Third, use your writing as a pressure valve for your frustrations, instead of turning to television or chocolate. You can scream, whine, and celebrate through your characters. They will be better for it, and so will you. In fact, don't be ashamed to use your personal experience in your writing. Although you must be careful not to make your book preachy or boring, your personal knowledge can give your work depth.
Writers are scavengers, after all.
Their use of the flotsam and jetsam of their lives makes their writing intense and real. Most importantly, learn to believe in yourself and to forgive yourself. You can't do everything. My husband and I pursue some, but not all of the therapies for autistic children. I don't have time to do much self-promotion.