In December, with the full support of our Board of Directors, Islands of Brilliance chose to change our mission statement with the intention of opening our doors to the broader community of neurodiversity.

Joyful moments…seeing Pirate Ships…at Islands of Brilliance

Working at Islands of Brilliance (IOB), I get to see pirate ships built and enjoyed nearly every day. I would like to share a few of my favorite joyful moments from 2023.

This year, IOB co-founders, Mark and Margaret Fairbanks share a scene from their home as they reflect on where we’ve been…and where we’re heading in 2024.

We all know the drill, the new year rolls around and everyone starts focusing on what they want to change in their lives. We set lofty goals for “a better us.” What does that even mean? We often take a look at ourselves or our families and decide this is the year we will change it all! And we quickly overwhelm ourselves with too many goals, plans, and systems. We probably drive ourselves and everyone around us crazy in the process. And before we know it, probably right around now…a few weeks into the new year…we burn out and return to our regular routines. Are you there? Does this feel a little too familiar? Don’t worry! You’re not alone!

Mornings in our home always start with coffee and conversation—which often revolves around how lucky we are to do what we do. The joy, the sense of community, the self confidence and advocacy, and the sense of pride that has blossomed over the past eight years really is something we are incredibly honored to be part of.