🌸 The Heart of Advocacy: Rising with Purpose

A LoTus M Mighty Reflection by Michelle Kulczewski

Hey there, beautiful souls. 💖Welcome back to LoTus M Mighty—a sacred space where our hearts exhale, stories soften, and truth rises like the lotus from the mud. I’m so grateful you’re here. If you’ve found your way to this post, it means you’re navigating life with an open heart, searching for connection, encouragement, and maybe just a gentle reminder that you’re not alone.

✨ You are in the right place.

I’m Michelle Kulczewski—proud mama of four, passionate advocate for inclusion and empowerment, and someone whose life was beautifully rerouted when our fourth little one came into the world with an extra chromosome and a whole lot of light. My mission through this podcast, and here in this blog, is simple but mighty: to create a space where you feel seen, valued, celebrated, and wrapped in a community that lifts each other higher.

🌱 When the Journey Shifts...

In last week’s episode, I shared a story about one of our family’s obstacles—a sudden medical procedure for our little guy—and how it rerouted our entire path. And yet, as hard as it was, that detour revealed a deeper truth:What feels like a setback may actually be a divine setup.

We often hold tight to our vision of how life should unfold. But what if life—through its unexpected twists—is guiding us toward something more aligned, more authentic, and more beautifully ours?

💪 Advocacy with Heart

Today, I want to talk about advocacy—not the kind that burns you out or demands perfection, but the kind rooted in love, nurtured by purpose, and sustained by truth.

As a mother, I’ve always been an advocate for my children. But when our youngest was born with Down syndrome, the advocacy journey deepened. From NICU visits and feeding struggles to open-heart surgery prep and early intervention programs, we were thrust into new territory—an entirely different level of advocacy that started the moment he entered the world.

And here’s what I’ve learned:💗 Advocacy doesn’t require a microphone—it requires a heartbeat that won’t stop showing up.

🪷 Advocacy in the Everyday

You don’t have to be at a rally or lead a movement to be an advocate. Sometimes, it’s:

• Sending that email to your child’s teacher.

• Asking for inclusion at the lunch table.

• Showing up for the IEP meeting with courage (even if your voice shakes).

• Smiling at the stranger who’s watching, wondering, questioning.

• Telling your story—softly, bravely, truthfully.

Each quiet act of advocacy creates ripples. Each time you say, “My child matters,” or “This needs to change,” you are reshaping the world with love.

🌸 My Advocacy Roots

Before becoming a mom, I worked in education. I advocated for students every day. But I never imagined sitting on the other side of that IEP table. Yet here I am, advocating not only in school meetings and medical offices—but at every moment, in every space my child enters.

With my little guy, our advocacy began in the NICU and has continued through feeding challenges, therapies, surgeries, and now the beautiful mess of day-to-day life. It has made me braver, louder, more rooted in truth.

✨ You Are Not Alone

If you're reading this and walking a similar path—I want you to know this:You are not alone.

There’s a tribe of mamas, parents, caregivers, educators, and fierce-hearted humans who have walked this road—and we’re walking it with you. 🤝 I would be honored to connect with you. Find me on Instagram @lotusmighty or reach out through my blog and courses. Whether you’re new to advocacy or have been in this space for years, your voice matters.

💬 Gentle Ways to Advocate, Boldly

Start small. Be consistent. You don’t need to shout. You just need to speak. Try:

• Educating one person a day—in line at the grocery store, in a DM, at work.

• Using your story as a bridge, not a barricade.

• Leaning into your natural gifts—writing, art, speaking, community-building.

• Aligning with your strengths instead of forcing someone else’s script.

💡 There’s no one way to advocate. There’s your way. And it’s more than enough.

🧘‍♀️ A Mighty Moment of Reflection

Let’s pause together.

Close your eyes. Inhale deeply. Exhale slowly.Now picture yourself as a lotus rising from the mud—rooted, radiant, resilient. 🌺You’re standing tall—in the IEP meeting, in your workplace, in your truth.

💖 Feel the strength in your voice. Feel the warmth of your heart. Even if your knees tremble—you’re still rising.

🌟 This Week’s Mighty Affirmation

Repeat after me:

“I advocate with love.My voice matters—even in the small moments.I rise for all who need to be seen.I am not alone in this mission.I am the heart of a mighty movement.”

Advocacy doesn’t demand perfection. It demands presence. And that, dear one, is more than enough.

🌸 Closing Thoughts

Thank you so much for joining me today. If this message resonated with you, please subscribe, share this blog, and connect with our beautiful LoTus M Mighty community. You can also explore the offerings on Patreon, join a course, or simply send a message to say, “Hey, I’m here too.”

Because when one of us rises—we all rise.Let’s bloom boldly. Let’s live fully. Let’s stay mighty.

With all my heart, Michelle 💕