There are days in my life when things just drag out. It can be hard to fall in line with what I must do during these times. These can be the toughest times. It’s difficult to get through the rest of the day. Reaching my safe and happy place becomes a challenge. But I know I must do it because it’s the best practice. It also sets an example. Those who look up to me see me as someone who has accomplished a lot.

It is not to say that it can be hard when things don’t go my way. It is also challenging when things have an unexpected stop along the way. Yet, I now know that it is best not to react and be brave. I understand that I can do things to make what I must go through smoother than what I am feeling. That understanding can ease the pain and anxiety that I feel when it hits hard.

I know that nothing is wrong with me. It is just a part of the anxiety brought on by my autism. Although things are not the way I expect them to be, they are fine. I know that I am safe and my needs are met. I have to be brave. I must show myself and others what is the best and right thing to do. Being the old way that I used to be does nothing. Nor does complaining about things that are out of out of my control. The reality is that despite some things being hard, my needs are being met. That is what matters most to me. I need to prove to myself and those around me that I can overcome the hard parts of the day. I aim to be the example that so many know I can be. I want to lead the way in how something is done.

It has taken me a long time to reach a point of acceptance. I no longer ruminate about things that are out of my control. In the past I would ruminate about things that I couldn’t control over and over for a very long time. I wished for a solution that would prevent me from experiencing things I didn’t want. I also didn’t want to think I should experience unreal things. I couldn’t see that my brain believed things that were not true. Even as some of those things are no longer the case, today is often much better than before. Many times, they drive what keeps me going. This is besides the coping skills and other resources I need to face life’s challenges.

In those moments, we can only see what we are angry about. That’s hurting us. It can be hard to be brave. But I often take a look around and ground myself in reality. I realize that things are not as bad as they seem. I can get through the hard things in my life. No matter how difficult they are, I find the courage within myself. I do what needs to be done when it’s the hardest.