As 2024 begins and has been a multitude of good and changing things that are looking forward to in the coming years, it has made me realize that now more than ever that with living independently comes the necessary dedication to being responsible. It is something that I now have finally picked up on.

One of the biggest things about this is having self-discipline when knowing what is right and what is wrong to do. It is known that I need to be responsible for doing the things that are required for me to stay well and healthy along with keeping up on the necessary tasks that come with living independently. It can be tempting at times to go off course because of one thing or another or that the brain goes from one thing to another but understanding that there is a necessity in doing things and that there are benefits in doing things that keep you well is what matters the most to be successful in your independence.

There have been more than enough times in my over half a decade of being independent that I had been responsible for doing what was necessary. It got bad and spiraled out of control and eventually with my first apartment with that and the pandemic, everything crashed and burned. Thankfully, over three years ago, I got my current home and have been gradually doing much better since. Within time, I have understood the necessity of doing what is necessary to live independently, continuously from day to day, every single day.

Consistency is key. It is always necessary in doing things like taking my medication so I can interact with others in a world that can sometimes be challenging for me as an autistic person. It is also a fact that there are things that need to be done around the house like cleaning, laundering and just being able to live an independent life.

It takes dedication to being responsible, especially when there is a need to do things that require being ready at a certain time to go somewhere or do something. It may mean that you have to go to bed at a certain time or know that you have to set an alarm clock and stay awake when that alarm clock goes off in the morning, It can also mean that it requires you to have to budget your time adequately so you are sure to get what you need to get done and get the necessary amount of sleep that is needed to be able to function successfully.

It is also important to know that if you need help with things that you know that it is available and that it is perfectly acceptable to ask for it when you need it. But there must be a part of you that knows that you must hold up to your expectations of what you are required to do in that process. It can be challenging and complex at times, but doing what you know is necessary for you to live independently is what matters the most.

Over the past five years, living independently has ebbed and flowed through both positive and negative situations. It has had its share of challenges, but never giving up and being resilient has taught me the importance of doing what is necessary for me to be independent. I must honestly say that I am doing much better because of understanding and knowing what is necessary for me to have the best life.

Through the dedication of knowing that I need to be responsible when it comes to living independently, I can continue to live my best, everyday life to the fullest potential.