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- Discomfort isn’t the enemy...Why?
Discomfort isn’t the enemy...Why?
Real growth begins the moment we step outside our comfort zone.
Hey Family, Michael here..
There’s a quote I always come back to:
“Comfort and Growth cannot coexist.” – Ginni Rometty
Raising two boys, including one on the spectrum, has brought that truth to life in ways I never expected.
Raising two children, including one who’s on the spectrum, has brought that truth to life in ways I never expected.
There have been seasons when everything felt unfamiliar… uncomfortable. From navigating therapies, IEPs, and emotional curveballs, to reshaping our entire financial future, there’s been no roadmap. Just daily decisions.
And through it all, my wife Eli has been an absolute champion. Her strength, patience, and love hold us together on the hardest days. I’m constantly inspired by how she shows up, not just for our children, but for all of us.
Here’s what I’ve learned:
Growth doesn’t happen in the easy moments. It shows up when we confront what’s hard, and still move forward.
As parents, we often try to shield our families from discomfort. But sometimes, leaning into it is exactly what opens the door to breakthroughs, for them, and for us.
So if you’re in a season that feels a little too messy or uncertain…
Know that you’re not alone, and you’re probably right where you’re supposed to be.
Keep going. You’re doing more than you know.
P.S. Got a favorite quote that keeps you grounded? Hit reply and share it with me. I might feature it in a future edition.
Real Talk: Dad to Dads Podcast
I had the chance to sit down and share a bit of our story on the Dad to Dad Podcast, what it’s really like navigating life as a parent of a child with autism.
We covered:
✅ The emotional whirlwind of receiving a diagnosis
✅ Learning to celebrate the small wins
✅ Why proactive planning matters more than ever
✅ How community and support have kept us grounded
If you're a parent walking a similar path, or know someone who is, I invite you to tune in. Whether you're in the thick of it or just starting out, you're not alone.
Listen to Episode 36 here:
Here’s to being prepared, staying connected, and building a secure future, one step at a time.
Talk soon,

— Michael Pereira
Founder, The Autism Voyage®
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