Once again it's been a while since my last post. I'm sorry about that. I'm not sure that posting weekly is going to be easy if I want to keep my posts interesting and worth reading.
In previous posts, I've talked a lot about obsticals I face and tools I use to face them. Today, I want to mention what has been easily the biggest help in my growing and maturing in overcoming my struggles -- Friends and family.
I want to make a shoutout now to my Mom, who has been INCREDIBLE all these years in her patience with my issues, ability to gently tell me when I'm wandering off, and snap me back when I cross a line. I owe a lot of the progress I've made to her help. Thanks Mom!
On a broader note, my entire family has been great in their patience and tolerance when it comes to my quirks and stuggles. My friends, also, have been a huge help at times when my family isn't immidiatly around. Several of my friends (who I trust know who they are) have learned quite well to spot my quirks and let me know if something goes over my head, sit with me if I need a breath after I get overwhelmed, correct me gently or bluntly as needed, and just all-around being friends with me despite my tendancies to act strangely.
As for an application from this, all I can really say to other Aspies is that surrounding yourself with patient, loving people is the best way to mature and find stuggles. Anyone else, you do me and people with similar issues to me a huge favor if you're willing to just tell us when we say or do something that we didn't notice we shouldn't have done (but, as with anyone you correct, make sure you've earned the authority or respect to do so). I, personally, rarely catch myself in my issues and stupid moments, so having an outside source tell me if I need to stop something is infinitely helpful.
So friends and family -- Pat yourselves on the back and give yourself a hug.
Bye, YBIC, and @
-Caleb
