Lion Roars And Deep Breaths
I’ve always thought my ADHD was about focus, but I’ve come to realize it’s also deeply tied to regulation—or lack of it. When I’m dysregulated, my body doesn’t care if it’s a to-do list or a tiger on my heels—the reaction is the same: tight chest, swirling thoughts, and a rush of overwhelm. But here’s what I’ve learned: recognizing that state is step one. From there, it’s all about tools—breathing, grounding, maybe even letting out a lion’s roar—to bring myself back into balance. It’s not instant, but every time I practice, it gets easier to reset. And when I pair internal strategies with a calming external space, it’s like having an anchor in the chaos.
Living the Horizontal Life
I used to think my love for being horizontal was something to hide, but now I embrace it—it’s simply how I thrive. From working meetings in bed to turning parties into “Horizontal Lounges,” everything feels better with my feet up. Even meals and travel are optimized with the right tools, like couch-side tables or inflatable ottomans. While others stand or sit upright, I’ve found my comfort in lounging, unapologetically choosing what works best for me. Being horizontal isn’t laziness—it’s freedom.
Hiding in Plain Sight
I used to think I couldn’t be autistic because I’m so good at being social. I’ve learned to mimic conversations, laugh at the right times, and remember what faces to make when someone’s upset or happy. But then I realized: it’s all a mask. I’m constantly decoding every interaction, running mental scripts just to seem “normal.” It’s exhausting. So, I finally decided to take the mask off—and it’s been terrifying, but freeing.
Radical Authenticity
For most of my life, I hid who I really was. I masked my autistic traits, adjusted my behavior to blend in, and chased acceptance from people who didn’t really see me. But one day, I realized—what’s the point? I was exhausted, miserable, and never truly happy. So I started letting my real self show. It was terrifying, but for the first time, I felt a sense of freedom. Being radically authentic is hard, but it’s the only way to find people who truly get you.
Horns & Jazz Are My Nemesis
I’ve always known I don’t like jazz—especially when horns are involved. My brother tried every trick in the book to convince me otherwise, but nothing could change my mind. Turns out, I might have misophonia, which means my brain just can’t handle certain sounds. Now armed with earplugs and a bit of validation, I’m finally able to enjoy concerts (well, some concerts) without feeling like I’m losing my mind.
