Haaaaapy Weekend, you guys!!!!! Here where I live, we have an entire weekend of festivities to celebrate Memorial Day Weekend.
I can probably count on the fingers of one hand how many times I have attended these festivities.
I WANT to attend all the events.
I would be content if I could attend only two or three of the events.
I will most likely only attend maybe one event.
And that's a big "maybe."

As most of you know, I did not know that I was Autistic, until my senior years. I knew I was a bit of an extroverted introvert. I learned in my fifties that I was most indeed ADHD. So I lived most of my life believing that there was something "wrong" with me. Always on the outside looking in. Depressed, sad, anxious, while trying to raise beautiful children who were simply perfect.

Somehow I knew that I had to mimic the "normal" people around me, in order to get along and have friends. To be able to work with co-workers. I was actually really good at that. But now I understand that is referred to as "masking." Pretending to be someone you are not in order to get along.

My life is so different today. To quote a phrase, it is the best of times, and it is the worst of times. Best: Because I am free to remove the masks and simply be myself. Worst: Because sometimes it is painful to let go of who you have always been, to walk into who you really are.

I like the real me.
I like the real you.
No masks needed here at the Spectrum Cafe.
Be who you are. Pull up a chair. There is a place already set at the table for you.

Life is not always easy. We know that. But it really can be better when we are together! So, here's some homework for you.

Look up "masking" and see if you can identify with any of it. It will benefit you, I can sure tell you that much.

Adios, amigos. Talk to you again soon!

Mamacita