A hero is no braver than an ordinary man , but he is brave five minutes longer .
When I need to venture out into the world , taking on the sights , sounds , smells , and social interaction , I practice the tasks that I need to perform each day . I practice my words daily , constantly expanding my vocabulary by learning new definitions , new synonyms and antonyms so that I am able to communicate with people despite my social anxiety . I appear polished because I practice .
I learn as much about environments and events that I attend prior to attending . I do my homework and research everything . I know who is going to be there , what I am expected to say and do , and how long I will be present . I learn what sights , sounds , and smells may be present , and I practice interacting in a similar scenario . I write scripts of words and conversations in my mind , preparing me with a variety ways to connect with people .
It ’ s a lot of work , I know , but it ’ s worth it . When I practice , I have confidence , and I feel safe and secure . When I prepare , I have less anxiety , and I feel stable because I have a strategy for success . When I am prepared and I am ready to engage , I feel encouraged . I feel strong . When you see me out actively engaging the world , you don ’ t see someone who is problem-free . You see someone who has practiced , prayed and prepared to do the best I can , to be the best I can .
Finally , I am strong because I believe in my potential .
One of my favorite quotes is by Ralph Waldo Emerson :
A hero is no braver than an ordinary man , but he is brave five minutes longer .
“ I live in a world that my brain isn ’ t built for .”
– Ralph Waldo Emerson .
Since I ’ ve become public about my autism diagnosis in 2015 , I have developed a passion for my work as an autism advocate and a pastor , but at the heart of it all , I am nothing more than a storyteller , and I ’ ve dedicated the last two years of my life to telling a story that I had never before told .
While I don ’ t consider myself a hero , I do believe that Emerson has a great point . What makes us all heroes is our willingness to spend a small amount of time going beyond our normal limits and being brave for just 300 seconds more . I am not a hero , but I do work hard . I do work hard to overcome my fears and to step out of my comfort zone because I believe that my story has the potential to bring hope to others .
Although I wasn ’ t diagnosed until I was an adult , I have discovered that ASD doesn ’ t always have to be an obstacle . Autism does present its share of challenges ; however , when we learn how to leverage its potential strengths , it can help us reach our full potential . That is my mission . That is why I share my story . That is why I bravely step out into the world and live with courage and strength for five minutes longer than I did the day before .
Life is a precious gift . No matter how many ways life ’ s circumstances attempt to restrict me from being “ normal ,” I ’ ve learned that when we try to look past “ labels ” and resist the urge to limit ourselves and others , we will learn to finally start living . We will learn to believe in our greatest potential . We will learn that we are all strong .
ZOOM Autism through Many Lenses 13