Through the past week, I have been realizing how much more grounded I have been and now realize that I am in a good spot in my life mentally.

Earlier this week, I shared about why connecting to others online matters so much to me. Now that my brain has had time to process, I would like to take a little deeper dive into why it does matter to me, personally.

You see, back 25 years ago, at the onset of puberty and a childhood of psychological batteries, through the guidance of a wraparound professional, I had been linked to a research study at the local university in the big city. There, my parents and I met one of the experts in diagnosing what was then Asperger’s Syndrome.

Within a few minutes of that consultation, there was no question that was a diagnosis I would bestow.

Though the next years and many years into adulthood would put me under their cusp and keep me sheltered. I was angry and defensive about myself back then.

My parents sought the best treatment that I could, and I am still blessed to this day to have them in my life and the opportunities that they have provided me, as I know I am very fortunate to have them in my life, especially after my behaviors nearly broke them apart, yet I am always on their minds, even today.

I’ve not always listened to their advice through the years. Some of those lessons I have even as much as this week had to learn the hard way, yet I am being my own person.

On my own, I have flourished so much socially and have met many people even before this thing social media has come to light when I was in my late 20s.

My use has had some bumps as of recently prior to my episode last month, but I used it as a building block to make improvements to put my mental health first and foremost.

All through this, connection beyond my own space I feel is essential for my daily living.

The same can be said for others I have developed very close connections with.

It takes proper common sense and vetted out the dangers that this online world presents us today.

We hear of the dangers from other advocates, both as self-advocates and those caring for them.

There are statistics to correlate the worry and indeed I too read that oftentimes that the justice system is not on our side.

I am fortunate to be educated with a college certificate and associate degree in web applications and web technology, but honestly, education goes beyond that.

It takes using social media and other technological platforms, watching videos, listening to others’ experience, and attending webinars.

It also takes understanding social pragmatics, something that I have worked on for many years.

Yet, I am beyond grateful for the opportunities that social media provides me.

I share the mutual connection of others in similar situations like mine. Not all autistic but having challenges. Whether it is from a mental or physical challenge, or sometimes both.

I also see that others have challenges, and I can understand and relate to their pain. Even doing something as simple as reacting to their posts can help improve their well-being so much and they greatly appreciate it.

Here is where I share my years of lived experience on a more personal level and let them know that whatever they are experiencing is just a part of their journey and that there will be better days ahead.

Likewise, my encouragement and words are greatly appreciated, and when I am told this, it gives me the joy, happiness, and perseverance to keep fighting this fight and reminds me that there are so many people out there that care for me and to never give up.

A few weeks ago, when being told that I would have to face the challenges I faced. Getting back full-time on my medication regimen, quitting caffeine cold turkey, or changing my food habits. I personally feel if I had not had the ability to connect online in the manner that I do, I honestly don’t think I would have had the better outcome I did have.

Yet. I am resilient and within the past month, my mood and anxiety has vastly improved, and I am the person that I was almost twenty years ago, yet better, because I feel more independent.

I have accepted all my disabilities and intersectionality for what they are and that I am who I am.

I am the genuine person that I see in my life and there is no changing that.

I am the happiest that I have been in decades, and I see no going back to those old habits.

Temptation is everywhere, yet I know that I must fight it because I enjoy this life more than anything!

Life is so worth living and I am a wonderful person.