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What makes you smile?

JustJuno

Greetings beautiful people!

Life is a struggle at the moment. And I know I'm not the only one. I wanted to do a shout out to anyone out there struggling with depression, anxiety, loneliness or just generally having a hard time of being autistic in a world that really doesn't seem made for us. People are unfathomable. Everywhere is so noisy. Life is really lonely being different.

Following a recent suggestion from my therapist, I have been trying to focus on the good things in life... i.e. making a list every day of reasons to smile. Despite covid and the war in Ukraine and all the other hell that's going on in this world, it's made me realise how much happiness can be gathered from the simple pleasures of the present, and how colourful our lives can be... especially for us folks on the spectrum. 

So... what makes you smile? What is everyone's "autistic obsession"? Does anyone else get those WOW moments when you notice beautiful things that everyone else seems to miss?

Here are some things that make me smile:

1. Being outside. Today I went on a walk and picked wild garlic. Does anyone else think April is the most beautiful month of the year?

2. Animals. I could watch lambs play all day. My horse is my best friend and I know him and love him as much as any human. Anyone else have a special pet?

3. Physics. Maths. Philosophy. Okayyy so I'm a bit of a nerd... but isn't the mystery of existence itself a thrilling thing?

4. Books. Trying to put together an Easter reading list currently. Any recommendations?? Gotta stop reading Lord of the Rings over and over again...

5. Creative Writing. Anyone else get the feeling that their imaginary world is more real than reality sometimes??

If there are any other night owls / insomniacs awake right now, let me know what's cool and quirky about your life. I feel we all need a little something to smile about!

Parents

  • My dog hugging me when he senses I am upset or distressed.
    When somebody makes me feel accepted.
    Soft fluffy material - on blankets or plushies or cardigans or cushions!
    Capybara videos.
    Animals.
    Blowing bubbles.
    Finding a good stick or rock.
    Solving a puzzle.
    Reading - uninterrupted.
    Having no 'to-do's' or expectations from others.
    The smell of nag champa, peppermint oil, my dog's paws, my dog's ears, vanilla, Palma violets.
    Watching trees in a breeze.
    Grey, dull, moody weather days.
    Heavy Rain.
    Being wrapped up in a big, heavy, cosy blanket.
    Going to bed knowing I don't have to get up to an alarm the next day.
    Seeing somebody smile to themselves, I saw a teen at a bus stop recently he had headphones on and all of a sudden he started grinning and swaying his body - I think a great song must have come on. Recently a lady was walking past she looked at her phone then the largest smile appeared that filled her face, I imagined she had received a nice message.
    When a baby or toddler smiles at me.
    When I complete a task or tick everything off my 'to-do' list.

Reply

  • My dog hugging me when he senses I am upset or distressed.
    When somebody makes me feel accepted.
    Soft fluffy material - on blankets or plushies or cardigans or cushions!
    Capybara videos.
    Animals.
    Blowing bubbles.
    Finding a good stick or rock.
    Solving a puzzle.
    Reading - uninterrupted.
    Having no 'to-do's' or expectations from others.
    The smell of nag champa, peppermint oil, my dog's paws, my dog's ears, vanilla, Palma violets.
    Watching trees in a breeze.
    Grey, dull, moody weather days.
    Heavy Rain.
    Being wrapped up in a big, heavy, cosy blanket.
    Going to bed knowing I don't have to get up to an alarm the next day.
    Seeing somebody smile to themselves, I saw a teen at a bus stop recently he had headphones on and all of a sudden he started grinning and swaying his body - I think a great song must have come on. Recently a lady was walking past she looked at her phone then the largest smile appeared that filled her face, I imagined she had received a nice message.
    When a baby or toddler smiles at me.
    When I complete a task or tick everything off my 'to-do' list.

Children
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