October Monthly Update!
Hi Friend! This week I want to share a new revelation of mine.
Before getting into the bulk of the newsletter, I want to announce that Autisticly Me has finally reached 800 followers on Instagram. Thank you so much for the support and encouragement you have given us from the beginning. We couldn’t do it without you!
“What would happen if none of us learned that there is something wrong with us? What kind of world would we have? What would be different?” - Jeffery Marsh
This month, I’ve been unwell so this past week I’ve been slowly getting myself back into writing again. During my hiatus, I got back into listening to podcasts, and it was StyleLikeU’s latest episode that motivated me to write today’s monthly newsletter.
In the episode, they interviewed Jeffery Marsh (Öffnet in neuem Fenster), a non-binary LGBTQ+ activist, speaker, and author. They asked, " What would happen if none of us learned that there is something wrong with us? What kind of world would we have? What would be different?”
This struck me because as a late diagnosed autistic woman of colour, I had always believed that there was something “wrong” with me.
Whether it was that “I’m too quiet” or “I’m too serious,” no matter what I changed about myself, those critiques were always said.
It was only last week when I reminisced with my sister about my report cards and how the teachers would always say, “Kyra is a good student but she is very quiet.” Being quiet was something that was made to be “wrong” with me.
We don’t go into the world with insecurities. Instead, it’s society and people’s opinions about us that make us question our self-worth.
What Jeffery said made me realise how much people’s words have questioned my self-worth. Lately, I’ve been contemplating whether I have the skills to apply for a Masters degree, or if I’m capable of pursuing a new career direction.
But, enough is enough!
Why should we mould ourselves to make others feel comfortable? Why should we sacrifice our happiness accommodate to others’ needs? Why should we make ourselves invisible to not cause a “scene?”
My challenge for myself and you this month is to try something that others have forbade you from doing.
For instance, were you told that you’re too quiet to participate in debate club? Go and participate in the debate club this month. Were you told that you’re too shy to go to a social event? Go to the dance class you’ve always wanted to participate in.
Never allow others to set your own expectations.
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Monthly Autistic Creative Recommendations:
Style Like U (Öffnet in neuem Fenster) - A radically honest media company created by mother-daughter duo, Lily Mandelbaum and Elisa Goodkind. It’s a platform dedicated to celebrating individuality and challenging beauty standards.
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