"I learnt the importance of goal setting"

Before this programme, I kept saying to my youngest son and even more often to myself, that I have been stuck in the same position since being diagnosed in 2004. Before 2004 I was a working mother of 3 sons, one of whom has autism. I was inspired by my desire to have my sons lead fulfilling lives and I wanted to buy a house to ensure my autistic son had his own house to live in when I died. He has been living in resident settings away from home since age 11. I was unhappy with his deterioration and I kept advocating for him to be reurned to live with his family but the decision makers ignored me. I was stressed, depleted and drained. I resigned work but missed developing my career and earning. My son was placed in a mental health hospital. After 3 years hospitalisation, following assessments and intervetions and further assessments by various professionals, a consultant psychiatrist advised that detention in a mental health hospital was not appropriate treatment for my son. Many years of advocating for my son had finally resulted in him being considered for return to living in the community but the decision makers agreed he was not to be sent home to live with his family. I was told "You do not have your own house, Lorna" or "Where you live is not appropriate for meeting his needs." My son wanted very badly to return to live with family but he was sent to live with strangers. I felt deeply inadequate. He was discharged from hospital into the control of strangers in 2020 and I felt as though I had lost my health, my career and the relationships with other members of my family for nothing. My autistic son would still not have the quality of life I had fought so hard for him to be released into. It felt as though my own life had come to a tragic end. When I saw the Lifebook course explained as a formula for looking at 12 different aspects of life, optimism started to run through me. I borrowed the money to do the Lifebook course (1) I learnt the importance of goal setting, forming good habits in every area of my life underpinned by understanding the Premise, Vision Purpose and Strategy underpinning my goals. (2)Making my environment clutter-free and inviting is something I do daily since Lifebook. I feel more creative. (3) I now practise calm consciously and I have 2 water fountains enhance the ambience in my house and garden. I am lucky the 6 years be doing my Lifebook in Spring. As I sit at my desk I see birds visiting my garden for the first time.