Then some people told me a NEW story .
They said I was primitive , achieving no goals , leaving no legacy .
They taught me a new way .
The new way was to buy things .
They told me to strive for wealth , to rise from my primitive existence of running and exploring to an enlightened state of wanting and having .
That wealth would make me happier than before .
That having and owning more things would fulfill me .
I missed my stories .
I left my things behind .
I walked outside , and I started running . Then I began exploring . Then I loved every kind soul I met .
I found my tribe . I found my friends . I foundmy family .
And I found you .
I missed running . I missed exploring . I missed loving . I missed my tribe . I missed my friends . I missed my family .
The things I bought were nothing to me . Then I remembered a story .
Stiano Quadracci is a 16-year old autistic student and poet .
“ I wrote Nothing to Me so that the reader could realize ( either spiritually , intellectually , etc .) that doing things and experiencing life is what ’ s important and what creates happiness . In Western culture , lots of value is placed on owning things and being wealthy . Owning things and possessions is not happiness , and it just causes suffering .”
The one I am telling you now .
ZOOM Autism through Many Lenses 21