A lifetime of feeling different, the odd one out, not fitting in, not understanding people, the world, and always hearing the same phrases that reminded me of it, that made me understand I was a burden, that I wasn’t conventional and that I should be, but I neither wanted to nor could be conventional.
Finally, I decided to listen to those voices, look inside myself, and come to the conclusion that the answer might be that my brain is different. That led me to seek professional help and undergo a lot of tests that ended in a diagnosis with which I now know who I am, and in this way, I can continue with my life, or rather, begin to live. A new opportunity.
It turns out I’m autistic, and that’s why I’ve always had difficulties and lived with such awkwardness, while at the same time always getting ahead for another reason, which was another surprise: I’m also gifted.
In neuropsychology, it’s called being twice exceptional. My brain is not only different, but it’s very special. That gives me so many answers, rewrites my whole story, and above all, gives me peace and the tools to manage the exhaustion I’ve carried after years of putting up with it, thinking that what was happening to me was normal, that it happened to everyone.
Now, finally, I’m ready to live my life. It’s never too late.
It turns out you are special, Javier, and it’s about time you started loving yourself, forgiving yourself, and taking advantage of everything that lies ahead.
