Sometimes, I seriously considered that I was another aspie in my past life in another time.
Probably did became one of those 'successful' copers, who just being controlled by circumstances and conformity.
Probably died full of regret and resentment. I won't be surprised if said past life self committed suicide, and prefer not to remember specific stuff like names, dates, and what roles done, etc. It hates whatever define my past life.
It only remembers what life felt like.
.. Then decided at this lifetime, I'd make it right and resolve all that.
As a child, I already hate the whole idea of masking for validation and achivement. Already hated such kind of life even before I witnessed or read anything about it. I already hated expectations and the idea of people depending on me.
And so many things... I dismissed the whole thing as being afraid, being close minded.
Then this nagging feeling that fought what my rational conclusion and current experience upon diagnosis... That side of me tells acceptance and clarity, and I ignored it because I dismissed the whole thing as being selfish.
Now, I'm listening to it closely. I had been, since I was 16, something tells me that I cannot stay sheltered and hide. That's far from being afraid, close minded, or selfish.
Then this weird walkthrough of what I'm supposed to go first -- overcome anxiety, figure my senses...
It tells me that willpower is not the answer. Willpower is just a form of backup battery, not a force itself that is often used in every situation. It also tells me that 'conditioning' and 'exposure' is also not the answer, but simply a 'chance' or a shot to figure something out.
And so many others...
Then now the crossroad I'm looking at. It tells me not to give in, no matter how easy or tempting it seems. It tells me to accept whatever nastiness I'm feeling and take it as another 'chance' to figure.
It's like I already set a path for myself before I was born. It's like I already had a plan in this lifetime.
I can feel it, the things I want to do in this lifetime...
Yet said plans are all about resolving and figuring, not aspirations and reaching.