Adults On The Autism Spectrum

Since we are making all this up as we go, I would hesitate to say exactly where it is. It will be a different place for everyone. I have in mind it being in a small Southern town in Alabama. I have people in my here and now life that are like these people. I have combined several establishments into one to make this virtual cafe. I have not changed some of the names or circumstances. I have ccombined others. So far so good.
Mamacita

@mamacita Sounds lovely I have one I go to its in the Mts.walking on a breezy warm day by the creek hearing the birds meeting friends my husband who loved the Mts .

I love the mountains.......ahhhh.

Mamacita

@mamacita @lioness @parus A wide porch with some comfortable chairs, where we can greet people with a smile as they arrive. A fireplace with a small group of more comfortable chairs, a sofa or three. A "family style" table with benches, coffe/tea cups in a group there. A big ol' fan hanging from the ceiling to move the air in summer, and circulate warm air in the winter. Garden window full of @parus plants and suncatchers. Did you catch a peak of my black cat Tessie Belle sleeping amongst the greenery? Ah, such a healing space!
Thank you all for building this cyber "Full Spectrum Cafe".
Ginger

@gingerw ,volunteer mentor. Just checking to see how everyone is doing. Two steps forward, one step backwards for me.

There is change in the wind for Autistics. All over the world people are struggling to fit in. They wear masks really well. From 9 to 5, This effort to be someone you are not takes a terrible toll on one's psyche. It causes trauma.

If anyone has difficulty removing these masks, as I certainly have, I caution you to take your time. Take it slow. Read articles about masking. Do self care. You still are in a place where you aren't very sure of yourself. After all these years, who are you, really?

You are who you were at your happiest moments of childhood. That little person inside of you had dreams. You can be that person again. And those dreams can still come true.

Until the next time we get together, love and light.

Mamacita

@lisalucier ....good morning to you! Taking a little break off social media this morning. So much going on. But I will definitely be checking in to the CyberCafe later on today. I am thinking about masking.

To be who a person really and truly is, is to not care what others want you to be or think you should be. I am trying to understand what is "typical" in this area, and what is unhealthy, whether typical or Neurodivergent . Love and light to you, darlings
Mamacita

@mamacita In this crazy old world that we live in I want to be myself. However it's very clear that simply being myself can cause havoc in relationships, personal or professional. Where do I draw the line? How much of me do I want to "give up" so to speak and give in, when I truly want to be myself. What is going to serve me best in the end? That is something that I have to ask myself everyday because sometimes being authentic to myself ends up leaving me stuck and not able to proceed forward to the results I would like to see.

Pretty soon I will be moving 750+ miles away. I've only been here a year, just barely enough to know most of the streets around here. Now I move to a town of about 1000 people, no stop light, no gas station. I know absolutely nobody there. My mind wrestles with rejoicing at not having to be anybody but who I am, balanced with how will I present myself? People will automatically question motives as a new person moves into town. This is a fact. How do I figure out how to do what I need done in this move, and feel comfortable with myself at night? What a dilemma!
Ginger

Hi @gingerw, Moves are hard on us all! Oh my, and such a small town. I can understand your misgivings. It is hard to break into a new community and learn your way around.
What plans do you have for making this transition more comfortable for you?

@hopeful33250 Hi Teresa, we will be doing loads up there. The first one will go up at time of closing. Sellers are probably going to rent back for a month after closing, so the second load will be then. Loads each month until weathered out, then finish in the spring, as my husband will stay down here working to his retirement. I will have to make sure to get quality rest, be gentle on myself, eat healthy. Understand that there may be neighbors stop by to introduce themselves, and ventures in to the store or post office may be met with people curious to find out who I am. Mask a bit if needed, but remain authentic. Do some volunteer work, perhaps in literacy. And keep remembering that I better with my Mayo Connect cyber community behind me!
Ginger

It sounds as if you have some very good plans, @gingerw! Yes, your Connect community will be with you every step of the way. I'm sure your new community will love you as we do.