Autism, Martin Luther King, and Character

Reflections of MLK Day

Aloha, Irene here stepping onto my soapbox...

What does the strength of character mean to someone on the autism spectrum?

They may not be able to articulate an answer, however I believe people with autism have strength of character measured in ways often unseen by neurotypicals.

How often is, “strength of character” as Dr. Martin Luther King uses the term in his speech, “I Have a Dream” bypassed or dismissed by those who do not reflect it themselves?

Think about this a moment;

Is it possible to recognize character strengths without possessing them?

Or would one dismiss the behaviors as odd or even as an oppositional defiant disorder (ODD)?

Seen today the behaviors of Rosa Parks and Dr. Martin Luther King are generally considered character strengths, yet their behaviors at the time were considered by many to be deviant and defiant.

So I ask again, is it possible to recognize strength of character if one does not possess the same character traits?

Here is my dream:

One day we will live in a world that accepts even the differences that are not as easily detected as skin coloring. One day we will embrace diversity as the key to the eternal kingdom.

Writing character strengths and dreams

Happy Martin Luther King Day!

Today is not just another holiday or day off from work, it is a day to get in touch with what resonates as your own strength of character.

Character traits are a part of what you the writer possess, what your muse highlights and you channel. Consider what character traits you like about yourself, what traits you'd like to change or enhance.

Perhaps you can find inspiration in the words of Dr. Martin Luther King?

What do you know or remember or think about when you consider the man for the reason of the holiday here in the states? What is your strength of character? Write about strength of character!

If you are in the process of writing a book, ad copy, anything at all, consider strength of character in your writing. Write in your journal; what does strength of character mean - to you?

You can read some of my story here; http://mickandhisboy.googlepages.com/home under the heading of Irene's capstone. Or you can read about our story through the dog that knows autism best, Mick; http://mickandboy.blogspot.com/ Strength of character is what comes out about someone in their writing.

Take the day to write and consider as a writing springboard what Dr. Martin Luther King wrote;

"I have a dream..."

What's your dream?

Write about it - then take at least one action to making it reality!

50 First Kisses

I am watching 50 First Dates – again.

I’m not sure if it’s a spectrum thing or not, but like my son, Red, I have several movies that I can watch over and over.

The intrigue of 50 First Dates is that Lucy, the main character, has her short-term memory erased every night which sets ones mind to wondering...

I wonder, is it possible to erase the memories of my past relationships? Is it possible to have a first kiss and not remember the path of previous first kisses? I don’t want a whack to the head but that may be required for me to ever enjoy a first kiss.

A good friend wants me to go on a double date with her and I don’t even want to date.

I’ve effectively put off dating while completing my Master of Arts degree in Special Education.

School is a valid reason to stay out of the dating pool. Normal people, it seems want to date and have relationships. Am I just too hurt from past relationships or am I not normal?

Whatever.

There seems to be more of us avoiding the dating pool by choice. Frankly, I consider it a toxic cesspool. Probably because my memories haven’t been sprinkled with fairy dust. Maybe I could use a good dusting or a whack on the head.

Still, my favorite movies and books are romantic comedies.

I love to laugh and love.

What ever else, I am an ever hopeful romantic. So when I’m finished with my degree (yipee! 33 days!), maybe I’ll ease myself into the dating pool and try another first kiss or maybe more until I find the first kiss that does not bring back any memories at all.

That, my friend, is a true first kiss.

I Am Green

This year I resolve to go green!

I’m not talking about merely living in an environmentally conscious way although that is a part of it. I’m talking about living the green color of tranquility in all aspects of my life.

This year I will make green choices!

Why green? I decided to assign the color green to tranquility because it is the color of my images I associate with tranquility; deep pools of water, lush forests, gardens, money, health, and peace.

Tranquility for me is having all of my needs met physically, mentally and spiritually. Green is also the color I associate with growth. I want to grow as a person; which is why tranquility is a journey not a destination.

Going Green is a way to focus and sustain my energies to transform my life and with my life, those that my influence ripples with.

Here’s some specifics of me going green this year…

To improve my health, I am choosing to focus on eating more greens and less unhealthy foods such as sugar, processed foods and meats.

By focusing on the greens and foods that are healthy, my weight will reset to a healthy normal, my blood pressure and cholesterol will also improve (better than my normal!). Going to the gym is in my healthy Green plans for my body. Going green is being physically fit.

Green is the color of money (here in the states anyway) and an area of my life I am choosing to focus on this year. I’m going to focus on ways to have more financial green in my life with a healthy cash flow.

I am growing my financial garden very green and healthy!

I am optimistic about the potential for positive changes here in the USA and also toward world peace. Like many, I feel the winds of change are blowing for the better. To be sure, there are headlines and news to the contrary, but there always will be. I choose to focus and keep my sights on the green and good.

I can contribute to a better environment, peace and tranquility for all, through meditation, prayer and a green celebration of spirit. By improving and choosing the green in my own life, I can help build a healthy green world; one where tranquility is possible.

I am focused on making green choices and taking green actions!

I am now totally green with wild flashes of inspiration and hue!

What color are your ambitions? You get to choose the color and what it means to you. And you certainly don't need to limit yourself to just one color or shade!