Y’all. I have to share an amazing story about our recent Mommune beach trip and how it turned into a transformative experience for Xan. We knew that a change of scenery could be refreshing, but we had no idea just how profound this little getaway would turn out to be.
A Freedom-Fueled Breakthrough
One of the most incredible things that happened was how Xan blew several of his OT goals completely out of the water. When we first started planning the trip, Xan was pretty hesitant. The idea of the beach was overwhelming, and he was worried about how much he hates the feeling of sand. But once we arrived, something shifted. The freedom of having days with very little structure and no rush was exactly what Xan needed.
Instead of being bogged down by the usual routines and pressures, he had space to just be. And guess what? This freedom led to some amazing breakthroughs. One of the biggest wins was Xan’s newfound independence with showering. Hair washing had been a major challenge for us—something we had been working on tirelessly. But during our beach stay, Xan just went ahead and did it all on his own. No fuss, no struggle—he just showered independently. I am still in shock every time he happily gets in the shower.
The Power of Positive Peer Pressure
Another huge factor was the positive peer pressure from his friends. It’s incredible how a little encouragement from peers can work wonders. Seeing his friends dive into the waves, have fun, and handle new experiences with ease gave Xan the gentle nudge he needed. It was like a ripple effect of confidence and enthusiasm that spread through him.
Finding Calm in the Chaos
We also saw an impressive shift in Xan’s ability to self-regulate. The beach’s natural rhythm seemed to help him find his own sense of calm. The crashing waves, the soothing sound of the ocean—these sensory inputs that usually might have been overwhelming turned out to be incredibly calming. Xan started using his breath to regulate his emotions, which is something we’ve been working on. And here’s the kicker: when he did have moments of frustration, they were far less intense than usual. We went from having meltdowns that were off the charts to barely a blip on the radar.
A Newfound Love for the Beach
It’s not just about the practical milestones, though. The emotional and sensory transformation was just as remarkable. Xan went from being unwilling to even think about the beach because of sensory overload to absolutely loving the experience. The waves that once seemed intimidating became a source of joy. He reveled in the sensation of the water crashing around him, and the beach became a place where he felt free and happy.
In a nutshell, our beach trip turned out to be more than just a fun vacation. It was a catalyst for personal growth and a reminder of the incredible strides Xan is making. The combination of an unstructured environment, supportive friends, and a new sensory experience worked together to help Xan achieve milestones that we’ve been working toward for a long time.
Sometimes, it’s the simple things—like a day at the beach—that can spark the most profound changes. And seeing Xan thrive in this new environment was a beautiful reminder of just how far he’s come.
So here’s to more adventures, more breakthroughs, and more moments of joy for all of us. And if you’re ever in need of a little transformation, remember: sometimes all it takes is a bit of sunshine and the sound of waves to set the magic in motion.
