197 - Things That Really Matter: Protecting Your Spoons with Becca Lory Hector and Carole Jean Whittington
What’s draining your energy—and how can you protect what little you have left?In this powerful first episode of our new monthly series Things That Really Matter, Carole Jean and Becca Lory Hector dive into the often invisible emotional and mental toll that autistic individuals face—especially in a world that can feel increasingly marginalizing.Together, they explore: ✨ How to identify and avoid spoon-stealing conversations ✨ The value of rest, self-care, and creating safe, sustainable routines ✨ Ways to build community that uplifts rather than drains ✨ Why now is the perfect time to build something new ✨ How internal reflection and creativity support long-term resilienceWhether you're autistic yourself or support those who are, this conversation offers a validating, practical, and deeply heartfelt look at how we can protect our spoons—and use them with intention.🎧 Tune in now and join the conversation about what really matters.🔗 Connect with Becca Lory Hector:https://beccalory.com/ 🔗 Connect with Carole Jean Whittington: https://whittingtonwellbeing.com/ #ProtectYourSpoons #AutisticWomen #NeuroaffirmingCare #BeyondChronicBurnout #BeccaLoryHector #CaroleJeanWhittington #ThingsThatReallyMatter
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196 - Your Autistic Blueprint: Building Foundations for Well-Being with Carole Jean Whittington
Beware of the Restoration Illusion Trap! Have you ever thought you were out of burnout, only to find yourself back in it? Many autistic women face this sneaky trap where temporary relief feels like recovery. But it's just a return to baseline burnout. Today, we're exploring the concept of your "autistic blueprint" and how building foundations for a deeply connected relationship with yourself can transform your life and keep you out of that sneaky Restoration Illusion Trap.In this episode:- Understanding unique needs as an autistic woman.- Importance of creating a personal autistic blueprint.- Avoiding burnout through self-awareness and compassionate curiosity.- Introduction of the Restoration Illusion Trap.- Key foundations: identity, values, strengths, and boundaries.- Guided meditation and exercises for self-connection.🌱 Plant the Seed - Today’s action moment is to begin a list of the following: your core values, your strengths, the things you are naturally good at, and a list of what you need to be at your best. Take a moment to reflect and make a note of which need from your list you would like to set a rule for first to support your energy? 💦 Water & Nourish -Ask yourself: What am I clear on about who I am, my unmasked values, my strengths and the needs that require a boundary to ensure they are supported consistently?Where are the gaps between what is on my lists and what is actually happening in my life?What components of my 'autistic blueprint' resonate most with me?" "How can I begin to build a stronger foundation for that area?🔗 Connect with Carole Jean Whittington: STEP 1: Take the Spicy Pepper Burnout Quiz and discover if you are in burnout or not, and if so, what’s your burnout level from a Poblano Pepper Level 1, where there’s just a bit of heat up to the Ghost Pepper Level 5 when “you’re so hot, you’re not.” You’ll get the opportunity to join our free Step 2 Class after you take the quiz.Take the Quiz: https://energize.whittingtonwellbeing.com/products/courses/view/1155744 #AutisticBurnout #SelfDiscovery #AutisticWomen #WellBeing #SelfHelp
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195 - Navigating Autism Awareness Month with Sara Bradford (SJ Childs)
What happens when autistic women take the mic during Autism Awareness Month—on their terms?In this Social Saturdays episode, we’re joined by powerhouse advocate, educator, and fellow autistic woman Sara Bradford for a real conversation on shifting the narrative of Autism Awareness Month from external education to internal empowerment.🔹 Highlights you won’t want to miss:A behind-the-scenes look at the International Autism Summit happening April 25–26How Sara’s entire autistic family informs her work and advocacyInsight into the SJ Childs Global Network and its mission for family supportWays the Summit embraces entrepreneurship, tech, and inclusive educationWhy representation from autistic women globally matters more than ever this AprilThis episode isn’t just about awareness—it’s about reclaiming space, amplifying stories, and building community that thrives year-round.🎧 Tune in on Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you love to listen. 📲 Grab your seat at the International Autism Summit (April 25–26) and be part of the movement.📅 Coming Next on Social Saturdays: APRIL 12: Join me align with my new co-host, Becca Lory Hector, for our new series “Things That Really Matter” Saturday, April 12 APRIL 29: “The ND Lovers Club” with authors Bontle Senne and Sara Louise Ackrell join me on Saturday, April 29 with all the juicy goodness on love, dating and relationships in their new book.📢 Join me at the International Autism Summit! April 25-26 (I’m speaking Friday at 12 PM CT) – RSVP for Free HERE: https://sjchilds.betterworld.org/events/2nd-annual-international-autism 🔗 Connect with Carole Jean Whittington: Take the Masking Styles Quiz and discover if you’re The Chameleon, Observer, Script Reader, Performer or Integrator: https://whittingtonwellbeing.com/ 🔗 Connect with Sara Bradford: www.sjchilds.orgwww.sjchilds.betterworld.org #AutisticWomen #SocialSaturdays #AutismAwarenessMonth #BeyondChronicBurnout #Neurodiversity #SaraBradford #AutismSummit2025
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194 - UnVeiling Your Story, How Autistic Women Use Narrative Therapy to Reclaim Their Truth
For many autistic women, being believed is a battle. From childhood, we’re told our experiences aren’t real, that we’re “too much” or “not enough.” It’s time to change that.This week, we explore narrative therapy—how storytelling fosters self-trust, validation, and healing. Whether you’re autistic or a helping professional, this episode is for you.✨ Includes: ✅ Guided meditation for self-validation ✅ A powerful journaling exercise ✅ Subscriber-only research on narrative therapy🎧 Listen now & let’s reclaim our stories—----------------------------RESOURCES FOR EPISODE 194🌱 Plant the Seed Questions:Ask yourself:"What strengths did I use to navigate this situation?""What did this experience teach me about my needs and boundaries?""If I were talking to a close friend who had this experience, what compassionate things would I say to them?""What is a more accurate and empowering interpretation of this situation?""How can I use this experience to affirm my own validity and build my confidence?""What evidence do I have that my feelings were valid in this situation?""How can I use this experience to inform how I advocate for myself in the future?"💧 Water and Nourish Questions:Ask yourself: "What stories have I been afraid to share?" and "How can I validate my own experiences more often?"🥳This Weekend on Social Saturday:Join me and guest, Sara Bradford, as she shares all about the upcoming 2nd International Autism Summit. Tune in to get your FREE Ticket!📅 Coming Next Week: Do you ever wonder how to truly understand your unique needs as an autistic woman? Next Wednesday, we're exploring the concept of your "autistic blueprint" and how building foundations for self-intimacy (no not that kind, LOL) can transform your life.🔗 Newsletter: Get all subscriber bonuses & insights delivered straight to your inbox—join The Recharge weekly newsletter at WhittingtonWellBeing.com.🔗 Connect with Carole Jean Whittington: Take the Masking Styles Quiz and discover if you’re The Chameleon, Observer, Script Reader, Performer or Integrator: https://whittingtonwellbeing.com/ #AutisticWomen #NarrativeTherapy #BeyondChronicBurnout #NeuroAffirming #SelfValidation
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193 - The 52 Questions That Changed Everything
Do you ever feel like you’re living on autopilot, disconnected from what you truly want? Like you’re moving through life checking off tasks, but when you stop, you realize—you don’t even know you?In this episode, we dive into the powerful self-discovery questions that transformed my life. These aren’t just prompts—they’re invitations to unmask, to reconnect, and to rediscover you. Whether you're beginning your journey or deepening your self-awareness, these questions will guide you back to yourself.🌱 Plant the Seed Questions:If you had an entire day with no obligations, how would you spend it?What makes you laugh and sparks joy?What’s something about yourself you wish people knew?What are your strengths and how do you share them?💧 Water and Nourish Questions:What surprised you most about your answers?How do your responses compare to what you expected?How can you incorporate more self-inquiry into your daily life?This journey isn’t about having the “right” answers—it’s about creating space for your authentic self to emerge. Ready to start?🎧 Listen now and grab your FREE Self-Discovery Journaling Guide HERE:https://energize.whittingtonwellbeing.com/products/courses/view/1180958/?action=signup 📅 Coming Next Week: UnVeiling Your Story: Why Your Experience Matters📢 Join me at the International Autism Summit! April 25-26 (I’m speaking Friday at 12 PM CT) – RSVP for Free HERE: https://sjchilds.betterworld.org/events/2nd-annual-international-autism 🔗 Newsletter: Get all subscriber bonuses & insights delivered straight to your inbox—join The Recharge weekly newsletter at WhittingtonWellBeing.com.You, my friend, are worth knowing. 💜
About Beyond Chronic Burnout: The Talk Show for Autistic Women & Their Helping Professionals
How to Get Out of Chronic Exhaustion & Burnout for Autistic Women! Tired of the same old self-care advice with ZERO ways to make it work for you?
Join us as we say goodbye to wanting to burn it all down—let's do this together, in a space just for us, where your co-occurring health conditions are part of the conversation too. Coffee and weighted blanket are optional.
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