Free Range Lives
Free Range Lives is a resource for folks learning to cope with the unique challenges of balancing life. We are raising a child with special needs, and the lessons we learn can apply to anyone- from families and caregivers to corporate CEOS.
My son Porter’s brain injury at four months old, caused by a medication, left him with seizures, autism and other disabilities. It felt like the end of the world knowing that he would never be “normal.” The stress broke up our family. I tried everything I could to be a good parent.
But when I stopped fighting, I accepted the new normal. I learned from Porter that the only mind that needed changing was my own. Now, 22 years later, he continues to teach me and shape the way I live.
When you hear “free-range,” you probably picture farm animals roaming free and grazing as they please. Studies show Free-range livestock grow healthier, happier and stronger than their caged counterparts. I believe the same is true for people – we live better outside any of the cages that might confine us.
This blog details the triumphs and also the misfires of a modern blended family of six children, two remarried parents and three dogs. You’ll discover, like we do, what it means to live mindfully as we navigate our own paths in life.
We find wisdom when these paths intersect – we connect – woman, man, child, parent or caregiver.
When you hear “free-range,” you probably picture farm animals roaming free and grazing as they please. Studies show Free-range livestock grow healthier, happier and stronger than their caged counterparts. I believe the same is true for people – we live better outside any of the cages that might confine us.
Sarah Bridges, PhD
I’m a “free-range” mom, and I’ve been wandering on and off the beaten path since I was a kid. Growing up in a six-family commune with my two PhD parents outside of Berkeley, CA was far from traditional.
My interest in psychology and human development led me to earn a PhD of my own in neuropsychology from the University of Minnesota after a B.A. from Wesleyan University.
My MBA from Benedictine University in Chicago, much like my upbringing, allows me to channel my life experience as it benefits a range of audiences as a speaker, writer, executive coach and consultant. When I’m not training top-level executives, I’m sitting barefoot with another mother discussing the same principles as they apply to parenting.
Raising a disabled son changed my life, forming my memoir, “A Bad Reaction,” and keynote address “Lessons I Learned From My Disabled Son.” I write children’s books and have published investigative articles and personal essays in the Washington Post, Mothering magazine and SEED magazine, among others.
Now I live with my family outside of Minneapolis, MN, where I was formerly an executive for a $1.7-billion Fortune 1000 company. I have honed my speaking career as an official Blue Zones speaker, where I help people learn to live better, longer. I advocate for children with disabilities as an Opportunity Partners board member, and I run marathons every year.
Everything I do helps me follow my passion of helping people live well, and engaging anyone with the desire to better him- or herself.
The Free Range Lives Blog and newsletter is a way for me to share weekly insights and reflections. I hope you can connect with something here as a parent, a caregiver, or whatever your role in life may be.
Everything I do helps me follow my passion of helping people live well, and engaging anyone with the desire to better him- or herself.
Meet the Family
Our household is busy with 6 kids, 3 dogs, 2 parents, all writing and re-writing the stories of our lives. Jack (19), Noah (16), Ben (14) and Porter (22) are my sons, and Tyler (25) and Samantha (12) are the girls.
My husband Grant and I do our best to keep up with them. We have an athlete and viral filmmaker, an engineer and actor, a new teenager, a soon-to-be teen, a grad student and our inspiration, Porter.
Ramona, or “Mona-Mommy,” is Porter’s other mommy. You might know her from the guest posts and photos she contributes to our site. She and Porter’s roommate, Aaron, are two more members of the family. Our dogs, Abby, Riley and Buddy, bring the count to 11.
Busy, but never boring. Lots of chicks, but none in cages. There are benefits, and there are mis-fires.
These are our Free Range Lives.
