For many years, I wanted to be a “normal” person and ignore the fact that I have challenges.

Like being the square peg in the round hole that just wouldn’t budge in. I tried and tried.

Then I went a total 180 degrees not myself or anyone close to that for some reason.

I lost sense of what I was advocating for or willing to accept the necessities of me.

There is no “normal” or “perfect” in the world I live in.

Accepting myself for what I was and needed to do felt like it was stepping back.

In fact, it wasn’t. Things became more manageable, so I accepted things for what they were.

All my challenges that come with me, autism, mental health, and developmental challenges.

Masking, dismissing, or hiding them only makes it harder to bear what must be done to live.

Granted, challenges are what they are, challenges and they are sometimes frustrating and difficult.

But having a robust amount of support and treatment makes things more manageable.

It took me a long time to come full circle in this, but slowly my life is coming to be more pleasant for me.

I’m beginning to enjoy things in my very own way. It may not be the “normal” way.

But, if we were “normal”, it would be a very plain and boring world, wouldn’t it?

If I want others to accept me at my worst, then I must be honest and accept things for what they are.

Life becomes easier when you do. Others can think whatever they want.  Be kind to them, that is what matters.

For I was put on this earth for a reason and was made to shine in my very own way. Not the way someone else wants me to.

Love, be kind and easy to yourself and others. The little things you do will go a long way.