I recently took a solo trip to southeast Alaska. It wasn't my first time in the area, but it was my first big solo travel experience. And I stayed in a hostel for the first time! The trip was quite an adventure and super healing. I spent my time engaging in special interests (hiking, photography, and learning about plants and mushrooms and wildlife). And since I was by myself, I got to do the trip entirely on my terms. I focused on listening to my body, utilizing my new hearing protection, and taking breaks when I needed to. Thankfully, I avoided having a meltdown or shutdown the entire trip!

After the trip, I feel more confident in my skills and abilities, and feel a lot more in tune with my body and its needs. Since returning home I've been better able to set limits on socializing/engagements and making sure to take necessary rest time. Hoping these are lasting changes.

Thanks for making this post! It's so important to talk about the positives and achievements and not dwell too hard on the negative.

I've attached a few shots from Alaska 😊

Howdy, Fern!

We share a few interests, specifically Information Accessibility and Digital Privacy/Security. I'd be interested in hearing more about your thoughts on justice/fairness/Ontology. What made you develop these special interests? What are your thoughts on existence and reality? How have your beliefs influenced your ethics?

Also props for playing what I consider one of the coolest instruments out there!

I use a mix of Spotify and downloaded music, and I prefer listening through headphones/ear buds. My noise cancelling headphones broke recently, so I instead have been using regular headphones/earbuds topped with the stereotypical autism noise blocking headset. Much cheaper with the same end result; it blocks out virtually all noise around me. I love the sound and idea of vinyl but cannot commit to yet another collection.