Anne spent most of her life feeling misunderstood until she was diagnosed with Autism later in life. Everything started to eventually make sense, even more so, when her family was all diagnosed with ASD and they begin this new journey together. She wants to write about all of this because sometimes one’s struggles are silent and only through efforts towards inclusion can we all be more comfortable to communicate our struggles. And as someone who is rejection sensitive, she often fails to communicate her struggles because she anticipates that her struggles will lead to further rejection and the cycle continues. She hopes that sharing her vulnerabilities leads to at least one person better understanding themselves or an Autistic loved one. She is looking forward to sharing more specifics about her struggles as a neurodiverse family residing in Pennsylvania.
View all postsWrite A Letter to Your Future Self
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Dear Future Self,
I recognize that these last few months have been hard on you. Realizing your dream job was here, that you have arrived, and then recognizing it could all be swept away in another RIF. It’s hard having the gift/curse of insight, but with that, too, you have resilience. No matter what this unknown future holds, you did arrive, and you did have the best year of your life so far in 2024. Your children will remember this year forever and that is what you always set out to do.
Know that your reaction is the only control that you have over this unknown. Know that you demonstrate resilience not only for yourself but for your kids. Know that in the past year, you have learned to value aspects of your life regardless of whether you have thousands of dollars in loans or you are penniless. The work you have done was valuable, and the work you will do is valuable. Don’t forget that every time you fall, you get up.
Maybe it’s time to tell the greatest story of them all. Think about it. You have nothing to lose but yourself.
Be sure to love yourself, too. <3
Love,
Anne
Anne Brown
