I wrote today's post as part of the WOW-Women on Writing Blanket Tour for  "Not Just Spirited: A Mom's Sensational Journey with Sensory Processing Disorder" by Chynna Laird. The book is a memoir of a mother fighting for a diagnosis when countless doctors told her that her daughter was just "spirited". If you comment on today's post you'll be entered to win a copy of Not Just Spirited.        

“There is no defeat except from within, no really insurmountable barrier save our own inherent weakness of purpose.” 

(Elbert Hubbard’s Scrap Book, 1923)

When I read this quote recently, I thought of Chynna Laird. She  is a role model for women because of her attitude that refuses to let life’s problems defeat and destroy her spirit.

I first learned about Laird on the Women on Writing web site. She’s an author and a mom who has encountered what would seem to be an insurmountable barrier in the experience of motherhood. 

At the age of two-and-a half, her daughter Jaimie was diagnosed with Sensory Processing Disorder, an inability to cope with people and the environment.  As any mother knows, accepting and dealing with a child’s disorder/illness is more taxing than coping with your own health problems.  

Wanting to know more about Laird, I investigated her writings on the SPD blog. I was inspired by her positive attitude and strength of purpose in meeting her challenge head on. Here is part of what she had to say:

“To me, Sensory Processing Disorder has been a blessing in a strange way because Jaimie has introduced me to a unique perspective of seeing and living in our world. I know that one day, Jaimie will be able to pass along her experiences onto others . . .to help those families to move forward along their journeys . . . because by then she will have the wisdom and experience to draw from . . . These are beautiful gifts that give me hope for the future—to see that there is an end of the road for our journey. . . After all, a journey—and SPD journey—is ongoing and filled with new adventure every day.”

What a positive outlook!  Right? 

Maybe all of us should plan to read Laird’s book, hoping that some of her strength and resolve in dealing with life’s problems will filter through to us.