I cried a lot last week. It's hard to talk to people but watching others who are going through the same thing and knowing I'm not alone helps a lot, so thank you.
As an AuDHDer who has been finding my voice and learning to speak out and take action against oppression of all forms since before 2016, I can say this for all of us -- keep talking. Find ways to plug into the work that's already happening -- because a lot of us have been here doing it this whole time. Set hard boundaries with people in your life if you have to. Lean into your community and seek ways to broaden it. All of this is so much more difficult for many of us ND folks, particularly us autistic folks. But we have always had prominent roles in movements, and our ways of thinking will be especially needed in the times ahead. Stay safe and look out for one another, friends.
Claire, thank you so much for saying our feelings are valid. I felt like I was in mourning for 4 days straight last week. I’m still not great, but a bit better… I hope you get over your cold and feel much better soon! 🫶🏻 Take care and hugs.
I hear you. This week has definitely been intense. I'm struggling to process what happened and its effects going forward too. I decided to decorate for Christmas early because I need something happy. Pretty things to look at 😊
I decided to finally start planting a vegetable garden. Having half my heart in the US and half in Germany for 50 years, I feel shaken so profoundly... it is as hard as when my parents died. Hugs to everybody feeling shaken too and get well soon.
Big feelings week is definitely the way to say it in my world. I’ve been trying to take a break from most content not related to art or Autism, but my ostrich tactic isn’t very effective. What has been effective is when I fully step away from content consumption for hours and work on some art. It’s been raining so much this past week, but it looks like we’re getting a break today so I’m going to go walk in the forest and touch ferns and hope that brings more peace. I should remember to drink more water today, too. I’m so disappointed and hurt that our country has chosen to showcase the worst parts of ourselves, but here we are. One thing that has given me some courage is remembering how much I’ve struggled throughout my life before knowing I’m Autistic, and subsequently I’ve survived all of it. I’m not looking forward to more struggle, but in a weird way I know we’ll persist. Been highly sensitive though, my emotions are like, “NOOOOOOOOOOO!” Another thing giving me courage is that sometimes things have to get really bad before a new era can emerge, and I’m trying so hard to hold onto hope that we’ll get to build what comes next. Sending love to those who are sharing similar feelings. At least now we have our community to lean on. Please do. Get well soon, Claire. 🖤🖤🖤
I watered my plant. I have one plant, and it is a vine, and I keep it on top of my bookshelf, so it trails down, like something out of my wildest decorating dream, and amazes and delights me. However, I am dyspraxic, and hopping up on a shelf to retrieve the plant every ten days to water it is very scary for me. But I did it today! I watered my beautiful plant and now we are both happy. I hope you feel better soon, Claire. Thank you for Porch Coffee, where I can share my triumph in watering a plant with people who understand. My love to all. 🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷
@stephenie44 , thank you! A neighbor gave me the plant when she moved across the country, and I was sure I would kill it, but, instead, two years later it has four vines and fills a part of my room. It seems miraculous. Thanks for "seeing" me and commenting, Stephenie. That was kind of you. 🩷
@WoodshedTheory , I hear that! On every tenth day, I make myself do a bunch of householdy things, like washing sheets and vacuuming air filters. Watering my plant is on that list, and half the time I forget to do it anyway, and yet it lives! I am so lucky. I hope you are feeling better tonight, Claire. I am sending love. 🩷
I‘m in europe but let me tell you, last week was tough. I‘m trying my best to stay positive, to not lose hope and save my energy for when I actually need to take action. all of that on top of the usual drag of living while autistic 😅 but hey, our home reno is going well and dog training is showing results, so there‘s some good stuff happening as well ❤
I do not live in the US so I do not fully understand what is going on for you all. However I am autistic and I know very well what it feels like to not have a choice or any say in the way things are done - run - or even what is thought of as wrong and right, to feel powerless with huge feelings. I love you all. I loved the conversation between you and Quinn. Thank you Claire.
Honestly, I don't trust anyone who is not feeling this way. When faced with the promise of hatred and violence, a lot of people cheered and happily voted yes. As an autistic person, this fills me with dread since we were executed during WW2 just for being who we are. If people aren't concerned about that, then why is it on me to "find common ground" with them? What common ground is there to find in my oppression or the oppression of women, or immigrants, or trans people? So for me, feeling fine about what just happened is a strong message about who you are. And if you're not OK with it, as I am not OK with it, then we can build a community around that. The price of admission into that community is to oppose hatred and bigotry. It's a small price to ask.
Hey there Claire, sending warm hugs across the pond 🫂. I really enjoyed your chat with Quinn. I am on the backend of a cold which started last week for me but luckily today seems to have gone and I just have a tickly cough. It's soo nice not being all stuffed up again and hope you feel back to normal very soon. Lemon drink here for colds is called Lemsip also comes in blackcurrant and possibly other flavours but I don't buy them. It's just paracetamol with flavouring and some caffeine so I find paracetamol and a coffee does the same job. I hate feeling congested and would highly recommend for future cold a rechargable mini/travel nebuliser (mine is very quiet) ..... It's changed how long I suffer with a cold for you put in a little water and breath in the vapour and with regular use especially on stuffy days it can really help to keep your lungs clear and stop you getting that chesty-ness I find my colds don't last half as long as they used to when I make a point of using it. I don't have much to say this week, the kittens are bounding around and getting huge, and are really playful and I am about to feed the dragon and check on the scorpions, other than that not much else to say now, except speedy recovery and see you next week on porch coffee. 😊
I spend a night this past week sharing my lived experience to a live audience of about 27 people. Parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles etcetera and people who work with autists. It’s amazing to realize that people truly do need to hear stuff from an actual person who deals with it daily. They where all going through an autism experience even though for them it was temporary. Being able to add context to what it means in my daily life does help. I spend a lot of time speaking to people individually as well. It’s interesting to see a light bulb come on as you explain stuff to a parent who has been trying to figure an autistic child out. I expected to be really tired the next day. But instead I was only tired on the night the next day I was fine. Haven’t figured that one out yet. I suspect it probably has to do with the fact that I saw that what I was doing really helped people. As for the situation. I’ll start it by saying yes I am now in the Netherlands but I did live in the US for eight years, my daughter lives there her possible future husband lives there as will my potential grandchildren. I also have a ton of friends over there so I actually have some skin in the game. I’ve been following American politics very closely for a long time. I personally don’t think problems will increase as badly as people think. We got through four years before we’ll get through four more. Legislation can be changed after the fact. It’s not easy but it’s doable. And it’s hard to do stuff if there is a lot of civil resistance. Policies are hard to put in place when a lot of the people who elected you are against it. I’m worried but I’m also hopeful. Have a good week Claire and friends.(I hope you feel better soon ❤️🩹)
I’ve been going through some changes. Changes in my routine, letting go of things I don’t really use anymore and keeping the things I do. It is hard because I do think that’s all part of my normal routine too. I have such a hard time speaking up and asking for help because I feel like I have to be the one to figure it all out on my own.
Hi, get well soon , and take good care of yourself I love the way you talk about day to day things on the porch that we all are going through, and we do not have to feel alone Bless you ❤ and keep going 🙏🏽
Hang in there, rest, and get better. This is a month where we need to remember self care. I will be here trying not to break down, doing just a bit too much for other people... and trying to remember to take my meds on time.
I know you’re speaking for a lot of us, Claire. We hear you, we see you, and we recognize that you’re coming from a place of compassion and empathy and grief. Thank you, and please know that we’re reciprocating those thoughts. Also, please get well soon!
I've purposefully not looked into anything since I found out. I don't need any more things to cut my legs out from under me. I find myself crying unexpectedly when I'm alone. We're gonna be ok though. We're the toughest motherfuckers on the goddamn planet.
The first thing I noticed was the mug club sign!😊 Secondly I like to thank you for the very grace-filled and tactful way that you handled your feelings and shared how many of us feel. You did a great job putting your feelings into words and I appreciate that. Have a wonderful week and I hope that you feel better soon.
Yeah ,I got sick too, y'all I forgot to eat and sleep, last week. Hit the gym right after work big mistake and came home sick .Been eating soups this weekend I was craving solid foods ,so i'm just finishing up an entire hamburger pack that i got this morning
Hope you get better Claire! When I'm sick I also go for lemon, but I also often use chili and ginger a lot. I've also been escaping reality with some unrelated projects lately but I've ended up overworking myself a bit. Going to try and spend the coming week trying to relax. Oh yeah, the mug I got from you is getting used almost daily by now!
Just know that your cousins across the pond (Australia) are with you in sympathy. We all need our wonderful community now more than ever. In these times, love is an act of rebellion!
I've seen a lot of people talk about male loneliness and a few talk about female loneliness. I haven't seen anyone talk about disability and loneliness or neurodivergence and loneliness. Seems like a relevant topic.
My week was one of those "bumpy rides", where multiple things are happening at almost the same time, that you can't influence (much), but that are gonna have a rather negative effect on your spoon-level .. I hope, you're gonna get well, soon .. hang in there, Claire :)
Sending love and solidarity. I'm in uk but also feel devastated when I'm not just numb and in denial. There's a lot over here to feel politically pessimistic about also, even though the most right wing political party here is no longer in power. We're focusing on our home and loved ones. Creating a garden from a concrete yard. Getting into the soil and planting for the future, a little at a time. It's nourishing and a good metaphor for keeping going ourselves in times of ideological and actual oppression and limitations on our human rights. I cannot ignore all the suffering, but i can plant seeds of love in my back yard. It's better than nothing. Love to all ❤
My son has not adjusted to daylight savings time and has been waking up at 3-4 A.M. so that's been hard dealing with sleep deprivation. I hear and understand. Take the time you need to process. Have a peaceful week, Claire and friends. 💞
I get that. My brain has decided to wake up earlier then usual. I’ve tried going to sleep an hour earlier that just made me stay awake all night. Stupid daylight savings it’s sucky to have to deal with. Have a good week friend. ❤️🩹
Thank you Claire for being so thoughtful in creating space to feel. It is overwhelming - lots of weird dreams this week related to how things could unfold. Agree that we all need to find creative and assertive ways to stay present and advocate for our communities. ❤
Hi claire get well soon take care if yourself. I saw you and Quinn it was brilliant! was with books at the school, also being with family and friends. Our lemon drink in the uk is called lemsip. Great to see you and have a restful week. Take care all
Hope you feel better soon, Claire! This past week definitely threw me into many moments of anxiety and uncertainty which I still am processing. My daughter had a birthday last week too which was the bright light of the week. It was so fun to celebrate with her.
Good morning Claire! Porch Coffee is always chill, and you accomplished that while also acknowledging the recent events. I was surprised by the way things shaked out on Tuesday, but I've been comforted by watching post-election political analysis (very interesting!). I hope that you feel better soon.
Hope you a speedy recovery... your episode with Quinn was great 💯... With regards to how we all feel you're not alone...the reactions on this side of the pond speak very loud volumes!
Get well, Claire! Find the leaders that you trust, that are in the field of the issues that are on your mind to help take some of the load of processing off your mind (naturally, you've got to make up your own mind).
Sending lots of love Claire❤ I’ve felt overwhelming grief this week from a combination of personal and world things and it’s so tough. I feel like a zombie this morning because I haven’t been sleeping well. On the bright side, I did put up my Christmas tree and seeing that in the living room makes me feel a little better. I hope everyone can take care of themselves this week, I will be trying my best.
These past few weeks has pretty much broken me over the you-know-what, and I've already hurt my family unintentionally by avoiding conversation with them. I tried ignoring it and it backfired on me horribly. At the moment, I feel conversation with my friends is the best possible way I can think of to begin the rebuilding process and getting me out of this deep depression. I hope you feel better soon, Claire.
Hi Claire, thank you so much for Porch Coffee. Last week was difficult, to say the least. I'm still processing the outcome as well, as I am beyond sad/angry/in despair over it. Trying to figure out a way forward that will foster more love and less hate in my neck of the woods.
Claire, perfect handling (IMO) on the politics and other triggers that all else aside have little to do with your content.. From the traditions of 12 step programs there is tradition 10 that reveals a lot of how it strives to keep focus. Those things are outside issues to Neurodivergent Things. While we may all be on different sides of those issues (or not), Here we are on other things we have much more common ground on. Outside issues would divide and harm what is important here. A balance that is hard to do.... Keep doing what you do. It's great! Thank You!
Hi Claire, it was a rough week. I’m glad you said something. Politics has become a special interest because I have an overall interest in finding the “truth” and weeding out misinformation. It’s really hard to watch other people support the rhetoric of our president elect. Especially when they don’t seem to understand the harm it’s causing… it’s so obvious to me. It’s important to keep having conversations about social justice and advocacy, that’s one of the ways we will fight this.
Thank you for saying something, it's very difficult to see people act like nothing happened and I won't go into that further just that I appreciate your words, I also loved your interview with Quinn it was so good.❤
Not at all surprised by the result but severely disappointed with the level of political (and historical) ignorance demonstrated by the majority; this was an uninformed and deliberately misled decision that will adversely affect the stability of the entire world for far longer than the current election cycle and I seriously wish there were a hobbit with a mission somewhere who is now en route to Mount Doom to correct this criminal idiocy. Wish I could apologize if my sentiments are upsetting but anyone taking offense bloody well deserves it - marginalised communities (like people with disabilities) are always more vulnerable to systemic persecution and regressives love to target difference as a misguided affirmation of their ideals. That said, today I'm making muffins.🤷♂️
Get well soon, Claire. This week I finally had an idea for starting my own RUclips channel that feels sincere, sustainable, and potentially of interest to an audience...inspired here and there by Autistic RUclipsrs like yourself and others without being a repeat of anyone else's thing. So that is potentially exciting. In regard to current events, my attitude is that my next contribution to the world, my own unique mission to have an effect, is not affected by domestic or international affairs. My sense of mission has been and remains to encourage the person right in front of me, no matter what. So I will carry on as I have. I do have to be careful how much attention I devote to things I cannot affect though. Right here right now, the most important thing is encouraging the person right in front of me.
Hi Claire!! I'm trying to get caught up on your videos because I have had little or no internet for weeks. I'm getting caught up in uploading my own videos with a very slow connection. I am finally coming out of mourning about what has transpired the last week. There was a sense of hopelessness but now a renewed passion for change and reflection on my gratitude. I'm sorry you're not feeling well and I hope you get better soon. Have a good week! 🩵
I started coming down with a cold around the same time you did. Zicam and rest kept it from getting too bad, but I know what you mean by saying that "it made an uncomfortable week even more uncomfortable."
Sorry to hear you are sick! I hope you are feeling better soon! Thank you Claire for speaking up, I know it was probably not easy. I cried Tuesday night and most of Wednesday, and have been pretty much numb since then.
I really appreciate you Claire! We all do. This week has been a very emotional week, but I did get to see some friends and received some messages from my grandparents' spirits apparently. I'm also knitting a cardigan recreation of one of my mom's favorite jackets from the 90s that has bright color blocks and one sage green sleeve and one black sleeve. I've been thinking of all of our communities and feel more inclined than ever to stick together and unite
As someone that was optimistically hoping for progressive legislation in the next few years so that my partner and I could get married before we start having kids, I’m extremely disheartened. They have exorbitant medical expenses that I could never hope to be able to afford, and if we get married, they’ll either lose their medical coverage or I’ll be forced to work for minimum wage and raise our kids in poverty, neither of which I’m prepared to do… I’m not even sure what our options are, but marriage clearly isn’t it. Just sort of feeling lost. And trying to crochet a dragon for a Christmas gift.
@ You’re the first I’ve seen of anyone mentioning anything like not being able to get married because one partner would lose benefits the other can’t provide. Although now I deeply fear that what little benefits I get might wind up on the chopping block just the same. When I put up a post about wondering how long I’ll have medical after January, my closest friend of 40 years (who either voted for him or 3rd party but definitely against Dems) said “I promise you won’t lose your medical.” I snapped and told her she could promise no such thing. I don’t have anyone outside my relationship with my boyfriend who could understand just how tenuous this thread I’m holding on by is and how it already has the potential to be reduced or taken away entirely at any time… and now this… *sigh*
I have been having a hard time but over the weekend I harvested three trays and a crate full of sweet potatoes from my garden. Some are HUGE! Like five or six pounds! The largest sweet potato ever grown was over 81 pounds so I haven't broken the record but we'll have sweet potatoes for Thanksgiving and I wish I lived near you cuz I'd give you some.
81 POUNDS? Now that is something I have never heard of before! I think I would be excited to grow one that is five or six pounds, what an accomplishment!
Good morning Claire, I got lucky, I completely ignored/avoided the news on Tuesday and just went to bed early. I was really tired from getting up early so this was not as hard as I feared it would be. I woke up and took the news in the best state of mind I could, and then immediately went to the dentist and got a painful cleaning done which forced me to think of other things, giving me more time to process. I think not letting the anxiety "win" the night before, and the delay of dealing with it helped me compared to others I've talked with. I even think I was in a better state than my therapist talking about it! On the other much better personal news, I ran my first official half marathon trail race and set a PR. Was lots of fun, would highly recommend. Next is a 30k for me in January!
Last week was a tough one. I arrived at work Monday morning to hear that one of my colleagues had unalived themself over the weekend. The company leadership went into reaction mode and gathered employees for a check-in and “group hug”, which didn’t help, and only highlighted how disconnected they are with reality. Then the results on Tuesday felt very much the same as the preceding bad news. I’m still struggling to process both events.
Gett well soon Claire🙂🙏. I am starting to feel better after an intense 2week burnout and heightened anxiety and OCD symptoms, so that is good and the weekend was nice and I managed to enjoy my weekend rituales:). Hope you all have a safe and regulated week!.
I’d say the one good thing about being in the midst of packing to move is that I’m hyperfocused on that instead of politics right now. Otherwise…Oy!!!! Thanks for sharing your thoughtful words ❤
My husband has not watched CNN since Tuesday. Bliss for me. It was on incessantly and I shut myself in the bedroom with my RUclips friends and my books. Sorry you are feeling unwell. Hope you had all your vaccinations
I just found you after our collaboration with Jenny and I am delighted to subscribe and be one of your internet friends. I am processing and reconciling how we didn't know I was autistic when my boys were growing up and it impacted them, of course. I am sad about it. I think we are all in the recovery/forgiveness process. They are terrific adults, married, fathers now. They are assessing their growing up and now that we know I am autistic they are critically evaluating my presence in their development. And, fortunately (I am rejection sensitive so it has been hard, but I say fortunately because it is good for them to be able to tell me and we can grieve together, if that makes sense) they feel safe telling me. Wish I could wear hats, yours are beautiful! Hats scrunch my curly top too much but if I wore them I certainly would wear one of yours! I hope you feel better Claire! Thanks for sharing your heart!😊
I’ve been sick too, with a neverending cold that my nephews so lovingly shared with me 😜 (it’s worth it, I adore them) I’ve been feeling some feelings about current events too. I want to understand and to have hope but I’m struggling. There’s so much negativity online right now, people being mean on both sides instead of either trying to have productive discussions or just refraining from saying anything at all. I know emotions are high but I just wish people would try to be objective and productive in conversations, or at least keep the blatantly disrespectful comments to themselves. I know it’s hard to find common ground over something this divisive, I know there are people who are just mean spirited and hateful, but I have to believe that some people are just trying to live life and are willing to overlook certain things if they think a particular path is going to benefit them. That’s where I think there’s potential to seek understanding. I’m not there yet, I need time, but I’m not just going to write off 22% of the population as being evil. I guess that’s where I am in the processing of it all. Sometimes humanity amazes me. Other times…not so much. I’m thankful for my animals, it’s so much simpler with them! I’m hoping to have a new show & tell submission for you soon, just waiting for a sunny day because I have terrible lighting in my house. ☀️
Same, but I understand why he won. I won't go into detail as to why here, but long story short people vote with their wallets and the economy is always on people's minds. Whether that was the right reason or not is a different story.
You're definitely not alone with this. I, too, am processing some heavy emotions due to current events, and I know many people are going through the same thing. I think you handled the topic sensitively and honestly. I hope you feel better soon! By the way, I really like your hat. Is it one you made?
I hope you start feeling better soon! This last week was so heavy. Also, don't know if anyone else deals with this, but seasonal depression is kicking my *ss. I need to move south! ☀
I like government as a history to study but current events of such are in an area I can get painfully overwhelmed over. I hate disagreements and how volatile they can get so I strive not to voice much of anything in order to avoid it. I appreciate that this has been a safe space. My week has been ok in places, troubling in others. A bit blue today over personal things but, eh, what can one do? Hope you get better soon. Being sick is not fun.
I got sick as well! My allergies turned into a sinus infection and now I am on antibiotics….which are making me sick! I had so many things happen all at once last week that I have been waiting for my meltdown to arrive.
I just want to point out a few things for those who are letting the election results bother them. The action after the election never matches talk before the election; this applies whether you like or dislike the talk before the election. Most of these politicians get sufficiently similiar outcomes that the effect on everyday life is negligible. If you didn't pay attention to politics, you wouldn't know the difference. I have voted for the loser in 5 of the last 8 presidential elections. It's not that bad. Life goes on. Stop reading the political news and go out and enjoy life! I am so happy the election is finally over! It's like the day after Christmas, which also makes me happy that the holiday season is over!
+woodshedtheory *I goofed calibrating a wireless lavalier at 胡桃江市日系基督教會 Japanese Christian Church of Walnut Creek (CA, USA), a member Congregation of the 東宣北米神聖教会 OMS* (viz., Oriental Missionary Society) *Holiness Church of North America; forty seconds of the tape were therefore quiet.*
Can I ask if you're still a Christian? (NOT that I think Trump is a Christian)...or that politics will have any bearing on what God has planned for this world ❤
I hope you get well soon Claire! Being sick is never fun. ☹️ Thank you for how you handled the politics, I feel like everywhere I go it’s so much loud political noise (on both sides) and while I know it’s important to advocate, etc., it can all be quite overwhelming and definitely hard to process right now. So I appreciate a calmer, quieter corner of the internet. 🙂 My week was good, I survived a really busy time at the store where I work. We had our yearly sale which I’d never worked before, and there were a lot of stressful situations but we made it! I also think I’m finally getting out of burn out too, which I’m very thankful for. Wishing everyone a good week, and here’s a virtual hug for anyone that needs one. 🫂 :)
Wish you a speedy recovery Claire ❤️🩹 I also just recovered from a cold: I recommend fresh ginger tea, lemon and honey. Autistice people talking was awesome as usual 🥰
I cried a lot last week. It's hard to talk to people but watching others who are going through the same thing and knowing I'm not alone helps a lot, so thank you.
As an AuDHDer who has been finding my voice and learning to speak out and take action against oppression of all forms since before 2016, I can say this for all of us -- keep talking. Find ways to plug into the work that's already happening -- because a lot of us have been here doing it this whole time. Set hard boundaries with people in your life if you have to. Lean into your community and seek ways to broaden it. All of this is so much more difficult for many of us ND folks, particularly us autistic folks. But we have always had prominent roles in movements, and our ways of thinking will be especially needed in the times ahead. Stay safe and look out for one another, friends.
Well said
Claire, thank you so much for saying our feelings are valid. I felt like I was in mourning for 4 days straight last week. I’m still not great, but a bit better… I hope you get over your cold and feel much better soon! 🫶🏻 Take care and hugs.
I hear you. This week has definitely been intense. I'm struggling to process what happened and its effects going forward too. I decided to decorate for Christmas early because I need something happy. Pretty things to look at 😊
I have been feeling stressed and anxiety for the last week. This is definitely no fun with what's happening.
I decided to finally start planting a vegetable garden.
Having half my heart in the US and half in Germany for 50 years, I feel shaken so profoundly... it is as hard as when my parents died.
Hugs to everybody feeling shaken too and get well soon.
I super appreciate you speaking about this. I’ve gone from denial to rage, and I’ve definitely not cried enough.
I hope you get well quickly 🍀
I hear you, Claire. Hang in there everybody.
Big feelings week is definitely the way to say it in my world. I’ve been trying to take a break from most content not related to art or Autism, but my ostrich tactic isn’t very effective. What has been effective is when I fully step away from content consumption for hours and work on some art. It’s been raining so much this past week, but it looks like we’re getting a break today so I’m going to go walk in the forest and touch ferns and hope that brings more peace. I should remember to drink more water today, too.
I’m so disappointed and hurt that our country has chosen to showcase the worst parts of ourselves, but here we are.
One thing that has given me some courage is remembering how much I’ve struggled throughout my life before knowing I’m Autistic, and subsequently I’ve survived all of it. I’m not looking forward to more struggle, but in a weird way I know we’ll persist. Been highly sensitive though, my emotions are like, “NOOOOOOOOOOO!”
Another thing giving me courage is that sometimes things have to get really bad before a new era can emerge, and I’m trying so hard to hold onto hope that we’ll get to build what comes next. Sending love to those who are sharing similar feelings. At least now we have our community to lean on. Please do.
Get well soon, Claire. 🖤🖤🖤
I watered my plant. I have one plant, and it is a vine, and I keep it on top of my bookshelf, so it trails down, like something out of my wildest decorating dream, and amazes and delights me.
However, I am dyspraxic, and hopping up on a shelf to retrieve the plant every ten days to water it is very scary for me. But I did it today! I watered my beautiful plant and now we are both happy.
I hope you feel better soon, Claire. Thank you for Porch Coffee, where I can share my triumph in watering a plant with people who understand. My love to all. 🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷
Wow, an indoor vine wrapped around a bookshelf. That sounds delightful! Good job taking care of it and you!
@stephenie44 , thank you! A neighbor gave me the plant when she moved across the country, and I was sure I would kill it, but, instead, two years later it has four vines and fills a part of my room. It seems miraculous. Thanks for "seeing" me and commenting, Stephenie. That was kind of you. 🩷
That vine sounds lovely - awesome that you watered it! I am not great at remember to water mine.... not great at it at all. :/
@WoodshedTheory , I hear that!
On every tenth day, I make myself do a bunch of householdy things, like washing sheets and vacuuming air filters. Watering my plant is on that list, and half the time I forget to do it anyway, and yet it lives! I am so lucky.
I hope you are feeling better tonight, Claire. I am sending love. 🩷
I‘m in europe but let me tell you, last week was tough. I‘m trying my best to stay positive, to not lose hope and save my energy for when I actually need to take action. all of that on top of the usual drag of living while autistic 😅 but hey, our home reno is going well and dog training is showing results, so there‘s some good stuff happening as well ❤
that episode with Quinn was fire!
I do not live in the US so I do not fully understand what is going on for you all. However I am autistic and I know very well what it feels like to not have a choice or any say in the way things are done - run - or even what is thought of as wrong and right, to feel powerless with huge feelings. I love you all. I loved the conversation between you and Quinn. Thank you Claire.
Where are you located? I am English but live in California since 1999. Americans are so stupid sometimes 😢
Honestly, I don't trust anyone who is not feeling this way. When faced with the promise of hatred and violence, a lot of people cheered and happily voted yes. As an autistic person, this fills me with dread since we were executed during WW2 just for being who we are. If people aren't concerned about that, then why is it on me to "find common ground" with them? What common ground is there to find in my oppression or the oppression of women, or immigrants, or trans people? So for me, feeling fine about what just happened is a strong message about who you are. And if you're not OK with it, as I am not OK with it, then we can build a community around that. The price of admission into that community is to oppose hatred and bigotry. It's a small price to ask.
Hey there Claire, sending warm hugs across the pond 🫂. I really enjoyed your chat with Quinn. I am on the backend of a cold which started last week for me but luckily today seems to have gone and I just have a tickly cough. It's soo nice not being all stuffed up again and hope you feel back to normal very soon. Lemon drink here for colds is called Lemsip also comes in blackcurrant and possibly other flavours but I don't buy them. It's just paracetamol with flavouring and some caffeine so I find paracetamol and a coffee does the same job. I hate feeling congested and would highly recommend for future cold a rechargable mini/travel nebuliser (mine is very quiet) ..... It's changed how long I suffer with a cold for you put in a little water and breath in the vapour and with regular use especially on stuffy days it can really help to keep your lungs clear and stop you getting that chesty-ness I find my colds don't last half as long as they used to when I make a point of using it. I don't have much to say this week, the kittens are bounding around and getting huge, and are really playful and I am about to feed the dragon and check on the scorpions, other than that not much else to say now, except speedy recovery and see you next week on porch coffee. 😊
I really like the blackcurrant Lemsip 😅
I spend a night this past week sharing my lived experience to a live audience of about 27 people. Parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles etcetera and people who work with autists. It’s amazing to realize that people truly do need to hear stuff from an actual person who deals with it daily. They where all going through an autism experience even though for them it was temporary. Being able to add context to what it means in my daily life does help. I spend a lot of time speaking to people individually as well. It’s interesting to see a light bulb come on as you explain stuff to a parent who has been trying to figure an autistic child out. I expected to be really tired the next day. But instead I was only tired on the night the next day I was fine. Haven’t figured that one out yet. I suspect it probably has to do with the fact that I saw that what I was doing really helped people.
As for the situation. I’ll start it by saying yes I am now in the Netherlands but I did live in the US for eight years, my daughter lives there her possible future husband lives there as will my potential grandchildren. I also have a ton of friends over there so I actually have some skin in the game. I’ve been following American politics very closely for a long time. I personally don’t think problems will increase as badly as people think. We got through four years before we’ll get through four more. Legislation can be changed after the fact. It’s not easy but it’s doable. And it’s hard to do stuff if there is a lot of civil resistance. Policies are hard to put in place when a lot of the people who elected you are against it. I’m worried but I’m also hopeful.
Have a good week Claire and friends.(I hope you feel better soon ❤️🩹)
@@madberry proud of you! Best of luck on your new adventure! 💞
I am so glad to hear that you did that talk for people - sounds very brave and also very helpful.
I’ve been going through some changes. Changes in my routine, letting go of things I don’t really use anymore and keeping the things I do. It is hard because I do think that’s all part of my normal routine too. I have such a hard time speaking up and asking for help because I feel like I have to be the one to figure it all out on my own.
I'm sorry you had such a rough week. Love you!
Hi, get well soon ,
and take good care of yourself
I love the way you talk about day to day things on the porch that we all are going through, and we do not have to feel alone
Bless you ❤ and keep going 🙏🏽
Hang in there, rest, and get better. This is a month where we need to remember self care. I will be here trying not to break down, doing just a bit too much for other people... and trying to remember to take my meds on time.
I know you’re speaking for a lot of us, Claire. We hear you, we see you, and we recognize that you’re coming from a place of compassion and empathy and grief. Thank you, and please know that we’re reciprocating those thoughts. Also, please get well soon!
Thanks I'm on the mend
Well done on even bringing out Porch Coffee today, especially when you are sick. Sending you spoons at the moment!!
Thanks for the spoons! I need a whole case of spoons lol.
I've purposefully not looked into anything since I found out. I don't need any more things to cut my legs out from under me. I find myself crying unexpectedly when I'm alone.
We're gonna be ok though. We're the toughest motherfuckers on the goddamn planet.
Thanks for your encouraging words :)
The first thing I noticed was the mug club sign!😊 Secondly I like to thank you for the very grace-filled and tactful way that you handled your feelings and shared how many of us feel. You did a great job putting your feelings into words and I appreciate that. Have a wonderful week and I hope that you feel better soon.
Yeah ,I got sick too, y'all I forgot to eat and sleep, last week. Hit the gym right after work big mistake and came home sick .Been eating soups this weekend
I was craving solid foods ,so i'm just finishing up an entire hamburger pack that i got this morning
Hope you get better Claire! When I'm sick I also go for lemon, but I also often use chili and ginger a lot.
I've also been escaping reality with some unrelated projects lately but I've ended up overworking myself a bit. Going to try and spend the coming week trying to relax.
Oh yeah, the mug I got from you is getting used almost daily by now!
Just know that your cousins across the pond (Australia) are with you in sympathy. We all need our wonderful community now more than ever. In these times, love is an act of rebellion!
I am sorry to hear. That you are sick Claire. And I hope you feel better very soon.
I've seen a lot of people talk about male loneliness and a few talk about female loneliness. I haven't seen anyone talk about disability and loneliness or neurodivergence and loneliness. Seems like a relevant topic.
Absolutely. Loneliness has become an issue in general I think, but it's 100% more severe for neurodivergent folks.
Autism and loneliness definitely is a thing...ADHD and loneliness too.
My week was one of those "bumpy rides", where multiple things are happening at almost the same time, that you can't influence (much), but that are gonna have a rather negative effect on your spoon-level ..
I hope, you're gonna get well, soon .. hang in there, Claire :)
Thank you for sharing your porch time. It's a special privilege being welcome to drop by.
Sending love and solidarity. I'm in uk but also feel devastated when I'm not just numb and in denial. There's a lot over here to feel politically pessimistic about also, even though the most right wing political party here is no longer in power.
We're focusing on our home and loved ones. Creating a garden from a concrete yard. Getting into the soil and planting for the future, a little at a time. It's nourishing and a good metaphor for keeping going ourselves in times of ideological and actual oppression and limitations on our human rights. I cannot ignore all the suffering, but i can plant seeds of love in my back yard. It's better than nothing.
Love to all ❤
A garden sounds like a wonderful idea.
My son has not adjusted to daylight savings time and has been waking up at 3-4 A.M. so that's been hard dealing with sleep deprivation. I hear and understand. Take the time you need to process. Have a peaceful week, Claire and friends. 💞
Oh dear! The time change is rough. 😢
I get that. My brain has decided to wake up earlier then usual. I’ve tried going to sleep an hour earlier that just made me stay awake all night. Stupid daylight savings it’s sucky to have to deal with. Have a good week friend. ❤️🩹
Where I am, I'd rather have the earlier sunrise. But I also don't wake at 3-4 am so that's unfortunate
@ghill8587 it sure is! I'm just trying to go to bed a little earlier, so I have the energy.
@@madberry thank you, friend, I appreciate it! 💞
Thank you Claire for being so thoughtful in creating space to feel. It is overwhelming - lots of weird dreams this week related to how things could unfold. Agree that we all need to find creative and assertive ways to stay present and advocate for our communities. ❤
Hi claire get well soon take care if yourself. I saw you and Quinn it was brilliant! was with books at the school, also being with family and friends. Our lemon drink in the uk is called lemsip. Great to see you and have a restful week. Take care all
Hope you feel better soon, Claire! This past week definitely threw me into many moments of anxiety and uncertainty which I still am processing.
My daughter had a birthday last week too which was the bright light of the week. It was so fun to celebrate with her.
Good morning Claire! Porch Coffee is always chill, and you accomplished that while also acknowledging the recent events. I was surprised by the way things shaked out on Tuesday, but I've been comforted by watching post-election political analysis (very interesting!).
I hope that you feel better soon.
Hope you a speedy recovery... your episode with Quinn was great 💯...
With regards to how we all feel you're not alone...the reactions on this side of the pond speak very loud volumes!
Get well, Claire!
Find the leaders that you trust, that are in the field of the issues that are on your mind to help take some of the load of processing off your mind (naturally, you've got to make up your own mind).
I hope you feel better soon! I haven’t listened to the podcast yet, but I’m looking forward to it.
Feel better soon Claire. It's so good to have a safe space here. Look after yourself! 🥰
Sending lots of love Claire❤ I’ve felt overwhelming grief this week from a combination of personal and world things and it’s so tough. I feel like a zombie this morning because I haven’t been sleeping well. On the bright side, I did put up my Christmas tree and seeing that in the living room makes me feel a little better. I hope everyone can take care of themselves this week, I will be trying my best.
These past few weeks has pretty much broken me over the you-know-what, and I've already hurt my family unintentionally by avoiding conversation with them. I tried ignoring it and it backfired on me horribly. At the moment, I feel conversation with my friends is the best possible way I can think of to begin the rebuilding process and getting me out of this deep depression. I hope you feel better soon, Claire.
An extra hug to you.
Hugs and solidarity Claire :)
Hope you feel better soon 🤒💚
Hi Claire, thank you so much for Porch Coffee. Last week was difficult, to say the least. I'm still processing the outcome as well, as I am beyond sad/angry/in despair over it. Trying to figure out a way forward that will foster more love and less hate in my neck of the woods.
💖💖💖💖💖Hope you feel better soon. Wishing everyone a great week!! ✨
Claire, perfect handling (IMO) on the politics and other triggers that all else aside have little to do with your content.. From the traditions of 12 step programs there is tradition 10 that reveals a lot of how it strives to keep focus. Those things are outside issues to Neurodivergent Things. While we may all be on different sides of those issues (or not), Here we are on other things we have much more common ground on. Outside issues would divide and harm what is important here. A balance that is hard to do.... Keep doing what you do. It's great! Thank You!
I think you handled that very diligently. I heart you friend
Thanks Jenn :) ❤️
🥰
Feel better soon Claire!! I felt crappie so we put the Christmas tree up lol xx
You know, several other people have mentioned putting up Christmas decor - I may have to put mine up early :)
Go for it!! Whatever makes us happy I say 😊
Hi Claire, it was a rough week. I’m glad you said something. Politics has become a special interest because I have an overall interest in finding the “truth” and weeding out misinformation. It’s really hard to watch other people support the rhetoric of our president elect. Especially when they don’t seem to understand the harm it’s causing… it’s so obvious to me. It’s important to keep having conversations about social justice and advocacy, that’s one of the ways we will fight this.
It has been a rough week for many. Thanks for showing up to Porch Coffee!
Thank you for saying something, it's very difficult to see people act like nothing happened and I won't go into that further just that I appreciate your words, I also loved your interview with Quinn it was so good.❤
Thank you for supporting the podcast :)
I feel the same…
9:55
I love how spot on you were
Not at all surprised by the result but severely disappointed with the level of political (and historical) ignorance demonstrated by the majority; this was an uninformed and deliberately misled decision that will adversely affect the stability of the entire world for far longer than the current election cycle and I seriously wish there were a hobbit with a mission somewhere who is now en route to Mount Doom to correct this criminal idiocy. Wish I could apologize if my sentiments are upsetting but anyone taking offense bloody well deserves it - marginalised communities (like people with disabilities) are always more vulnerable to systemic persecution and regressives love to target difference as a misguided affirmation of their ideals.
That said, today I'm making muffins.🤷♂️
Get well soon, Claire. This week I finally had an idea for starting my own RUclips channel that feels sincere, sustainable, and potentially of interest to an audience...inspired here and there by Autistic RUclipsrs like yourself and others without being a repeat of anyone else's thing. So that is potentially exciting. In regard to current events, my attitude is that my next contribution to the world, my own unique mission to have an effect, is not affected by domestic or international affairs. My sense of mission has been and remains to encourage the person right in front of me, no matter what. So I will carry on as I have. I do have to be careful how much attention I devote to things I cannot affect though. Right here right now, the most important thing is encouraging the person right in front of me.
Please keep us posted on your RUclips channel journey!
Hi Claire!!
I'm trying to get caught up on your videos because I have had little or no internet for weeks.
I'm getting caught up in uploading my own videos with a very slow connection.
I am finally coming out of mourning about what has transpired the last week. There was a sense of hopelessness but now a renewed passion for change and reflection on my gratitude.
I'm sorry you're not feeling well and I hope you get better soon.
Have a good week! 🩵
Nice to have you back - sometimes slow internet for me is worse than no internet!
@WoodshedTheory Tell me about it. Oof!
Happy Monday Claire! Get well soon! And thank you for keeping this space politics free. Wishing everyone a great week. Hugs from Norway
Have a great week Karianne
Great porch coffee!😁
I started coming down with a cold around the same time you did. Zicam and rest kept it from getting too bad, but I know what you mean by saying that "it made an uncomfortable week even more uncomfortable."
It’s been difficult to process what happened in the US. I voted and watched the results roll in, in horror
Hope you feel better soon!
Sorry to hear you are sick! I hope you are feeling better soon! Thank you Claire for speaking up, I know it was probably not easy. I cried Tuesday night and most of Wednesday, and have been pretty much numb since then.
I’m on the mend, thanks for your well wishes and thanks for coming to porch coffee :)
I really appreciate you Claire! We all do. This week has been a very emotional week, but I did get to see some friends and received some messages from my grandparents' spirits apparently. I'm also knitting a cardigan recreation of one of my mom's favorite jackets from the 90s that has bright color blocks and one sage green sleeve and one black sleeve. I've been thinking of all of our communities and feel more inclined than ever to stick together and unite
As someone that was optimistically hoping for progressive legislation in the next few years so that my partner and I could get married before we start having kids, I’m extremely disheartened. They have exorbitant medical expenses that I could never hope to be able to afford, and if we get married, they’ll either lose their medical coverage or I’ll be forced to work for minimum wage and raise our kids in poverty, neither of which I’m prepared to do…
I’m not even sure what our options are, but marriage clearly isn’t it.
Just sort of feeling lost.
And trying to crochet a dragon for a Christmas gift.
I can understand as I am in the same boat. ❤
@ I’m sorry. But also thank you for saying so, it’s not a big topic in the disability community and it’s felt lonely.
@ You’re the first I’ve seen of anyone mentioning anything like not being able to get married because one partner would lose benefits the other can’t provide. Although now I deeply fear that what little benefits I get might wind up on the chopping block just the same. When I put up a post about wondering how long I’ll have medical after January, my closest friend of 40 years (who either voted for him or 3rd party but definitely against Dems) said “I promise you won’t lose your medical.” I snapped and told her she could promise no such thing. I don’t have anyone outside my relationship with my boyfriend who could understand just how tenuous this thread I’m holding on by is and how it already has the potential to be reduced or taken away entirely at any time… and now this… *sigh*
Btw I love dragons and would love to see your finished work if you have someplace you feel comfortable posting it! ☺️
@@cosievee ☺️ ok
So glad that I found your channel 😊
I have been having a hard time but over the weekend I harvested three trays and a crate full of sweet potatoes from my garden. Some are HUGE! Like five or six pounds! The largest sweet potato ever grown was over 81 pounds so I haven't broken the record but we'll have sweet potatoes for Thanksgiving and I wish I lived near you cuz I'd give you some.
81 POUNDS? Now that is something I have never heard of before! I think I would be excited to grow one that is five or six pounds, what an accomplishment!
Good morning Claire,
I got lucky, I completely ignored/avoided the news on Tuesday and just went to bed early. I was really tired from getting up early so this was not as hard as I feared it would be. I woke up and took the news in the best state of mind I could, and then immediately went to the dentist and got a painful cleaning done which forced me to think of other things, giving me more time to process. I think not letting the anxiety "win" the night before, and the delay of dealing with it helped me compared to others I've talked with. I even think I was in a better state than my therapist talking about it!
On the other much better personal news, I ran my first official half marathon trail race and set a PR. Was lots of fun, would highly recommend. Next is a 30k for me in January!
Last week was a tough one. I arrived at work Monday morning to hear that one of my colleagues had unalived themself over the weekend. The company leadership went into reaction mode and gathered employees for a check-in and “group hug”, which didn’t help, and only highlighted how disconnected they are with reality.
Then the results on Tuesday felt very much the same as the preceding bad news. I’m still struggling to process both events.
Dear gawd, that’s an awful sequence of suck! Take care of you!
I am so so sorry to hear about your loss.
@@WoodshedTheory & @mickjen 🖤
@@withheldformyprotection5518 Oh my, I’m sorry you’ve been through so much trauma in a short time!
Gett well soon Claire🙂🙏.
I am starting to feel better after an intense 2week burnout and heightened anxiety and OCD symptoms, so that is good and the weekend was nice and I managed to enjoy my weekend rituales:).
Hope you all have a safe and regulated week!.
I’d say the one good thing about being in the midst of packing to move is that I’m hyperfocused on that instead of politics right now. Otherwise…Oy!!!! Thanks for sharing your thoughtful words ❤
Packing to move is quite the project
feel well soon! porch coffee is the best❤️
My husband has not watched CNN since Tuesday. Bliss for me. It was on incessantly and I shut myself in the bedroom with my RUclips friends and my books. Sorry you are feeling unwell. Hope you had all your vaccinations
I just found you after our collaboration with Jenny and I am delighted to subscribe and be one of your internet friends.
I am processing and reconciling how we didn't know I was autistic when my boys were growing up and it impacted them, of course. I am sad about it. I think we are all in the recovery/forgiveness process. They are terrific adults, married, fathers now. They are assessing their growing up and now that we know I am autistic they are critically evaluating my presence in their development. And, fortunately (I am rejection sensitive so it has been hard, but I say fortunately because it is good for them to be able to tell me and we can grieve together, if that makes sense) they feel safe telling me.
Wish I could wear hats, yours are beautiful! Hats scrunch my curly top too much but if I wore them I certainly would wear one of yours!
I hope you feel better Claire! Thanks for sharing your heart!😊
Great to have you here!
It's been a crappy week. I hope you feel better soon.
I’ve been sick too, with a neverending cold that my nephews so lovingly shared with me 😜 (it’s worth it, I adore them) I’ve been feeling some feelings about current events too. I want to understand and to have hope but I’m struggling. There’s so much negativity online right now, people being mean on both sides instead of either trying to have productive discussions or just refraining from saying anything at all. I know emotions are high but I just wish people would try to be objective and productive in conversations, or at least keep the blatantly disrespectful comments to themselves. I know it’s hard to find common ground over something this divisive, I know there are people who are just mean spirited and hateful, but I have to believe that some people are just trying to live life and are willing to overlook certain things if they think a particular path is going to benefit them. That’s where I think there’s potential to seek understanding. I’m not there yet, I need time, but I’m not just going to write off 22% of the population as being evil. I guess that’s where I am in the processing of it all.
Sometimes humanity amazes me. Other times…not so much. I’m thankful for my animals, it’s so much simpler with them! I’m hoping to have a new show & tell submission for you soon, just waiting for a sunny day because I have terrible lighting in my house. ☀️
I've not really felt anything other than mild annoyance. I usually don't put politics first (but I didn't want him to win again).
Same, but I understand why he won. I won't go into detail as to why here, but long story short people vote with their wallets and the economy is always on people's minds. Whether that was the right reason or not is a different story.
@@T1MB05L1C3people fell for the false propaganda.
You could interview Neil from Autistic Not Alien if your heart's breaking over current events Claire.
Crochet
Exercise
New library books
Healthy cooking
Restarting my fish tank
Get busy, folks! Ruminating and doom scrolling will take its toll.
You're definitely not alone with this. I, too, am processing some heavy emotions due to current events, and I know many people are going through the same thing. I think you handled the topic sensitively and honestly. I hope you feel better soon! By the way, I really like your hat. Is it one you made?
I did make this hat! Thanks for the compliment
That's rough you're sick. I've been doing everything I can to make sure that doesn't happen to me, at least for the rest of the year. *knocks on wood*
I hope you start feeling better soon! This last week was so heavy. Also, don't know if anyone else deals with this, but seasonal depression is kicking my *ss. I need to move south! ☀
I like government as a history to study but current events of such are in an area I can get painfully overwhelmed over. I hate disagreements and how volatile they can get so I strive not to voice much of anything in order to avoid it. I appreciate that this has been a safe space. My week has been ok in places, troubling in others. A bit blue today over personal things but, eh, what can one do? Hope you get better soon. Being sick is not fun.
I hope your personal situation improves soon
I got sick as well! My allergies turned into a sinus infection and now I am on antibiotics….which are making me sick! I had so many things happen all at once last week that I have been waiting for my meltdown to arrive.
I just want to point out a few things for those who are letting the election results bother them. The action after the election never matches talk before the election; this applies whether you like or dislike the talk before the election. Most of these politicians get sufficiently similiar outcomes that the effect on everyday life is negligible. If you didn't pay attention to politics, you wouldn't know the difference. I have voted for the loser in 5 of the last 8 presidential elections. It's not that bad. Life goes on. Stop reading the political news and go out and enjoy life! I am so happy the election is finally over! It's like the day after Christmas, which also makes me happy that the holiday season is over!
+woodshedtheory *I goofed calibrating a wireless lavalier at 胡桃江市日系基督教會 Japanese Christian Church of Walnut Creek (CA, USA), a member Congregation of the 東宣北米神聖教会 OMS* (viz., Oriental Missionary Society) *Holiness Church of North America; forty seconds of the tape were therefore quiet.*
The voice thing actually wasn't noticable.
Awww I’m sorry you are upset. I think I understand current events a bit differently than you do. It’s going to be alright. ❤
Can I ask if you're still a Christian? (NOT that I think Trump is a Christian)...or that politics will have any bearing on what God has planned for this world ❤
I hope you get well soon Claire! Being sick is never fun. ☹️
Thank you for how you handled the politics, I feel like everywhere I go it’s so much loud political noise (on both sides) and while I know it’s important to advocate, etc., it can all be quite overwhelming and definitely hard to process right now. So I appreciate a calmer, quieter corner of the internet. 🙂 My week was good, I survived a really busy time at the store where I work. We had our yearly sale which I’d never worked before, and there were a lot of stressful situations but we made it! I also think I’m finally getting out of burn out too, which I’m very thankful for.
Wishing everyone a good week, and here’s a virtual hug for anyone that needs one. 🫂 :)
Wish you a speedy recovery Claire ❤️🩹 I also just recovered from a cold: I recommend fresh ginger tea, lemon and honey. Autistice people talking was awesome as usual 🥰
01:19 🎶 Internet Friends 🎵
🤗