Forgiveness

I’ve been feeling down for a few days this last week, but you know what? I decided I’m not going to let it bother me anymore. Those people don't know me. They may think they do. But why should that matter? I forgive those who said hurtful things against me. We all have bad days once and a while. Sometimes we have bad weeks. Why should I hold a grudge against anyone for being human once and a while? I believe that God is far stronger than that.

So I let go and I move on. Life is too short to dwell in the past. Life is too short to dwell on the negative things. Life is too short to hold grudges. So today and I hope any day after I will focus on being a good person and helping others, regardless of what happens. After all, kindness is worth its weight in gold. My only hope is to all that read this message that they take to heart and do the same.

It is my desire to leave this world a better place than when I came. Even if it is just a few people in the end that my actions made a difference, it is well worth the effort. If everyone kept this as their goal, maybe just maybe we can make this world a better place together!

Quotes from another Autistic Person: Adrienne

I was browsing through a friend's profile on Autism Speaks. I really enjoyed the quotes she made up. I found them very inspiring. You can check her out right here. (but you have to ceate an account in order to see.)

Here is some info on Adrienne (copied from her profile for those who don't have an Autism Speaks Ning account) :
Heylo, My name is Adrienne, and I'm diagnosed Classic Autism, doctors say moderate functioning, I still say moderate-high functioning fits me the best. I think half the time im moderate-low functioning and the other half im much more higher functioning. I'm 50% verbal, I do rely on PECS(picture exchange communication system) and Sign Language to help me communicate, but I can speak, sometimes surprisingly well, even times I can hold a conversation with ya, other times its mostly babbling, echolalia, one worders or just little noises. I also have tourettes, which thankfully is more mild then my autism, my biggest and most challenging tic is shrugging my shoulders, my most noticable tic is my facial jerks. I also have been having siezures, but they aren't properly diagnosed yet. Along with that, I have arthritis, cold utercaria(allergy to the cold, i get hives everywhere, can pass out and die), reynods syndrome(another skin related condition), asthma, and other things i probably can't remember at the moment.
I do have a boyfriend, Jim, we've been dating for awhile, on February 19, 2009 makes 3 years. Hes neurotypical besides having OCD about his car, theres nothing out of the ordinary about him except hes dating an autie lol. Hes had many many many people tell him hes stupid for dating me, because how disabled I am, but hes stuck with me through thick and thin. A lot of people don't even believe I can have a boyfriend or believe he is dating an classic autistic chica. We love to prove people wrong hehehe :P!
My autism doesn't define who I am, theres times I'm like screw autism, I'm doing what I want haha, those are rare times lol. Its defintely a huge part of me. I believe I am autistic, and have autism, autism stops me from doing so much, but being autistic is what makes me stronger as a person :). I can drive, which a lot of people don't think its possible, it defintely is possible, I'm a really good driver. I also ride jet skis, and boat. I can even do amazing tricks on the jet skis.
I volunteer everywhere... childrens specialized hospital, harbor house, interfaith hospitality, cattus island, big sisters/big brothers, and even use to do pet therapy with my greyhound and took her to nursing homes. As I mentioned, I'm apart of big sisters/big brothers, my little is 13yrs old and has pddnos(in case anybody was wondering why it also says know other person with autism). I help run the autism carnival every year with childrens specialized hospital. I also am going to college through the DRC(disability resource center) and training to be a sign language interpreter. My goal is to teach nonverbal autistics, deaf/hearing impaired children, or just children with language differculties sign language to ease up their frustration.
I wanted to add the best bit of advice I can give anybody is..... Follow your dreams, don't let anything stop you. Don't ever give up, no matter how bumpy or hard the road is ahead. Doctors are not psychics, so they can not tell you how your child will grow up, so believe in your child rather then the diagnosis given to that child. Despite what label society gives to you, you have the ability to do anything if you put your mind to it and don't let anybody tell you different!

With permission I'm reposting her quotes:

For those who learn to accept are those who achieve much more in life and are those who teach us the greatest lesson in all of humanity!

The best gift in life is that, thats handed to you, not thats bought!

Pain is not suffering, pain is a lesson to be learnt, and to grow from.

You either dodge the bullet, or let it pierce you, life is all about choice.

You never know how being a friend can save somebodys life in the end

You can do anything if you let you open your heart and show the world how amazing you are.
Even in the ugliest situation, you can find beauty within.

The littlest things that seem so small to you, can be so big in somebody elses eyes, even if its just a friendly gesture like how are you feeling, although small short sentence, can have a huge impact on a persons life, its always better to give then recieve.

Don't be the wave in that big ocean that follows everybody else because eventually you will be knocked up on shore and gone before you know it, instead be that fish that swims over those huge waves, and lives life to the fulliest

"You can not push that small, tiny, caterpillar to metamorphosis to that beautiful, magnificent, butterfly. Only it, will know when its ready to give up its younger life. To take its journey into this big world will be hard to overcome; however, when its ready to take that giant leap, it'll let its dreams soar and fly"

It only takes one person to ruin somebodys day but it also takes another person to brighten up that persons day again:-P.. Make somebody happy, show them a smile, say hello or even compliment them, you never know how u can change this world till you actually try

Every ending always means theirs a new beginning right around the corner all you got to do is open your eyes.. "Wherever there is a finish you will most definitely find a start

A Little Bit of Kindness Goes A Long Way

We may not always agree with each other on some things. Sometimes we say hurtful things to each other. The important part is that we learn to forgive, make peace and learn from our mistakes. After all no one person is perfect.

Sometimes we to be reminded of this fact of being human. Sometimes the reminders sting and burn our hearts. But the wise person will take the lessons to heart, not as pain, but as a challenge they can work though to become a better person.

If you see someone who is hurting right now, don’t judge them based on what words they say. After all it is the pain speaking, not the person inside. I believe people are good at heart. Sometimes pain and anger can cause us to see things we wouldn’t normally see. Sometimes it clouds our judgment and makes us bitter.

What does one do when they come across someone who seems to be lashing out in pain? Show them kindness, even if your own personal feelings may not agree. After all kindness is a strength that few possess. If you can show kindness to someone who has been mean, not only does that show your character, but who knows, maybe your kindness may help someone in need in ways that you never would have known. Maybe, just maybe you saved a life without realizing it.