We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ann Poirier. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ann below.
Hi Ann, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?
Over the years I’ve learned that we all bring something unique to the world. My story is not like anyone else’s and their stories are not like mine. By sharing my story that’s unique to me, I can help others do the same. I’ve also learned that if you’re thinking or feeling something, there’s likely someone else thinking or feeling the exact same way! Sharing your thoughts and feelings can help them feel less alone.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Growing up, I didn’t know anything about special needs and — to be honest — didn’t have a desire to learn. That all changed on Saint Patrick’s Day of 2018 when I had my second daughter, Alice, and she was diagnosed with Down syndrome. My husband and I were shocked and heartbroken, but that was only because of my own ignorance. Once we began learning more about Down syndrome, we realized what a tremendous blessing we had been given. This was the springboard for the purpose of my life, which is to celebrate people with special needs and share their beauty, value and worth with the world.
Today I serve on the board of GiGi’s Playhouse Down Syndrome Achievement Center of Cincinnati and I also work part-time for a local nonprofit organization called Kingdom Inclusion. At Kingdom Inclusion, we host events for teens and adults with special needs. It’s the joy and privilege of a lifetime to serve this population in this way!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
1. Adaptability: Life rarely goes as planned and that’s OK. It’s more than OK — it’s awesome! God’s plan for our lives is so much greater than our own. Learning to trust Him and adapt to whatever He has in store for us is certainly one of the greatest qualities we can have.
2. Curiosity: Stay curious and keep learning! I consider myself to know a lot about Down syndrome and special needs at this point, but there’s always so much more I can learn. I’m always curious to speak with more people in this field and learn more so I can grow more and serve better.
3. Transparency: Before I had a child with special needs, I assumed that all special needs parents graciously accepted their child’s diagnosis and were “prepared” for that life. I was wrong. These parents all went through a period of shock and having to readjust their plan for their life. I always appreciate hearing special needs parents’ real and raw stories of how they felt upon diagnosis and that those feelings passed but they didn’t forget them. I am always open and honest with how I felt upon receiving Alice’s diagnosis and that those feelings were OK, valid and even expected — but that I worked through them and was able to come out on the other side, grateful for the learning experience.
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
As a wife and mom to four kids (ages 3, 5, 7 and 9), I feel overwhelmed a lot! When I feel this way, I really try to look at things from the perspective of: “When I’m 80 years old, what am I going to wish I did or didn’t do?” This helps me to not sweat the small stuff. Is the house a mess? Yes, but it’ll be clean eventually. Are my kids happy? That’s the much more important question. It’s all about perspective and what really matters. I also try to start each day waking up before my kids and getting some “me time” in before they wake up because once they wake up it’s go go go all day. I try to listen to soothing music and do some breathing, meditation and prayer in that time. It sets me up for a much calmer, less overwhelming day.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://wonderlandmommy.blogspot.com
- Instagram: wonderlandmommyblog
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