Chances are, you know someone with special needs. Chances are, they have taught you things you will never forget. The lessons we can learn from them are endless.

Here are some of the many things these amazing individuals have taught me:

1. Listen Slow down and take a moment to pay attention, really pay attention, when someone is talking to you. Make them feel important, make them feel as if you truly care about what they are saying, interact and respond.

2. Communication Is Complex Communication isn’t as simple as just speaking or texting. Gestures and body language are just as important, if not more important, than the words you speak or hear. Be extra attentive when communicating so you hear everything – both verbal and nonverbal. Even someone who cannot use words may have something to say.

3. Set Goals & Celebrate The Little Victories There’s something about watching someone you care for set a goal and meet it that makes you proud. You watch them work toward something every day. You watch the struggle to conquer a task that you take for granted. Learning to walk, speaking more clearly, learning to read or write, etc. You learn the importance in taking pride in accomplishments: learning a new letter, counting change, getting a little stronger, and so much more. You learn that you too can set goals, big or small, and meet them with a little hard work and some support. Take small steps, no goal is too big or small. And, celebrate the little victories.

4. Appreciate the Small Things I’ve realized that many of those with developmental disabilities or special needs are good at noticing the small things around them that we often ignore. They can see the beauty and positivity in everything. Enjoy your favorite meal, pick pretty flowers, pet a dog, sit outside when the weather’s nice, admire the sunset, make shapes out of the clouds; study and appreciate every little thing around you.

5. Be Grateful Not everyone can speak, or hear, read or write, walk or run. Not everyone has the ability to take care of themselves fully. While you may have struggles of your own, realize that you are so very fortunate for what you do have and what you are able to do.

6. Laugh Many of those I have met with special needs have an infectious smile or laugh- they can see the humor in everything. Can you imagine how you life would change if you decided to smile a little more? Watch a movie that makes you giggle, laugh at yourself, laugh with a friend, tell a joke, find the humor in everyday experiences. Smile more than you frown.

7.Try I have learned how important it is to try something new. Life can get boring and repetitive, but it doesn’t have to be. Do something you’ve never done, push yourself to try something a little scary, get out of your comfort zone, change your perspective. Don’t be afraid of failure, just try.

8. Love You might not be able to do everything, but you can do anything. No one is perfect. Be proud of your own accomplishments, be comfortable in your own skin, learn to love yourself for who you are. When you fall down, get back up, You are not a failure. Your imperfections are what make you perfect in your own way. Love each other, love yourself, love this life you have been given.

9. Be Kind Say please and thank you, use your manners, be friendly, realize that everyone is struggling with something. Use nice words, be encouraging, be supportive. It isn’t hard to be kind; those with developmental abilities are especially talented at this. The impact genuine kindness can make is priceless.

10. Give Being given something that someone worked very hard on is a wonderful feeling. Take time to create something for someone else, give a gift to brighten someone’s day, accept a gift with gratitude.

11. Relax Stop rushing through every day. Take a moment to reflect. Breathe.

12. Life is Short Some are given a short life filled with challenges and obstacles. Some are given a long life with minimal hardships. Learn from your mistakes and power through your struggles. No matter what life you were given, make the most of it.

If we could all live our lives and see the world more like those with special needs do, the world would be a more beautiful place.

“The happiest people don’t have the best of everything, they make the best of everything.” -Unknown