A Love Letter to fellow Neurodivergent Folks

This is my love letter to those who grew up believing their neurodivergent traits were profound character flaws.

I know sometimes it’s easier to hide and mask, to tell yourself that you somehow managed to get this far so it can’t be that bad.

I know how you can put yourself out of your comfort zone just enough before retreating back to the comfort of your space.

I know how you can be your own worst critic.

I know how there are days when just surviving is enough.

I know how you can get paralyzed with tasks and overwhelm. Constantly comparing yourself to everyone else who looks like they do it all and more.

I know how profoundly you feel and how you can numb your world because you fear your own depth.

I know how hard it is to hear over and over again that you’re over dramatic and too sensitive.

I know how it can be easier to jump out of our own feelings than sit in the overwhelm.

I want you to know - that you’re not who they say you are.

You’re not who you were told to believe you were.

It was never your job to have all of the answers.

It’s never your job to bend until you break for anyone.

You don’t have to prove yourself to anyone.

Your excitement can be celebrated instead of ridiculed.

Your interests encouraged instead of shamed.

You are not an inconvenience.

You’re not broken or flawed and you never were.

You are completely, wholly, and beautiful you.