My Secret

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Its kind of funny. Although I have Aspergers syndrome, and it affects my life in a number of ways, I appear almost NT to the rest of the world (most of the time.) Even if I seem a bit different, it does not prevent me from having a number of friends and a nice full and happy life.

What is my secret?

My life wasn't always so esasy or fun. An especially hard time for me was high school. After my freshman year I transferred to a private Catholic school as opposed to the public one I attended all my life.

I made many acquaintances there, and even found my own "group" to connect with but unfortunately I made few close friendships. I don't know why I did not exactly, and I often feel I wish I had tried more with people I knew.

I was almost like in this purgatory-like state. I mostly hung out with people from my old school and did not really with people at my new, although some were receptive to that. I got confused socially as well, thinking my initial shyness/lack of engagement led to "missed opportunities" with people I never really knew that well.



It was at times quite lonely, and it almost kills me that I was lonely of somewhat my own volition. My poor mother was trying constantly to get me engaged socially with activities, and I am sorry to say at times I felt more comfortable "withdrawing" from other kids than engaging with them. I do regret that

However, I learned a secret upon graduating high school, one that has almost led to my "recovery" from aspergers so to speak.

Here is my secret: I learned that even for the "cool kids" the vast majority of life is sort of boring and not fun, and it is vitally important to use your time well. Instead of surfing the net/watching tv and withdrawing further into yourself, its important to "engage" with the rest of the world to unstick yourself from your own strange thoughts and thought patterns.

Every day has the potential to be boring or "not-fun" but almost every day of your life is that. It's important to find hobbies, make plans and think about things outside of yourself.. to make the world.. and you better off!

I

A lot of wisdom here!

Shyness is not equivalent to Autism.

Life within oneself can be profoundly rewarding, without social engagement.

An Autist is not 'fixed' if by embracing NT values and behavior.

Well, and I can see your side of things, too.

1. I was a little shocked once when I was younger and commented to my Dad that I was shy, and he said, "No you're not." At the time, I didn't realize I was autistic.

2. Yes, life can be profoundly rewarding following solitary internal pursuits ... I say this as an artist.

3. Why would an Autist need to be " ... " well, I don't even want to type the word, as my mind is going in a very strange direction right now (pardon me please) ... Anyways, why shouldn't an Autist try to engage with the world once in a while, as long as there's no pressure and it's a free choice? (Thinking about it, this could be a loaded and/or deep question, actually ... )

I agree with the well-rounded approach, too.

I agree that all Autists are wise to at least engage occasionally for the sake of balance and b/c we do need other humans at times, whether we like it or not(interdependence iow)

what media do you use artistically?

How about triangular?

Balance, interdependence ... exactly!

As for art, I've been a photographer for years, with artwork displayed in juried exhibits in art galleries and museums, and a solo show. Have also sold at craft shows and had an online store, but have recently deactivated it. As of this year, I've gotten into abstract acrylic painting. And am doing another solo show with a mixture of photos and paintings.

And how about you? It appears you're also an artist? What's your specialty?

I'm not an artist...sry for any confusion about that

LOL...I like circular because it's a quicker path to starting over, should what you're doing not turn out right.

It's lke a roundabout in England.

In the US, if you get lost, and know you're going the wrong way on a major highway, it might be MILES until you can make a U-turn.

Whereas in England, there's always a roundabout nearby, so you can just make the "U-turn" using the roundabout, without the risks of the U-turn.

In the US, if I get lost,
I might be trying to go somewhere in Ohio
and wind up in Pennsylvania.
It's happened before ...

Anyways, we're certainly going off on a tangent (in another direction) here!

(I guess another secret is, we all get lost sometimes, eh?)

Yep....that's true