I think you will do what you need to do as you are ready to do it. I am guessing that the people who love you already know who you really are. I don't have a diagnosis, but autism runs all through my family and it has been enough for me to realize that I'm somewhere on the spectrum. It has helped me see the view through the rear window differently. Some of that is painful, some validating, some sad. It has helped me let go of some regrets. I can see that I was doing the very best I could with what I understood at the time. Retiring is letting me let my mask down in ways I never could before, and the more I do the more relief I feel. It's been a long process. (I was a cheerleader in high school ffs. Talk about masking!) I have fewer "friends" than I once did, but I'm actually more comfortable with fewer people. I've realized how much down time (alone) I need to be OK. No wonder a career as an educator was never a good fit!) I don't really believe in those journey stories. I hope you can take yours gently. I don't think you have to suffer to get to a rosy spot.
Oh, WELL DONE, for doing the biz, and sharing it on this relatively public platform!
As a very-recently self-diagnosed ADHD, I can relate SO much to this! At nearer 70 than sixty (yeah, how did that even happen?!), I have been masking and compensating and performing strategies all my life, and
I have a fab therapist, who is encouraging me to look at my long and messy life through what she calls 'the neuro-divergent lens', which really helps.
Ellie Middleton, in her book '(Un)Masked' , available from a lovely public library near you, recognises the scariness and uncertainties of starting to unmask, unlearn our coping strategies and just be openly and unapologetically us!
I applaud you for finding the words to put around this experience! And I wish you all the best navigating your path forward with this new understanding! Thank you for sharing your story here! 🎁💕👏
Aw thank you. Such kind words. I believe I have unmasked sitting on a bookcase waiting for me to give myself permission to read it. I am incredibly self sabotaging. And yes, here’s to us!
It's not unflawed (but then I'm not keen on 'self-help' books...and she is incredibly YOUNG! Keeps going on about her 'late diagnosis', at the grand old age of 24 😀
But some chapters are good, you may find the medical v self diagnosis one interesting too 😊
Welcome
Beautiful, clear, and thoughtful. Thank you for sharing this, Tam.
I think you will do what you need to do as you are ready to do it. I am guessing that the people who love you already know who you really are. I don't have a diagnosis, but autism runs all through my family and it has been enough for me to realize that I'm somewhere on the spectrum. It has helped me see the view through the rear window differently. Some of that is painful, some validating, some sad. It has helped me let go of some regrets. I can see that I was doing the very best I could with what I understood at the time. Retiring is letting me let my mask down in ways I never could before, and the more I do the more relief I feel. It's been a long process. (I was a cheerleader in high school ffs. Talk about masking!) I have fewer "friends" than I once did, but I'm actually more comfortable with fewer people. I've realized how much down time (alone) I need to be OK. No wonder a career as an educator was never a good fit!) I don't really believe in those journey stories. I hope you can take yours gently. I don't think you have to suffer to get to a rosy spot.
Oh, WELL DONE, for doing the biz, and sharing it on this relatively public platform!
As a very-recently self-diagnosed ADHD, I can relate SO much to this! At nearer 70 than sixty (yeah, how did that even happen?!), I have been masking and compensating and performing strategies all my life, and
I have a fab therapist, who is encouraging me to look at my long and messy life through what she calls 'the neuro-divergent lens', which really helps.
Ellie Middleton, in her book '(Un)Masked' , available from a lovely public library near you, recognises the scariness and uncertainties of starting to unmask, unlearn our coping strategies and just be openly and unapologetically us!
Here's to our future, lovely, courageous one! ❤️
I applaud you for finding the words to put around this experience! And I wish you all the best navigating your path forward with this new understanding! Thank you for sharing your story here! 🎁💕👏
Thank you
Aw thank you. Such kind words. I believe I have unmasked sitting on a bookcase waiting for me to give myself permission to read it. I am incredibly self sabotaging. And yes, here’s to us!
It's not unflawed (but then I'm not keen on 'self-help' books...and she is incredibly YOUNG! Keeps going on about her 'late diagnosis', at the grand old age of 24 😀
But some chapters are good, you may find the medical v self diagnosis one interesting too 😊
Yes I do inwardly laugh at those diagnosed in their 20s saying ‘late’ diagnosed. Like ‘girl you ain’t lived yet’!
Hell, yeah! 🙄
Thank you - from an undiagnosed ADD mother of a self-diagnosed autistic daughter. Helpful to read your story!
Stick around there will always be more albeit a bit sporadically.