Today, I had an extraordinary encounter that was both serendipitous and transformative. Surprisingly, it happened during a conversation with my admission counselor for Grad School. In this unlikely exchange, they reminded me of the power of reframing and guided me towards a new perspective. It was in this moment that I realized the beautiful integration of my identities as both a Heyoka and an individual with autism. These aspects of who I am are not contradictory; instead, they harmoniously coexist to form an integral part of my unique identity.
Jeff, much like myself, embraces an idealistic perspective and shares what I would call the trait of being a naïve optimist. Unbeknownst to him, he played a significant role in lifting me out of my slump today. He reminded me that I possess the power to shape my experiences through the lens I choose. This realization led me to contemplate the concept of "giving it away to God," as they often say in Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). It is crucial for me to let go of my fixation on proving the existence of harm and instead acknowledge that it occurred, acknowledging the ways in which it has positively transformed me. Change is an inevitable part of life, and we are presented with the choice of how we adapt to these changes.
The autistic community that I am a part of holds a special place in my heart, and today, I expressed my gratitude for it repeatedly to Jeff. In retrospect, I realized that what I was truly affirming to myself is the presence of people who genuinely love and appreciate me for exactly who I am. It's becoming clear that my energy should be directed away from those who don't share that sentiment and instead focused on the incredible support and acceptance I receive from my community.
I am bubbling with exhilaration as I eagerly anticipate embarking on my voyage to Saybrook University. It seems as though the cosmos itself has conspired to present this remarkable opportunity in my life's narrative. While OHA may not have been the destined road for me, I have graciously come to terms with that reality. While I maintain a glimmer of hope for positive transformations within OHA, I humbly acknowledge that it is not my duty to orchestrate such changes. The onus lies upon them to navigate their own metamorphosis and chart their course forward. As Jeff astutely mentioned in our conversation about the significance of understanding one's audience, let us remember the mantra: Be brief, be brilliant, and be gone.
Oh, farewell, OHA! It is with a bittersweet sense of irony that I bid you adieu. This is Sher, gracefully signing out from your realm. May our paths cross again in the vast tapestry of existence.