A World Where We All Belong

A World Where We All Belong"

Hey there, beautiful souls, and welcome back to LoTus M Mighty—the space where we uplift, empower, and embrace others on this journey of life. I invite you to walk this journey with me!  I’m so grateful you’re here because today’s episode is so extra special to me and my family.

We celebrate World Down Syndrome Day—a day to honor our loved ones with Down syndrome, to amplify their voices, and to embrace the beauty of inclusion. World Down Syndrome Day is very near and dear to my heart as our fourth child happens to have Down Syndrome.  This day is more than just a date on the calendar—it’s a movement, a celebration, and a powerful reminder that every person is uniquely powerful and worthy of belonging.

Take a moment to breathe in this truth:

 You are here for a reason. Your loved one who happens to have Down Syndrome is here for a reason. And together, we are shaping a world where everyone belongs.

Whether you’re a parent, a sibling, a friend, or someone whose heart is open to learning and growing, you are part of a world that sees ability over disability, potential over limits, and love over fear.

Please know that if you are new to this Down Syndrome World with a new diagnosis or a little one with a little extra… you are going to be okay! You are so blessed and lucky to be a part of this amazing tribe.  Please take the time to celebrate how you see fit for you and your family.  The first year for my little guy we decided not to have a big celebration as we were just healing from major open heart surgery…..I will share more on this later.  Last year we purchased socks from Stand Out Socks from the UK and gave them away generously to family and friends and requested that they wear them proudly and share with others the reason for the socks. This year I read a book to my son’s class and sharing a kaleidoscope with all of his peers as a reminder that we are all uniquely made and can come together to build a beautiful picture! Hope you can celebrate any way that works best for you and your loved ones!

🌸 The Beauty of Being Unique

Let’s start with something simple but profound:We are all uniquely different—and that’s a beautiful thing.  What if we stopped thinking of differences as something to be "accepted" and started seeing them as something to be celebrated?

Imagine a garden where every flower looked the same, where every petal was identical. It wouldn’t be as breathtaking, would it? The true beauty of a garden is in its variety—the wild bursts of color, the different shapes and scents, and the way each flower adds to the whole.

That’s what inclusion is about. It’s about celebrating all the colors, all the shapes, and all the strengths. It’s about recognizing that our differences make us stronger and more vibrant.

And let’s be real—people with Down syndrome are not defined by a diagnosis. They are dreamers, achievers, and, most importantly, they are loved. Above all, they are people with dreams, ambitions, and the undeniable right to be included in every part of life.

💪 Inclusion Is an Action, Not Just a Word

Inclusion isn’t just about kindness—it’s about action. It’s about creating schools, workplaces, and communities where everyone has a seat at the table. It’s about advocating when we see unfairness, educating when we hear ignorance, and showing up when our voices are needed.

Here’s how we can make inclusion a reality:

• Advocate Boldly: When you hear outdated language or see exclusion, challenge it. Be the voice that sparks change.

• Support Inclusion in Schools and Workplaces: Every child deserves an education that meets them where they are, and every adult deserves a career that values their abilities. Demand a world where doors are opened—not just knocked on.

• Teach the Next Generation: Raise kids who invite everyone to the lunch table, who see abilities instead of limitations, and who stand up when they see injustice. Inclusion starts at home.

• Celebrate the Wins—Big and Small: Whether it’s a child taking their first steps or an adult achieving their dream job—celebrate it. Every milestone matters.

  
  

💫 A Moment That Changed Everything

I want to share a moment with you—one that etched itself onto my heart. I was at a playground with my child, watching him take in the world around him—wide-eyed, eager, ready to connect. A group of kids was playing a game, laughing and running, lost in their own little universe.

For a second, I held my breath. Would they include my child? Would they see him the way I do? And then it happened. One child turned, smiled, and said, “Hey, want to play with us?” That’s it. No hesitation. No second-guessing. Just pure, effortless inclusion.

In that moment, I realized—this is what we fight for. This is the world we are shaping. Because at the end of the day, all any of us want is to belong.

Here are some key facts about Down syndrome that I would love to share with you…..

1. What Is Down Syndrome?

   • Down syndrome is a genetic condition caused by the presence of an extra copy of chromosome 21.

   • It’s also known as Trisomy 21 and is the most common chromosomal condition in the world.

2. How Common Is It?

   • Approximately 1 in every 700 babies born in the United States happen to have Down syndrome.

   • There are about 6,000 babies born with Down syndrome each year in the U.S. alone.

3. Celebrating World Down Syndrome Day:

   • World Down Syndrome Day is observed on March 21 (3/21) to signify the triplication of the 21st chromosome.

   • The day is celebrated worldwide to raise awareness and promote inclusion and acceptance.

🌍 A World Where We All Belong

So today, on this powerful and beautiful World Down Syndrome Day, let’s commit to more than just awareness. Let’s commit to acceptance. Let’s commit to action. Let’s commit to love in motion.

Inclusion isn’t a trend. It’s not a favor. It’s a fundamental right.

It’s about making sure every child grows up knowing they are valued, seen, and capable of achieving greatness. It’s about embracing our unique differences.  It’s about changing the world!

Still, even in 2025, we have to advocate for our son.  I would not change Malix for the world, but as parents we need to change the world’s perception of him, shout his worth and educate people on Down syndrome ... Malix is no different than any other child!

Let’s commit to more than just awareness. Let’s commit to action, to acceptance, to love, to opening doors instead of just holding them.

💛 Happy World Down Syndrome Day, my friends. Keep blooming, keep rising.

If blog resonated with you, please subscribe and share my podcast LoTus Mighty with someone who might need this reminder. You can also connect with me at LoTus Mighty on Instagram to continue the conversation and be part of this thriving community.

Let’s rise together. Let’s walk this journey together—because when one person rises, we all rise. Let’s bloom. 🌸

Until next time—be brave, be strong, be kind to everyone, stay mighty, and never forget: You are enough! You are LoTus Mighty! Love ya! 💙💛