-old non-speaker whose words remind us that love knows no barriers.

💌 Letter to My Parents and to the Parents of Extraordinary Children

(By Baptiste, shared with permission from his mom)

💗 Reflection:

Baptiste’s message reminds us that connection doesn’t always require words — it’s felt through presence, patience, and unconditional love. For parents and caregivers, it’s a gentle reminder that even when love isn’t returned in traditional ways, it is always received.

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