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Living with a Sensitive Nervous System
For most of my life, I’ve been told that I’m too emotional, too reactive, too quiet, too sensitive. But the truth is, my nervous system experiences the world differently. I’m affected by sounds,…
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The Impact of Anticipation Anxiety
I don’t think I have one single moment that stands out when it comes to anticipation—because I deal with anticipation anxiety almost every day. It never fails. Even something as small as knowing…
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Understanding Overstimulation: Signs and Solutions
There are days when the world feels like it’s turned the volume all the way up and no one else seems to notice but me. It starts small. Maybe the tab in my shirt…
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I Had a Meltdown in the Mountains: What Camping Taught Me About Autism and Self-Acceptance
Could Portland Be Home? Last week, I flew to Portland to celebrate one of my best friend’s birthdays. I’m no stranger to Portland. Most of my closest friends live there, and over time, it has…
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I Thought I Was Too Sensitive—Turns Out, I Was Just Misunderstood
The author shares their journey of recognizing their neurodivergence after feeling overly sensitive and misunderstood throughout life. They describe how this sensitivity allows for deeper experiences of the world, appreciating sensory joys that…
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I’m Learning to Love the Parts of Me That Don’t Shine
For a long time, I thought I had to be prim and proper to be admired. To be well-spoken and always composed. I believed that if I could just glow enough, if I could smile…
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Sensory Joy: 10 Little Things That Calm My Neurodivergent Brain
As someone who experiences the world a little differently, I’ve learned that my senses can be both overwhelming and self-soothing. It’s taken me a while, but I’ve come to embrace the small sensory moments…
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The Power of Saying No: Prioritizing Your Goals
The author reflects on the struggle of saying "no" due to being a people-pleaser, which led to a lack of personal goals and prolonged depression. After seeking help, they learned to set boundaries,…
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The Evolution of My Coping Mechanisms
The author reflects on evolving coping mechanisms through life, beginning with a stuffed animal named Squidy that provided comfort and sensory relief during childhood. As an adult, they now use vocalization and affirmations…
