30 Days of Noticing and Wonder: A Journey for Caregivers and Individuals Living with FASD
Life with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is filled with unique challenges, but it also offers moments of connection, growth, and beauty. Whether you’re a caregiver or someone living with FASD, taking time to notice and wonder about the world around you can bring moments of calm, understanding, and even joy.
Inspired by our "30 Days of Wonder" blog, we invite you to take a moment each day to notice something new and spark a sense of wonder in your life.
Noticing and Wondering: A Practice for Caregivers and Individuals with FASD
The act of noticing and wondering is simple yet powerful. Here are some ideas to guide you:
Notice Your Feelings: Take a moment to check in with yourself. For caregivers, are you feeling stressed, tired, or hopeful? For individuals with FASD, are you feeling calm, frustrated, or excited? Wonder about these emotions—what might be causing them, and what could help?
Notice the Environment: Look around you. Is the weather inviting? Is there a beautiful detail you’ve overlooked before, like frost on the trees or sunlight streaming through a window? Let yourself wonder about the small, everyday miracles.
Notice Stress Levels: Pay attention to moments when stress starts to rise. Can you find ways to bring it down, such as stepping outside, pausing to breathe, or asking for support? Wonder about what helps you feel calm and balanced.
Notice Acts of Care: Are you taking care of yourself? For caregivers, this might mean eating well, resting, or finding small joys in your day. For those with FASD, it might mean enjoying a favorite activity or taking a well-deserved break. Wonder about what makes you feel cared for and whole.
Notice the Beauty in Routine: Even in the busiest days, there’s beauty in structure and routine. Wonder about how these patterns help you and those you care for feel secure and supported.
Why Noticing and Wondering Matter
For caregivers and individuals with FASD, noticing and wondering aren’t just activities—they’re tools for connection and understanding. These practices help:
Recognize emotions and needs.
Create moments of calm and curiosity.
Strengthen relationships by being present and attentive.
Celebrate small successes and moments of beauty.
What Have You Noticed?
As we reflect on 30 days of noticing and wonder, we encourage you to share your experience. What have you noticed during this time? Did you discover moments of joy, connection, or beauty? Did you find ways to ease stress or create meaningful connections?
Your story could inspire others. Share what worked for you, what you’ve observed, and what brought you a sense of wonder. Together, we can build a community that supports and uplifts one another.
Let’s take the practice of noticing and wonder into our everyday lives. By focusing on the small, meaningful moments, we can create a life filled with curiosity, understanding, and appreciation. Because noticing and wondering aren’t just activities—they’re ways to live fully with FASD. 🌟
We are here.
