If you follow me on social media, Instagram and Facebook specifically, you may have seen some of my stories where I am indoor bouldering (rock climbing) at the gym near my apartment. I've gotten so many kind and impressed viewers, so I figured I'd share a bit of my journey. It wasn't easy. But I am proud of myself every day for getting in shape and building these habits.
It all started in a shuttered Walgreens (as so many important tales do). It had been empty for months, welcoming in a few unhoused squatters and loosely painted graffiti. A couple years ago I passed by and noticed it had turned into a climbing gym. Like, with rock walls and everything! How cool would that be to be into that, I thought longingly every time I passed by. I filed it under impossible dreams, right below skydiving but above traveling to Antarctica (I can't stand the cold).
In March of 2023, I received my long sought after diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder. I'm planning on doing a longer post about this whole process, because being diagnosed later in life and of my own choice was quite impactful for me. I had long suspected I was somewhere on the spectrum, what used to be called "Asperger's Syndrome" or "high functioning" (bold of you to assume I funtion).
The doctor I was seeing, who specialized in developmental disorders and autism spectrum disorder, plainly told me, "Autism is a spectrum. You're somewhere on that spectrum." Having that validity in my struggles was so meaningful. I had been diagnosed with ADHD at age 19, and while I can now see all the signs and symptoms, it came as a bit of a surprise. Now, having this doctor, who had listened to my life story, heard my anxieties around crowds and constant overstimulation, my social struggles and my desire to belong-- having him say that yes, I am autistic-- it marked an important mental shift in my life.
Over the next few months, I began to take care of my physical body in ways I had neglected over the years. I got my teeth fixed, which I had been struggling with brushing and caring for up until then. I now use and electric toothbrush and am very proud to say at my last visit I had no cavities!
