I used to apologize for every tangent, every detour, every long-winded story that lost the plot halfway through. But rambling is how I connect, how I process, how I show love. In a world obsessed with brevity, I’m reclaiming the long way around, because sometimes the scenic route says the most.

As a woman diagnosed with autism in my late 40s, I've come to recognize that my naturally joyful disposition challenges society's expectations of how neurodivergence should present itself. Where many expect to see struggle, I embody sparkle; where they anticipate challenges, I experience celebration. I am not alone in this joy.

Forget white walls and beige carpets. Your brain wants a jungle. Biophilic design is the art of turning overstimulating spaces into sanctuaries for neurodivergent minds, no gardening degree required.

Like the roots of a plant, the beauty of gardening goes much deeper: as we work to improve our gardens, the act of gardening improves our mental and physical health – especially if our brains are wired differently.

For some, a manicure is a luxury. For me, it’s a lifeline — a ritual of regulation, a splash of color, and a tiny act of rebellion against “normal.”