Published on 12, July, 2020
Hello, nice to meet everyone. Here is a short introduction if anyone is interested or can relate to it:
I've always known that for a variety of reasons I am much different from everyone else around me. I've heard about autism, met autistic people in passing, and while I was very aware of my differences, I never even considered whether or not I might also be autistic. A couple of days ago this changed and I did some research and I can say with as much confidence as possible without a diagnosis that I am autistic. I don't even want to waste my time and money getting a diagnosis because I identify with it that much and if I do not meet the thresholds on some technicality it wouldn't change that fact that autistic struggles are my struggles too (and maybe benefits as well).
I always hated school and work so much especially the forced social interactions. I felt like I was in a cage and wanted to claw my way out. I decided one day that enough is enough and I would pull myself out of it my any means necessary. I considered every option no matter how extreme. Building a cabin in the middle of the woods, becoming a monk, etc, but I wanted financial security and not to regret these decisions later in life. That's when I came across the concept of investing and living off of investments. I decided this was the way forward. It became my "special interest", so to speak. I researched investing as it related to retirement and became a essentially an expert in this niche. I joined the nerdiest finance forum to learn more and quickly became a guru there, even though I barely spoke to people in real life.
I eventually retired at the age of 32 with my wife (I left out this detail), sold everything, moved out of our apartment and started backpacking around the world together. The stress reduction has been huge and quality of life has gone way up. We get to do whatever we want all day and see interesting things. I have plenty of time for relaxation. We also work out together regularly and eat a very healthy diet.
So, I actually want some advice.
The social aspect I'm okay with. I find communication with my wife to be very natural and I don't really need to communicate with anyone else other than just the bare minimum. Sometimes I think it would be nice and I can kind of dream of people that I've never met that I would like to spend time with but I've never met those people.
Here is where I'm REALLY struggling. When I was a little kid I was full of energy. Actually I annoyed the other kids sometimes. But since then, especially since being a teenager the energy levels have gone way down. Since retiring I don't usually have that flight or fight response and I am happy, but I'm just always tired, every day. And I feel like I've tried everything.
Once in a while I can be doing something and get caught up in the moment and then ten minutes later think to myself "did I just experience energy?" , but it's so short lived, and not very repeatable!
Any thoughts?
I’ve taken a gap year this past year so like you I’ve been able to go travelling and have lots of time to relax. But I also struggled with feeling tired all the time!!! There’s no one thing that specifically helped, but I make sure to take time to completely rest especially after busy days or days where there was a lot going on. I also tried to be mindful more and try to focus on what I’m doing both when I’m full of energy and when I’m tired to properly enjoy each moment, although this can be hard when I’m focusing intently on something or if I’m exhausted!! I do think it’s just a part of being so sensitive to external stimuli and having so many thoughts going round my brain most of the time, which is why I think peace and quiet and meditation helps me a bit as it gives me and my brain a chance to properly rest.
Thank you Aimee. I also love meditation and find it helpful! I used to do it more frequently. I should definitely devote more time to it!
Which countries are you going to?
I went to Italy which was very cool because I could spend time speaking and practicing Italian and we went to lots of different cities in Lombardy and Tuscany!! I also went to the U.S. to California, New York and Florida! And I’m hoping to go to Spain soon with my sister.
Those are amazing countries to visit! I'm glad you enjoyed Italy! We were recently in Gran Canaria, Spain and Malaga and we had a great time. I'm sure you will love it.