Autism: Should We Do Less to Achieve More?

[@NeurodiverJENNt]

"I diversified like I'm supposed to" 😂

[@WoodshedTheory]

if there is a rule - i will follow it.

[@whitneymason406]

My mom is watching my daughter while my son is at school so my husband and I can go on a lunch date. It's the first one in years, so I suspect it'll be a little awkward, lol. I'm excited, though, we need it. Hope you have a good week, Claire and friends! 💞

[@WoodshedTheory]

have fun on this date! go crazy and get apps lol

[@madberry]

Definitely important to have regular date night. It’s what we forget when we get busy in life.

[@ghill8587]

A lunch date sounds nice! I hope it went well.

[@demeter7958]

I’ve been struggling the past couple of weeks. It was the two year anniversary of having a breakdown that landed me in the hospital and also led to breaking up with my then best friend. In better news occupational therapy is really helping me. I’m getting much better at self care and cleaning. And my desert willow survived the winter. I saw a tiny bit of green on it.

[@WoodshedTheory]

so sorry you still recovering after two years, you aren't alone

[@lost_boy]

Happy Earth Day, Claire and Everyone! 💚💚💚 Recently, feeling like I'm out of burnout now, I've been achieving a lot and doing way more than I had been doing for the past couple of years. I still think I do way less than my NT peers but hey, I'm still taking it as a win. I've even started exercising again!

[@WoodshedTheory]

thanks for sharing your balance journey - it really helps me too!

[@TheCassierra908]

Hi Claire! I get that about trying to find balance in work. When I worked professionally, I struggled so much even though I liked my job and co-workers. . It did burn me me out. I could never do that again. I still have to figure out a balance as well in trying to make money. This week included a nice day trip with my family. It was just what we needed. Now planning our garden.

[@stephenie44]

I love how much you talk about balance. It sets a great example. Balance is supposed to be an ongoing conversation, not a once a year check in. Especially for people that can burn so hard and bright, and then burn out. It’s a regular reminder for us to do the same, and that is so valuable. My week has been full of spring cleaning, too. My partner’s allergies have been so bad, we decided we should get our carpet steam cleaned - it helped a lot! But it also meant that all of our stuff had to get piled into the kitchen so the carpet was exposed. So reclaiming our house has been a real process. Lots of change and adjusting and extra work. I’m at the point in my burnout recovery where I put together an allergy-friendly house cleaning schedule and the thought of it didn’t make me want to weep with exhaustion, so I think that’s great progress. I think part of that is I’ve admitted that I /need/ help and a body double and we’ve hired a cleaner to come for 2 hours every other week. It’s made it feel a lot less impossible.

[@WoodshedTheory]

thank you for saying that, it really encourages me because sometimes (as a recovering burn out junkie) i feel like i am not doing enough

[@Catlily5]

I hate carpet!

[@RuiNa42]

Hi! I agree on the stim tools thing. I think if people love the bright colors, I am super happy for them, but I find them stressful. I love color so much, but it has to be the right color. I prefer warmer tones, and deeper tones for the most part. That watch is great! I have been trying various things, a lot of wooden stim toys are nice because they are naturally a nice temperature. But! I accidentally found a great one! I saw an ad for chainmail dish cleaner, as a better option to steel wool. I ordered one and it is a circle shape made of small rings around a bigger ring in the center, just the right size to fit loosely around a finger. it is amazing. Spin it, jangle it... the sound is very soft and satisfying. I ended up ordering another one for my dishes in a different style and it is a great stim too. But also great for dishes. Which, turns out, makes doing dishes more enjoyable 😂😂

[@WoodshedTheory]

that sounds really nice

[@julie_uk_]

I'm here for an Autism Show & Tell! The pocket watch is lovely, id just sit and look st that for hours

[@WoodshedTheory]

i love this idea as well

[@9crutnacker985]

I love pocket watches. I have several. 100% in NT speak = 100% rated capacity (for continuous use). The phrase to note there is - continuous use. Redlining it is not continuous use. Think of it as running. Running all day, every day is a very different pace to a 100m sprint. Both could be view as 100% but employment very much long distance. If the effort you're expending is leading to injury, breakages, system failures you are running yourself beyond 100% rated capacity. Us NDs tend to be race cars not long-distance haulage. There's a lot of maintenance down time needed between races. Health update: . . . I have to keep reminding myself it's not yet 3 wks since a massive operation. 1 wk since I was discharged. Tiredness is the biggest thing rn. No stamina. By the time I've done the basic self care, some walking (short distances) & few exercises that's it. No reserves left. It's boring. I want to do stuff. Pain is well managed but always in the background, mainly just sensitivity to clothes when I move. Feet & ankles are now pretty much returned to normal size. Didn't like that. The more I settle back into being at home again the more I realise just how traumatic, physically & mentally, this has been. Hospital is just a nightmare even without the actual surgery. 11hrs, just doesn't register but I'm def feeling the aftermath. So many other things to deal with besides just the operation. Internet friends eh - who'd have em Claire?

[@WoodshedTheory]

Hey friend, so happy to see your comment here. We have all be thinking about you during this time. Glad you are home, please DO take it slow while you are healing

[@RainbowUnicornPotato]

My 100% is overwhelming for anyone or any situation 🌈 Even myself at times! 😹Burn bright and fast. For me feels like giving... 50% is more than enough. I started giving the other 50% to myself for self care It felt weird at first but as my life has been turning around since doing that... i guess it has worked. Best of luck for finding your balance! Have a fabulous week! 🦄🥔

[@WoodshedTheory]

i'm glad you agree with me - this is a new idea presented to me and it make sense to me

[@ms-literary6320]

I automatically gesundheit -ed you when you sneezed lol. I’m not a sewer and I can’t picture your project, but I remember using pinking shears to avoid fraying when I cut things. Maybe not if your fabric is lacey though. I used to have a pocket watch when I was a kid. The front popped open with a very satisfying spring. These days I use nee doh squish items as a stim though. Balance is the eternal quest. I’m trying to remember how it goes, but someone said something that struck me: ‘When you’re disabled, 80% output is you giving 100% of effort’ Might not be 80 for everyone. But just the idea that people have different ceilings and that doesn’t mean they’re not trying or putting in the work.

[@WoodshedTheory]

yes i am not sure if that would work because the item is crocheted it would still come apart with pinking shears.

[@FreehandlyMadeAuCrochet]

Good morning, Claire. 😁 We do feel things deeply, and it affects me greatly. I find myself awkwardly not knowing what to say and how to be there for others during their time of difficulties.

[@WoodshedTheory]

Good morning!

[@mikaeljacobsson1437]

Someone definately did spring cleaning around here too because there is no signs of spring at all anymore. Some small signs of spring earlier in april but that is gone now.

[@WoodshedTheory]

bummer - i am ready for it to be spring 100% of the time

[@rover790]

Hi Claire, hello from Australia. I love to join you on your Porch Coffee chat when I can. Keep up the good work. Xxx Nan

[@WoodshedTheory]

hi Nan

[@jenavasexton1645]

Good morning! I have come up with a daily schedule to try to combat my adhd with my asd. 😂 It will be a process to get onto it, but at least I have a goal....❤

[@WoodshedTheory]

good luck with the schedule

[@jenavasexton1645]

I am making a lace table runner from a 1940's pattern! It also gives dimensions for a bedspread and various table cloths! It is made from blocks, so I can make a few at a time. It's called block and lace because it's made of more solid squares and very lacey squares.

[@WoodshedTheory]

yes this is similar! you are brave to attempt even a table runner with the crochet thread

[@jenavasexton1645]

@WoodshedTheory it may turn into a doily...haha...I need over 30 squares and each one takes like 4 hours...

[@jenavasexton1645]

That's not true. The block squares take 2. The lace ones will go faster once I've done a couple.

[@Kiersin]

You may need to pin the crochet to a fabric that will back it and then surge them together. But this is just my best guess.

[@WoodshedTheory]

good idea

[@tracik1277]

Aw so lovely to see you in Spring mode 😊

[@Clare_LDA]

Hey Claire, Clare from NSW Australia here, I really enjoyed this porch coffee with you, I was actually walking my dog at night, but still. I found the comments and reflections about autists giving everything due to being told to give 100% when NT never really do and that not really what they mean 🤦🏽‍♀️ Your style of just chatting about your week is inspiring me further towards actually beginning my channel. I’ll let you know when I actually launch 😁

[@WoodshedTheory]

please make sure to let me know when you launch the channel so i can sub

[@valeriecp4883]

I love your sense of humor 😊

[@WoodshedTheory]

thanks Valerie i hope you have a great week

[@kristi285]

Good Morning Clair! thanks for the coffee and chat. I loose things i set something right in front of myself and it just disappears. I welcomed 2 litters of puppies 18 in total from 2 poor momma's that were dropped off in the nighborhood. My heart couldn't leave them in the street so now i am Puppy rich and i have to find 20 homes for all of them. so i have to talk to people... yay. seriously it's scary for me. lol

[@ms-literary6320]

I love the phrase “puppy rich.” Sounds both amazing and amazingly overwhelming. Best of luck!

[@WoodshedTheory]

wow puppy rich sounds stressful - lots of tiny mouths to feed. good luck finding homes for them all

[@madberry]

Welcome new #mugclub members. I’ve been searching for the right balance myself. I was able to dial down just before the burnout and was keeping myself out of burnout just fine. And then a life change happened I didn’t expect which pushed me over the edge. I also need to stop making my plans for stuff so ridiculous. I start out with a plan for one thing and before I know it I’ve added three more lol. I think I know what you mean over here (the Netherlands for those that don’t know) they make those lace things for on coffee tables and side tables. I saw a video here in KZbin of a couple of ladies in I believe Ireland making them. It’s such nice fine detail. Looks amazing when it’s done too. I loose stuff all the time. I think I’ve mentioned this before but there is tools I now own three or four of because I couldn’t find the original one I had. And then right when I buy a new one I find the old one again. I like my fidget sliders they are nice and clicky. And they come in black. Ik also recently purchased a Zippo again and I’ve been using that too also has a very satisfying click when you open and close it. I was kind of sad the camera mic didn’t pick up the watch. But I’ve had one so I understand what you mean. Have a good week Claire and friends.

[@BlueRoseHelen252]

Good morning Claire, so nice to see you for coffee, you helped me get some washing up done this morning.😊. I do not have the magic answer for you I'm afraid on striking a balance for getting lots done, I seem to be getting less and less done these days and everything is growing up around my ears right now. Sounds like you have had a productive week, I am going to be starting the doom pile again this week, I did have a go at it last week but it defeated me, so here goes nothing...I will conquer the mound of stuff this week!😂. Do I think I will win? no way... But I'm going to make a start! Have a fab week. 😊

[@WoodshedTheory]

happy to body double in the name of dishes!

[@montikarla]

We have a couple crochet bedspreads that my great grandmother made. They are like the original weighted blanket!

[@WoodshedTheory]

you know what, i completely forgot to mention this so thank you - yes the big bed spreads made out of the crochet thread are HEAVY

[@Crouteceleste]

Yeah my grandma made several in her lifetime and I managed to get 2 or is it 3 ? I use one as weighted blanket on top of my modern warm blanket all year long except summer. The one I have right now is coming off at some seams but it's easy enough to repair even without any crochet skills.

[@sarahsovereign4522]

Good morning! I enjoy starting my week with you :) Watches where you can see the inner workings are called "skeleton watches". An "automatic" watch doesn't need to be wound up (but most can be); instead they have an off-center weight that spins around while you move your wrist, and "automatically" winds itself! I'm also not into plastic, bright-colored stim toys either. I enjoy the feel (and sometimes sound) of small metal puzzles (Hanayama)

[@WoodshedTheory]

hi sarah - thanks for giving me a small watch education so i can use better terms next time!

[@lindaT82]

Another great porch coffee!! I got side-tracked last week, so sorry I did not leave a comment (hope everyone had a great week). No great insights from me on work-life balance. But, I do think that it's fine to give in to the productivity that comes from focus on work passions - without leading to burnout. That's where I have had most satisfaction and a feeling of accomplishment in my work, during my working life. I take that joy where I find it!!! I have loved the yarn videos. Hope everyone has an awesome week!! Best wishes ✨🌏

[@WoodshedTheory]

have a great week

[@lizmari7042]

You definitely didn't botch the last member livestream! We all enjoyed it! But I understand you were a bit uncomfortable with being unable to see yourself. About working for other people, it's definitely hard in so many ways that go beyond just "working hard"! It is what sent me into a nervous breakdown and resulted in me realizing I'm autistic. I'm still struggling (and I'm sure always will be to some degree), but things are generally better than they were at the lowest point. At the very least I am not hiding from everybody when I get home from work anymore. Thank you, Claire, for another awesome porch coffee!

[@WoodshedTheory]

Thanks for saying that Liz.

[@terrigoulding559]

Love your hair Claire!

[@WoodshedTheory]

thanks Terri, i'm having fun working towards the blonde again

[@ZSchrink]

G'mornin Claire and chat, hope your Monday is well. I, too, am from the world of 'fer' instead of 'for' 😅

[@WoodshedTheory]

so glad i am not alone. my mom had a friend who used to say fur? .... cat fur?

[@isabellammusic]

Hi Claire! I love the vintage looking watch, I'm very interested in old things. I also find it hard to find good stimming toys because I've walking around my entire life without knowing what stimming is so I just stim with my hair, my clothes, jewellery and other stings. I also move my body a lot but in a subtle way. Singing is very soothing too and it's so cool to see you share that interest! This was a very good episode (like usual). Take care and do awesome things.

[@WoodshedTheory]

glad you are well friend

[@T.T.M.60]

Thanks!

[@WoodshedTheory]

thank you so much for the super comment, it means a lot to me

[@T.T.M.60]

@@WoodshedTheory you’re welcome! Porch coffee means a lot to me!

[@crystallefay]

Thankyou for sharing space with all of us!

[@T.T.M.60]

Good morning, Claire and everyone else.😊. My week was like yours, Claire. It was good but a number of people shared sad things. I smiled when you did your rendition of the Backstreet Boys song, thank you! Hope everyone has a good week!

[@WoodshedTheory]

thanks i'm obviously in my boy band era

[@T.T.M.60]

@@WoodshedTheory you truly are!

[@johnbillings5260]

Good to see you again, Claire. I know what you mean by finding the balance of doing things and also feeling fulfilled. At one point, I was working so hard that it was very toxic for my mind. I was ruminating the whole time I was working and it was hell. Now I am trying to figure out what to do for work, but I don't even feel healthy enough to know where to start. 😞

[@peteracton2246]

Hi Claire, I want to get my house sorted currently too. So much to do which will include tradesmen and (big) money spent too. I want things to be simpler but I hoard. Yet another example of my antagonistic tendencies. Again I share that over-empathising thing. Currently I have no way of curbing my concern for others and most in my circle have a tale of woe to share. Best wishes for the week.

[@WoodshedTheory]

i understand that it is hard to get rid of things. many people need a therapist to help them with hoarding, so don't feel bad about struggling to let go on your own

[@peteracton2246]

@@WoodshedTheory Thanks Claire. It's innate and has emotional links I believe, in my case. Suddenly my intellect is saying you don't need all this stuff ever, move forward on this - which I hope to do. Best wishes

[@keyc.1109]

Good Morning Claire! My house mate has been working on a crochet blanket for forever now.

[@WoodshedTheory]

oh wow i bet it is nice.

[@keyc.1109]

@@WoodshedTheory it seems very nice. She is using a soft yarn that is multiple shades of blue. It's big enough now that she covers up with it while she is working on it and watching TV.

[@marisa5359]

Hey, there! Good morning. Your singing today makes me smile. 😊Yes to the over empathy. A major part of the emotional load I carry is feeling for others' struggles versus my own. The fact others still insist autistic people don't have empathy realllly irks me. so thanks for adding your voice on this. Ah, spring and the organizing thing. Sounds wise. Challenging but feels good when it's done! Having a lot of that here at present, too. Our oldest has come back home, so redoing space to accomodate him and slowly sifting stuff with my daughter as she preps for college in a few months ( Accck). Also prettying up my porch with flower pots-opted for lillies and phlox. Kind of proud of how it is coming along. Yes to taking a breath. So glad you are making room for it. I look forward to future content but will wait patiently for when the timing is right. Blessings on your week, friend. ❤ Oh, and real quick- Ren Faire with my husband was awesome. Our outfits came together beautifully, we had fun looking around, eating turkey legs, and watching swordfights. It was his first and he cannot wait for the next one. 😊

[@WoodshedTheory]

i am so glad you had fun at the ren faire i cant wait to go back to one - i am also glad he had a nice time, i know it can be nervous energy introducing a partner to something new

[@cupofteawithpoetry]

Thanks Claire ❤

[@WoodshedTheory]

hi friend!

[@Melissa_PhoenixRisingBlog]

I enjoy your porch coffee videos. Often many of the things you discuss resonate /are relatable. Also , they/you are inspiring ... you give me inspiration to stop procrastinating (i.e. allowing fear to get in my head and/or trying to get it just right/planned before starting).

[@WoodshedTheory]

that's amazing

[@lesleyscrochetcorner]

I've heard of the cleaning use for a drill, its sounds so fun LOL. I know how to break concrete samples using a machine so it fits in my opinion 😆

[@WoodshedTheory]

super fun

[@ashleyien1222]

Good morning. Bless you... for the sneeze. Good luck with the next batch of podcasts. Your wellbeing is important. It's better to not burn yourself out. I'm glad you're taking care of yourself and not pushing yourself too hard.

[@WoodshedTheory]

Good morning!

[@WoodshedTheory]

Good morning!

[@natyork]

omg drill brushes? how am i just learning about these?! thank you Claire! Have a great week :)

[@WoodshedTheory]

yes they aren't that expensive if you already have a drill - really good for bathrooms

[@raskbell]

Good morning Clair. I love stim toy recommendations! I have an old pocket watch just like that one somewhere. I need to go look for it. This week was challenging as I had lots of things to do and had a hard time staying focused. I tried giving myself more time to recover which helped some.

[@WoodshedTheory]

good job practicing taking a break

[@Lysandra_Bouquet]

I would usually lose interest pretty quickly watching a video of someone talking about their spring cleaning etc, but you have such a friendly and soothing air about you that I was engaged the whole time. I’m glad you took a break. It’s important to not push yourself past your limits when possible. I’m also processing some bad news I received about someone close to me so I get it. Completely agree about neurodivergent people putting in our 100% being on a whole different level. Also I adore your intro and how you burst into song at random points in your videos. I always sing along. Singing is a big verbal stim for me so it always puts a smile on my face. Edit to say that my allergies have also been kicking my ass harder than ever lately and so I’m completely done with spring already Lol.

[@PossumMedic]

It's Monday!... ok it's Tuesday I'm late 😭 The vid chat I do with my mom every two weeks is pretty much show-and-tell 🤣 We both have our art and new stuff to show off 😝 Thanks for the vid! :D

[@WoodshedTheory]

Love it!!

[@apennyforyouraspiethoughts23]

Oh my gosh! We definitely need a show and tell episode!

[@WoodshedTheory]

i loved making that

[@crystallefay]

I just wanted to share I'm 47 years old and I was professionally diagnosed with Autism today!! I feel like I can finally breatheeee!

[@WoodshedTheory]

Congratulations 🎉🎈🎊

[@crystallefay]

@@WoodshedTheory Thank you so much. Your channel was actually a huge help in me discovering how I'm Autistic! I appreciate you!

[@Catlily5]

Congratulations! I was diagnosed at age 47 too. I'm 49 now.

[@LunarGlowMedia]

I completely understand the reluctance to shoot on your phone, but don't count it out. In the right conditions smartphones can take great quality video. Oddly enough, after 4 years of learning and buying gear I'm somewhat tempted to FORCE myself to use my phone until I'm making content that deserves my camera. The time and effort I put into production is somewhat putting my cart before my horse, so I've been doing little personal vlogs with the selfie camera. I've been running into this thing where I'm editing and I just don't like how I said something, or left a detail out. But I think the big thing is that my ambiguphobia (Fear of being misunderstood) is causing me to have this Said-Perfectly-or-not-at-all mindset.

[@WoodshedTheory]

you are right, you can get good footage on the phone, and i will use sometimes.

[@wingedwheelerth3107]

The Autism Show and Tell clip was fantastic.

[@WoodshedTheory]

i'm so happy you liked it, i have been laughing about it every time i think about it

[@Infinitesimal-ho7it]

If/when you figure out the work/life balance, I hope there is a healthy dose of you being a free spirit like you are in this video. Very enjoyable!

[@WoodshedTheory]

Thanks I hope so too

[@j-ivey]

Hey Claire, I just wanted to thank you for the gift of "I want it that way" in my head for the rest of the day 😂🎶

[@WoodshedTheory]

my pleasure

[@lisabmpls]

Happy Tuesday! Didn’t get to Porch Coffee on Monday because I was out taking photographs with a pal who is newish to his camera. Went to a waterfall here in town and did some slow shutter images. It was a super fun way to do some Earth Day stuff and…bonus…do work/life balance for a little bit. It was hard to transition back to work though. Ugh! Transitions + inertia…Oy!!!! As someone who mostly works from home I think that work/life balance can be super challenging. I don’t have a home office Don’t want one. Also don’t want to have to go into an office every day. Why can’t we just have a universal basic income so we can not be beholden to a workplace if we don’t want to????? 😂😊😂

[@jenavasexton1645]

To work with the crochet, I would zigzag along the cut line, then cut it.

[@WoodshedTheory]

ahh zig zag! thank you!

[@jenavasexton1645]

Thus is also how I'd do it for smocked sleeves, for example, if you want the smocking to go all the way to the seam. Smock first, zigzag the cut line to hold the fabric in place, then cut around the zigzag.

[@samscatsandcrochet]

A lot of those bedspread patterns are motifs. If you can cut the bits where they are joined, you could avoid anything unraveling.

[@krystalestrella9098]

That watch is absolutely amazing 🤩!! Cool 😎

[@ghill8587]

I’ve been doing some cleaning and purging as well. It’s hard work, but it feels so nice once it’s done!

[@WoodshedTheory]

yes i have been busy - it is weird to me how things can collect

[@roberttravers7587]

Good Porch Coffee!😁

[@patryn36]

As for working, i am one that puts forth more effort than the others on a consistent basis, they are a bit lazy and i have yet to hit that point that i get burnt out, not sure why that is yet.

[@WoodshedTheory]

yes i wondering if you are putting in so much effort, would anyone notice if you put in the effort that everyone else was putting in?

[@WoodshedTheory]

not that i am recommending you do! i am only thinking through this entire thing

[@patryn36]

@@WoodshedTheory it makes them nervous, they have me sandblast items and some of those are of good size, balcony railings, car frames, etc, and i carry as much of it as i reasonably can. They worry that i might hurt myself, been almost ten years at this place and if anything my capacity has grown plus capable help is sparse and often it is more efficient to do it myself timewise. I have always loved to tackle challenges, easy bores me.

[@patryn36]

@@WoodshedTheory the fact that from your videos and others that talk about what being autistic is like the only parts i do not personally understand because i have never felt them is anxiety, depression, burnouts, and slowed processing. I seem to have the rest, a trait i have noticed with most other categories, very similar but missing a few qualities, in this case all the 'negative' ones are the ones i lack. Makes one wonder.

[@julie_uk_]

Lol at mini Weird Al parody song, I've randomly this week been enjoying his old songs/videos, so has my daughter. 'smurf TV tray'...

[@WoodshedTheory]

we used to listen to his music all the time as children

[@Imperfect_Eric]

Processing other people's stuff can be challenging for sure😬

[@patryn36]

You must be on the other side of the appalachian mountains, assuming you made this video today, i am in georgia and at 6:30 am my sky is not that bright yet for me. Closest thing to stimming for me used to be bubble wrap but now it is music/videos of interest, that is if i am austistic in some way.

[@WoodshedTheory]

hi - i film the coffees before hand - no way am i waking up that early

[@patryn36]

@@WoodshedTheory ok, just speculating, got to give my mind something to work on to keep me out of trouble, lol.

[@NeurodiverJENNt]

Also why do I keep wanting to sing Eminem's "cleaning out my closet"?

[@WoodshedTheory]

i can't claim to understand you, Jenn. ahahahahah

[@NeurodiverJENNt]

@@WoodshedTheory I know... You never bust out in random song so you couldn't possibly understand me

[@ms-literary6320]

Oh god, I’d forgotten that song. Now it’s going to be stuck in my head

[@faithcooper8935]

I am not sure if I can put into words what is in my head to words.

[@WoodshedTheory]

that is fair

[@bobbyb9718]

ND 100% is really more like what NT would consider 150%.

[@WoodshedTheory]

yes!

[@CricketGirrl]

This has been a hard week for me, too, in terms of processing news and emotions. I want to spend more time alone, but my husband is so sad I can't bear to.

[@WoodshedTheory]

sorry to hear that

[@CricketGirrl]

@@WoodshedTheory thank you!

[@calebandrewcox826]

Hi Claire! I have a fun suggestion for your intro song. "So, click the like and the share and I'll end it right there."

[@WoodshedTheory]

oh i like that!

[@calebandrewcox826]

@@WoodshedTheory Yay!

[@Autisticheather]

Both serger and sewing machine will do the trick

[@WoodshedTheory]

thanks

[@shapeofsoup]

Fur-ever a woodshed alien creature

[@BCSchmerker]

+woodshedtheory *Spring mode? Confused.*

[@WoodshedTheory]

interesting - i should have said spring cleaning mode!

[@nifferscritters]

At the end of your jingle my brain wants to add on “help me get to 20k before the end of the year” lol

[@WoodshedTheory]

I love that!

[@Crouteceleste]

Well my week-end has ended with thinking about that very thing. Do I have to do less than before ? Both last Saturdays I spent the whole day out in the neighboring big city, the first one, a very hot and crowded day, with my friend (who's autistic as well), and last saturday I took an art course over the whole day. Both days I ended up completely exhausted to the point of being on the verge of meltdown all day. Just 3 years ago it would not have been such a big deal. I am not old mind you, I'm 35 so I shouldn't be so tired all the time and so exhausted after a day of moderate activity. And after work I've been so tired that for the last weeks I am frequently sleeping when I get home even though I HATE taking naps. I'm angry at my body for not handling it anymore. I know I should be kind to myself but if I reduce my activities, I, as a very isolated person who goes out rarely, will soon be unable to do ANYTHING. I already cannot bathe at my usual schedule anymore, or do the dishes. I live alone and I don't have a dishwasher so I have to do it all by hand and it's just too much. I don't know why I'm like this now, is it the after effect of finally being kinda secure in my job and home after a hectic and painful year ? But I've been stable since February, why does it have to happen NOW ? Is it the insidious after effect of getting diagnosed last month, even though I've known I'm autistic for a few years ? If you have any insight with how to handle this gradual loss of energy I would love some advice !

[@WoodshedTheory]

i'm sorry you are feeling this way right now. i am not sure i have any special advice, but be kind to yourself and be open to changing things to make it work better for you

[@pikmin4743]

I think caring and putting energy into something IS work. so working "harder" is probably a bad neurotypical misnomer. you are doing it right by taking care of yourself first. byt what do I know I'm unemployed and broke 🙃😆💚

[@AutismAddict]

friends are just a dream

[@WoodshedTheory]

hi there, i'm sorry you feel this way, i hope it can change for you if you would like that

[@AutismAddict]

@@WoodshedTheory it just seems too hard i either get sucked in by vampires or i try and people just don't respond to the things I say. It's too weird for words. I have a couple of friends but even those I feel like I am not really understood. It's like I am either doing a show and entertaining everyone, or people want to talk about the weather. Seems like ownership or honesty or authenticity are toxic topics for a lotta folks lol.

[@AutismAddict]

but it means i get to do less hahaha

[@AutismAddict]

@@WoodshedTheory I am working super hard on creating a positive reality. :) breathing, positivity, visualisation, micro-goals. I have started a dance practice, a channel, went trampolining today, doing some parkour. Just doing it, taking action every day. People like you have been an inspiration. Thank you 🙏❤️

[@theresapizza]

The music for Autism Show and Tell sounds like the Spanish language version of Video Killed the Radio Star. Source: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eaXbcohuf9uXeMUsi=Adtcvb20Ovi3Otjp

[@WoodshedTheory]

well you can thank canva for that lol

[@zioah4560]

Autism Show & Tell😂😂

[@WoodshedTheory]

yay!

[@MichaelAngst]

I really wish that I lived in a place that was cold enough where I could get one of those cute hats and wear it. I'm in Tucson though. It's going to be 90° today LOL

[@WoodshedTheory]

you have inspired to start developing a line of invisible hats