Self-improvement and fighting against the victim mentality.

Having autism can be extremely challenging. Holding down a job, forming meaningful relationships, achieving independence, dealing with finances, and coping with anxiety, can all take a toll on our mental health. Autistic people are statistically much more likely to suffer from co-existing mental health conditions.

It is hard to categorise autism because it exists on such a wide spectrum. Some are capable of working and some are not. Some can drive and achieve independence, and some can not. As a community, we should never judge each other. We should support and enable each other to do the best that we can. Whatever your personal best is. This is a personal matter.

Sadly many autistic people become victims of bullying, harassment, prejudice, and ableism.

They are frequently patronized and misunderstood.

It’s easy to fall into the victim mentality when it can be logically concluded that you are a victim.

I do believe, however, that developing a victim mentality can be very toxic and counterproductive.

Working towards personal goals, striving to better yourself, and developing good habits is imperative to growing as a person. Also, the ability to take constructive criticism is crucial to improve yourself.

Achieving self-discipline is not easy, but there are steps you can do to improve yourself.

Some things about yourself, you can not change, but some things you can.

I always try to do some form of exercise every day, and I try to read and learn something new every day. Every evening, I catch up with any work commitments or emails I may have received. I try to stick to a regular bedtime and wake time (Although at weekends this tends to go out the window). I try to cook my own meals from scratch most days of the week. If someone upsets me, I try to learn from the experience and I try not to take it personally (This is harder said than done, I over-analyze everything). 

I practice the piano every evening, and I try to sight-read a new piece of music every day and play through any repertoire pieces that I am working on. I try to visit family and friends on the holidays to help them out, and I unwind by playing video games, listening to music, or reading.

Sometimes I have a chaotic week where all these habits fall apart. I don’t despair. I simply try again. I have also signed up for the online website Udemy. There are many courses on there for a decent price, enabling you to learn new skills.

Thank you for reading.

If you can't be the best. Be the best you can be.

Thank you for reading.

Trance.