My journey through positive thinking

1. Nothing you own is ever really gone; it will continue to exist somewhere
   
2. The best way to clear clutter is to reduce what you bring in
   
3. Many of us shop to escape our feelings
   
4. Theres a dark side to donating
   
5. Every, single thing you own you need to take care of
   
6. The longer you keep something, the more attached you become
   
7. Clutter has been linked to depression
   
8. Eventually someone will have to decide what to do with every item you own
   
9. Your stuff is getting in the way of the best stuff

Since I started Roslyn Park College, my independence improved of course. But my life felt like it was going down hill. I would become so stressed that Id even say that I wasn’t going in.

While on the more positive side, I had to do a 6 month work experience, so I chose a pet shop nearer to where I live. Yes! I finally thought to myself excited that I didnt have to get up at 6AM. The shop didnt open until 10.00AM so I could have about a two hour lie in. I loved working in that pet shop. So much so I asked for a job (well my dad asked on my behalf) but unfortunately they turned me down.

I started to notice that even the pet shop was beginning to stress me out, by April of 2011, I had my first ever panic attack. It was awful! I couldnt talk, I could barely move. I didnt want to work there anymore, but I still had another 4 months to go so I stuck it until then. Those 6 months finally came to an end

In September of 2011, I happened to get asked would I be interested to volunteer for the day in a charity place near Stephens Green, I said yes of course, not knowing how to get there of course!!! So I asked my dad would he bring me in and I’ll make my own way home. He agrees to do that. Id met one of the other students outside the Green and made our way over to the charity place. I felt nervous, but not overly anxious. As the day went on, Id become more relaxed. Only if it stayed like that.

It was the end of the day it was finally time to head off home. I just need to use the toilet I thought to myself. Finally being able to leave, I was the last one to go, not knowing how or what direction to turn. I remember walking around looking for the bus stop that I needed, not knowing the name of the street the bus stopped at, asking for help was out of the question.

I rang my dad for help, but not knowing how to explain were I was at the time, it was hard, if not impossible for my dad to give me directions. Finally, over 2 hours, my sister suggested Id get the luas. Thanks to be God. I was finally going home. What seemed like a lifetime, it was the quickest journey home.

When I did eventually get home, my head was throbbing with pain. It was at the back of my head. Wondering why my head was so painful, my mam thought it was stress related. Which does make sense considering the day that was involved. But after a week passed by and still no sign of it going, I decided to go to my local doctor. Its just a trapped nerve he said. But something else told me different. I know what a trapped nerve feels like, and this wasnt a trapped nerve. It was closing in on Halloween, and after a month and a half in pain, I had to get an x ray done. Little did I know it was wear and tear.

After being put on medication, I noticed the pain was finally starting to go. I was very happy! September and October was the last straw for me and I had to go back where it all began in 2008.

I started a catering course that would last up to 2 years. Even though I did have my bad days there, I still managed to stick it out. I even got a full Fetac level 4 in Catering support. In late 2013, I finished the National Learning Network for good. Oh goody walking out of here is like walking out of jail. The excitement lol!!!

Shortly after finishing with the National Learning Network, I was eventually diagnosed with Aspergers Syndrome. At the time I hated the National Learning Network, I feel like now that it was a blessing in a disguise. If I hadnt of went to the NLN, I probably would have not of got diagnosed with Aspergers Syndrome.

Now Im as happy as ever and Ive learnt how to love myself. Life is so precious to be worried all the time, so do what makes you happy and never let anyone or any diagnoses bring you down. Your stronger than you think you are. You just have to find that sparkle.