It's easy, especially at the beginning of a TS journey, to want to fix everything at once. You've researched on the internet, you're freaked out and you want the tics to STOP. NOW.

Some of the thoughts consuming your day might be:

* Do we need to go gluten free?
* Do we need to see a holistic doctor?
* Will fish oil help my kid focus?
* Is my kid nervous because it's typical school jitters or does he have OCD induced anxiety?
* What kind of supplement will best knock out the eye twitch?
* Will my kid be teased?

My posts will focus on some of these topics as the weeks progress, but five years into this journey, I am more comfortable with an all around approach. I do the best I can with amazing diets, doctors and open communication, but I also know that my kid is going to tic sometimes. 

These days, the focus issues are more of a concern than the tics. Like his twitches, there's a wax and waning to treatment. I have to, as my own therapist reminds me, "trust the process."

Part of "trusting" the process is talking to other people and staying open to life. I do this on my blog, through the book I'm writing, through talking to family, friends and often just random cashiers who look a bit forlorn.

Me: "Having a rough day?"
Cashier: "As a matter of fact, yes."
Me: "I just got back from a school meeting for my kid. I get rough days."

And suddenly the floodgates are open for this world weary cashier as she lights up and begins rambling about her own parenting concerns, her aging grandmother, her medical bills and her parrot who just started bleeping the f-word. 

I mention that perhaps the parrot has Tourettes. She laughs. I then use this time to inform her that less than 10% of people with TS curse. "That particular portion of the condition is called coprolalia and no, my kid doesn't do it!" 

Now that's what you call working with your strengths and educating people about T.S.. Some call me obsessed. I call it education. All in a day's work.

To all you worried parents out there, take my therapist's advice and trust the process. It's going to be okay. I promise.

I'm off to a sewing circle. Connecting with other mamas is something I do daily. It's been a real life saver. I hope you all take time out to do the same!
 


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