What did you do today to look less autistic?

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Today, there was a meeting at work where we were all presenting our projects.

I have paid attention to what others were presenting, I put myself in their place, and I paid attention when it was my turn to talk. (not perfect yet ).

I could participated to the conversation. I could make interesting comments to contribute to their projects, calmly and self-assured.

I am so happy how the meeting went on, much better than usual.

That is something very difficult to do for me (to give hugs, kiss or shake hands). I never do it... I will try it one day when I feel it is convenient.

I tried smiling even though I didn't have any particular reason to smile.

It may grow on you, once you adjust to the sensation.

I am getting involved with two cat cafes where I can talk to other people who are just as obsessed with cats as I am.

Today there was a long meeting, I have participated a lot and I have struggled to wait it was my turn to speak. I took advantage of the time to know how I would present my ideas before speaking.

I have also started to pay attention to the tone of my voice, that it sounds calm.

I have made eye contacts when saying hello.

I got very happy today and had an autism moment. All things considered, I did okay.

When I say happy, let me be specific. I got useful operating information. That's been too rare lately, so in addition to my intrinsic joy over information, I feel safer. With that kind of perfect storm happening, I know I should take care.

I live, therefore I make mistakes. Maybe if we never made mistakes we'd live forever? Would it be a life worth living? Maybe I can finish out the day feeling less autistic by letting go of perfectionism.

At the cat cafe, after my session in the cat lounge, I sat in the coffee shop area to drink a sparkling water and take interest in the lives of others and have other conversations outside of cats.

My office is moving soon to new permises. Today, as I arrived at the office, I had nearly a panic attack when I saw all the moving boxes piled up in the corridors, I was feeling very bad. I hate change.

I went out 5 minutes to calm down. I came back and I have made a special effort to smile, relax and concentrate on the things that haven't changed. I have also filled myself some boxes. When you participate to change, you feel less like a victim of change. Though, I think I must have appeared very much stressed despite my efforts, but I could reduce my anxiety a little.

Also, I am often absent of external world, concentrating on my personal concerns / interests / objectives. Today, I have made special efforts to concentrate on what is happening around me, especially on people around me.

Today I concentrated on remaining calm in an agitated environment.
I responded calmly to a someone who was trying to make me feel guilty for no reason (or because she had to move her lazy ass while I was sitting and working on my computer).

I also responded to someone who was trying to make fun of me. I used Barron Cruz' advice: say something to make it even worse. And it has worked very well, it just made the person laugh.

I don't like to touch people. It makes me feel uncomfortable.
Today, I have shaked 10 hands! (I was not obliged to) and please, with a nice smile It was not so terrific after all...
I also tried not to react bad when someone suddenly gave me a little hug and kissed me.

Really? I'd love to frequent one of those if there was one near me. Unfortunately there isn't. I miss being around cats but my lease says no pets.

That's excellent! It's nice to know that someone has those kinds of warm feelings about you, right? The sensation really grew on me once I got over the surprise (shock, even).

I sent a silly, friendly text with a positive tone, just to touch base with friends. I think it will help smooth over some rough edges. I don't really understand why, but people find it important. I also find it important, even though I often overlook that kind of thing.

I tend to be concentrated in my activities and in my thoughts, sometimes quite far from the world around me.
Today I exercised "presence" in many ways.

I also tend to walk very fast to reach my destination as quick as possible, passing everyone in the street (I must look like a walking that fast), I get upset when someone is on my way, slowing me down.
Today I crossed a very crowded place and forced myself to adapt my speed and walk calmly looking at stands here and there.

I also let an accointance give me a tap on the back, I stayed, I smiled but after some seconds, I couldn't help running away

I do that too.

Today I made efforts to be very polite.
A politeness that comes from the heart. A kind of politeness that touches people more than the politeness I usually see, made to appear nice, which always sounds a little dissonant.

It's a pity I couldn't say "good-bye", my throat was like stuck. Quite dissonant as well, will breathe deeply and say it next time.