Consciously distancing myself from society, conformity, and traditional norms.
More self-love, care and acceptance.
Being able to be more openly honest.
Actually, being brutally honest with those closest to me, no matter how irrational or wild the thoughts.
Accepting intrusive thoughts, for what they are and how my mind works.
Realising that my flaws growing up were autistic traits that should be celebrated.
I no longer make excuses for being the way I am.
I am able to joke with friends (the few humans I actually talk to) about my autistic traits and share SEN moments.
It’s okay not to be liked by everyone, it’s okay to not like everyone either.
Enjoying missing out on events, I would have previously masked for and drunk my way through them.
Reliving my teenage angst and fashion with such joy.
Knowing how to look after myself during an autistic burnout and being able to neutralise triggers.
No longer feeling embarrassed or ashamed of not fitting in.
No longer trying to fit in, force conversations or friendships.
Outgrowing the old masked version of myself and the elements of that life.
Healing my inner child and young adult trauma and putting things in place to guide my own autistic children.
Enjoying my mind.
Having more confidence.
I like what I like and I don’t give a f*ck.
Being at peace, for the first time ever.