Tuttleturtle writes "Today I am silent" at Turtle is a Verb.
Today I am silent.
That is it's own form of communication. Choosing to not engage in the
unspoken rituals expected of us. It's own form of saying, no, I'm doing
my thing, what is right for me.
I make that choice. Limiting my speech to that which I choose, that
which I deem worth the cost; that which I deem necessary; that which I
deem worth enough to deal with the downsides. Otherwise, I can choose to
be silent.
Smalltalk around me. I don't need to reply.
I can choose my self-care as more important than making others more
comfortable with this uncanny valley person that is me. I can choose to
say no.
I'm asked dehumanizing questions, the emotional labor expected of a token autistic in an unfriendly environment.
But I don't need to honor them. I can take care of myself.
It's my choice. My decision. My desires which matter. It's my needs which I value, as I say, I don't need to speak.
And that's why today I'm silent.
Because today, I rest.
To raising Autism awareness and Acceptance, and battling negative stereotypes about Autism. To advocate for the inclusion of Autistic people in the community. To offer a forum to broadcast our stories and thoughts, and to help the messages of Autistic people and non-Austistic allies reach as many people as possible.
"Trust thyself: every heart vibrates to that iron string.”-R. Waldo Emerson. Your strong words reminded me of this quote.
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