designing a divergent life 👽
+ reflection questions for designing your work, home, and time to better your quality of life
I am currently listening to the audiobook Unmasking Autism by Dr. Devon Price. The concepts presented in this book, alongside witnessing the systemic normalization & justification of genocide, is, on a fundamental level, changing my life. In the book, Dr. Price writes, “refusing to perform neurotypicality is a radical act.” They explain how harmful masking is to not only to autistic people, but to society as a whole, as it reinforces unrealistic, capitalistic standards that not even neurotypical people can live up to in a healthy way. Therefore, when we unmask, autistic people become available to receive the accommodations we need for our health & well-being—and we also allow neurotypical people to ask for what they need, divesting from systems of harm and contributing to a culture of care.
Most of y’all likely know that I’ve been looking for a job for some time now. I’ve interviewed for director-level positions at what I thought were “dream” places to work: a contemporary art museum, arts non-profits, and various remote roles that would allow me to travel freely. I'll spare you the details, but the process has been wholly unrewarding, and it feels like I put myself through six months of corporate torture just to remember what I have always known: corporate life has never done anything for me except harm me. I was seduced by capitalism; into believing the false promise of financial safety & security—and I am reminded, again, that this is not guaranteed, especially for a disabled, autistic, woman of color like me. I am reminded again that humans are replaceable & disposable under capitalism, and that this is not a perspective I want to contribute to in the slightest.
(Note: I do want to acknowledge that corporate life works for many, and if this is your path, that is amazing & valid ✨)
In the book, Dr. Price writes that for many autistic people, time resembles a spiral more-so than a straight line—and I think I needed to be reminded of my truth, yet again, at this particular moment in my life. They also write about designing a divergent life—one that actually tends to your needs and enhances your unique way of living, rather than subscribing to random societal standards and norms. For example: they share examples of designing your living space in a way that’s functional for your actual needs & neurotype, and explains how one autistic person installed hooks by their bed, making it easier to hang clothes at night rather than having it all pile on the floor (and then the person feeling bad about not adhering to the random standard of putting your clothes away “neatly” at night). This is a small but powerful example of divergent home design that contributes to a more unmasked, healthier way of living that reduces shame and doesn’t give as much validity to what’s considered “normal”.
Another area we can conceptualize differently is time. Because autistic people tend to work in spurts and need longer periods of rest, the way we view time should be adjusted accordingly. For me, it makes more sense to elongate my view of time, like looking at what I’ve accomplished in the last year (rather than the last few months) and giving myself a few weeks to complete a big task (rather than a few days).
And of course, there’s divergent work & lifestyle design. There is something so liberating about knowing and stating that corporate life doesn’t work for me. It feels like a huge relief—I can finally lay that path to rest, and start building the career & lifestyle I’ve learned works for me. I’ve built two businesses before, and now I get to use this experience to do it for my own life as an artist & writer. How exciting! I’m feeling the magic and drive of building something new, which I haven’t felt for a long, long time.
This declaration is my small act of revolution:
I cannot—and have no desire to—consistently work 40 hours per week for a corporation. As an autistic person, it is out of my capacity. As a person dedicated to liberation, I cannot ethically contribute to capitalism, which is currently funding genocide and an egregious loss of life. I want to use my vision, my power, and my drive to build independent streams of income that are centered on community care, healing, and building new worlds where everyone is safe. I refuse to let anyone else gate-keep my own success. There are no limits when I am in the driver’s seat of my own destiny.
Reflection questions for building a life that works you (whether you are neurodivergent or not 🕊️)
Who does your work benefit, and how? Is this aligned with your values and purpose? If not, how might you shift so that it does align?
What does the structure of your day (or week) look like? Does it align with how your brain and body best function? If not, how might you shift?
How is your home laid out? Does it practically support the activities you most frequently do? Are there small or big adjustments you can make to enhance your daily habits?
How do you conceptualize time? Is this useful to you? If not, how might you adjust your view on time so that it can be used and reflected upon practically?
Wishing you pockets of peace and resilience as we move through this revolution—together. Until next time 👋🏼
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