For over the past two years, I have been hard on myself.
Wondering, why me? Why did I have to have this home, program, job?
While I always knew I was lucky to have them, I just was unhappy with having to go through the motions.
I had difficulty practicing radical acceptance. It was a term that was given to me when I was frustrated.
Until a few weeks ago, I had a hard time accepting what I must do in my life to have my independence.
But then, I must remember that my independence is a gift and I handle it so well, or so I am told.
And I think that is very important to remember that looking back before here, things could have been worse.
Maybe what once was my frustration with the past few years before was the fact that I did not accept what I needed to do to be well.
It shows me that my journey is still learning and growing, even if I think that I am over something.
I am in a pretty good spot right now and I know it.
Things are different for me than a neurotypical person, yet they have many similarities.
I just see the world different than others and must do things differently in order to function in society.
I need to be proud of myself and my accomplishments and being able to live every day on my own.
To practice radical acceptance, be grateful for what I have in my life, for being the independent person that I am.
Being smarter and stronger than I or some others think, getting through life’s storms one by one.
Because this is the life that is mine and I need to be proud that it is mine.
Accepting what is, learning, growing and being the person I know I can be.
Dustin's Dynasty 