Is There a Right Way to Think?
I’ve mentioned before how touching Netflix’s Love on the Spectrum is. For those of you who haven’t seen it yet, it’s about people on the autism spectrum looking for love. Each of them is seeking love for all the right reasons. They want someone to spend their lives with, to share all their experiences with, not to fill a void or because they’re looking for a white knight or savior to rescue them. It’s love in its purest form. It’s beautiful.
The neurodivergent thinking patterns of the individuals in the show are fascinating. Verywell Mind defines neurodivergence, or neurodiversity, as “someone's brain processing, learning, and/or behaving differently from what is considered typical.”
Neurodiversity encompasses a wide variety of thinking patterns:
Autism, which is featured on Love on the Spectrum, may include challenges with socializing and social skills, repetitive behaviors, and speech difficulties.
ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder presents with difficulties managing thoughts, attention, behaviors, and emotions.
Dyslexia may involve confusion with certain letters, difficulty organizing words into sentences, trouble acquiring a vocabulary or pronouncing words, and/or challenges following directions.
Other less common forms of neurodivergence are Bipolar Disorder, which involves extreme mood swings between periods of depression and mania; Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), characterized by intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors; Tourette Syndrome, causing involuntary movements or vocalizations; and Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), which affects how individuals process sensory information.
These thinking patterns may seem like obstacles to overcome and, at times, they are. But they also offer many benefits to the people who have them. Verywell Mind goes on to say that neurodivergence doesn’t need to be problematic for the individual and that it has a large societal benefit. This is a refreshing way to view thinking patterns that have been considered “odd” in the past.
Let’s take a look at some of the benefits:
People with autism often excel at noticing details, have strong memories, are visual thinkers or have specialized interests, which can lead to a deep understanding of specific topics.
ADHD is characterized by creativity, resilience, hyperfocus and spontaneity.
People with dyslexia tend to be creative and have excellent problem-solving skills. They also tend to be amazing big-picture thinkers.
I don’t feel I’d be out of line to say that our world is full of problems right now. I’m personally relieved to know we don’t all think the same way. Different thinking patterns are essential to creatively solving society’s problems and bringing forth positive social changes. I don’t believe there’s a “right way” to think. It’s time we embrace all the unique, wonderful thinking patterns that exist. And I’m grateful for shows like Love on the Spectrum that are shedding light on them.
Speaking of a “right way” of thinking, I’ve been inundated lately by bloggers and social influencers telling me there’s only one way to solve my problems. I read a blog post the other day that told me I need to follow four specific steps in order to break all my bad habits. A newsletter informed me that I need to follow a specific pattern of activities upon opening my eyes if I want to start my day productively. I should never eat certain foods if I want to alleviate my menopause symptoms according to an Instagram post. My goal in publishing this Substack is to let you know what I’ve been thinking about and shed awareness on different topics giving you the opportunity to think about them too. I will never tell you there’s only one way of doing anything. I strive to be a writer who respects their readers.
And on that note, here’s what I’ve been up to the past couple months:
What I’ve been cooking:
This Lasagna Soup recipe by Brittany Mullins is outstanding. I’d suggest changing it slightly by using a smaller pasta, like Radiatori. It’s easy and yummy. Blending the cottage cheese and marinara is a game changer.
We wanted to make a second batch of these Sweet Potato Parmesan Chips by Joy Bauer after we finished the first one. Delicious and crispy.
What I’ve been reading:
If you’re looking for a book that combines humor and suspense, read I Might Be In Trouble by Daniel Aleman. I’ve been reading it before bed and have had a difficult time falling asleep because I’m dying to find out what happens next. It’s about a down on his luck author who has a one night fling with a man, waking up to find him dead next to him in bed. He and his agent decide to turn it into the plot of his next novel. It’s an excellent, funny, quick read.
What I’ve been watching
Long, Bright River is an excellent Peacock series based on Liz Moore’s book of the same name. It’s about a Philadelphia police officer whose sister is a prostitute living on the streets. She investigates the murders of other prostitutes in the area, fearing her sister may be next. The series is different from the book but both are outstanding.
What I’ve been planning:
It’s finally spring in Wisconsin. I planted a few pansies in pots on the deck and front steps as they can withstand an occasional freeze. And I’ve ordered a new, favorite flower, Ranunculous, from a local grower. I picture them growing all along the front of the house once summer arrives.
I’m also working on a new benefit for paid subscribers. It’s a self-paced, online course about my journaling process. I share the same method with the patients at work and many find it valuable. My hope is to share it with those of you who are interested in learning about another way to release blocks and infuse your life with more positivity. Become a paid subscriber to stay in the loop.
Who I’ve been following:
RaQuel Hopkins, whose titles include Capacity Expert, Certified Coach and Therapist. Among other things, she talks about the harmful effects of mental health labels and how they can be used as an excuse for a lack of capacity for change.
Read about the benefits of gardening for your mental health in this Thrive article. ‘Tis the season.
Likewise, reading fiction can have some of the same benefits. Book Therapy explains in this article.
Enjoy this Spring Cleaning Pump Up playlist on Pandora for a little extra motivation.
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XOXO,
Geva