One Thousand Thanks: 1088 – 1098. Disney Friends

Emily and I after we recieved our Mickey Mouse ears

Today was long but still good for the most part. I just hope that I will be able to learn everything and start making the guests feel magical instead of constantly worrying about doing the right thing.

For Thankfulness Thursday though, I wanted to honor the great friends that I have made here at Disney. All of them have touched me greatly, and I love each one already so much!

1088. Emily – She was the first one I met because she contacted me on Facebook about being roommates. Her joyous smile, sweet personality, infectious laugh, and strong spirit make her a wonderful friend!

What Motivates Us?

When we discuss motivation, we usually express hurrying towards something that we desire. Maybe money motivates you. Perhaps it is fear or friendship. Security, pleasure, thrill, religion, passion…the list continues on endlessly.

However, most people think that more rewards will urge people to work harder. Strangely enough, that is not always the case. This fascinating video shows that.

Letter from a Support Person

My father and my sister Maria years ago

I recently received a beautiful comment on this blog. An anonymous support person wrote a letter that was much more powerful than anything I could write trying to understand that point of view. Thus, I wanted to share this letter from a family member or friend of a person struggling with mental illness. Hopefully, it will touch you as much as it impacted me.

Plus, if you ever have something that you want to bring to my attention or think that I should share, let me know in a comment. I cannot promise to always blog it. However, know that I am open to hearing your voice and what you would like to see more of on this blog.

Why Are People So Blind to Others?

The biggest disease this day and age is that of people feeling unloved. – Princess Diana

So many people are struggling in the world. Just think of a five people (coworkers, friends, family, etc). Then think about what they are dealing with right now. You will probably notice that most are dealing with something difficult. Those who are not currently will in the future or did in the past; either that or you do not know about their current difficulties.

If that is the case, why are people so blind to others? How come instead of reaching out to each other, we draw back in fear? Why are others so closed to seeing the pain of those around them?

Lately, this has bothered me a great deal. Whether I am congratulating others for getting into a show and they fail to ask about me, nearly in tears over confusion with my faith, or working while others chatter with friends, I constantly feel alone. When no one reaches out to me, anger boils up inside as bitterness towards the whole human race increases.

It’s On Us: Bonding Together to Protect

When someone is harmed, who do we blame? Usually the person who committed the wrongdoing and potentially the person who was hurt.

However, what about the people who stand and watch without helping? What about those who pretend nothing is wrong or never care to ask? What about those so concerned with their own lives that they do not stand up for the needs of others?

It is time for us to take a stand and bond together for protection. The “It’s On Us” campaign is trying to do that in the area of rape and other types of assault. This video moved me to sign the petition and join the cause.

The Most Beautiful Phrase on Earth: “That’s What I’m Here For”

With my friend Jess

While cleaning at my job, a coworker gave me advice that I have heard all of my life: “You need to stop letting people take advantage of you.”

Being honest instead of glossing over my words is one of my strong suits. Thanks, Aspergers. So my answer was simple: “My brain does not think like that, so I usually do not even realize what is happening until it is too late.”

Instead of laughing or changing the subject, my friend looked me straight in the eyes and said, “That’s what I’m here for.”

The Joy of Being Called by Name

I am Anna Rose. Not Anna. Anna Rose is my name.

Being called by name brings a sense of confidence and joy. At least, that is a point made by Madeline L’Engle in Walking on Water. For my show, we read this book and discussed this topic. It stuck with me even months later.

In a class my freshman year, a friend asked, “Is your name pronounce Ana or Anna?”

Before I could respond, a handsome boy from the back of the room said, “It is Anna Rose, right?”

That sentence was so short but touched me deeply. When someone calls us by name, they are acknowledging that they have paid attention to who we are. There is a joy that this brings when others take the time (and brain energy) to remember us.

What to Do When You Don’t Trust Your Doctor

“You did gain weight since I last weighed you.” My dietitian finally admitted this morning. “What has been happening differently?”

I wanted to scream. For the past months, she has listened to me moan about my fear of gaining weight and heard me say that I have put on more than my goal amount. However, she never believed me.

“That is just your eating disorder talking,” was her typical response. However, I am not stupid. My clothing feels different, my body looks different, and people talk about my appearance differently. Sure, I am paranoid about my weight, but something is certainly happening. Now she acts surprised when I have been trying to tell her this every meeting.

Coping Skills: #75. Getting a Haircut

2007 when I had short hair

Since childhood, I have hated having my hair cut. Just the thought of it causes me to shiver. A woman who lived with my family had hair longer than the bottom of her back. Watching her comb it every day (as well as my love of princesses) inspired a longing to have flowing hair.

However, I allowed myself to sit in one of the dreaded barber chairs this week for my annual trimming of an inch or two. Doing this is a difficult but important coping skill.

Ten Things to Say to Someone with Aspergers

The great gift of human beings is that we have the power of empathy. – Meryl Streep

Often, we discuss what bothers us or what we dislike others doing. This can bring about positive change. However, stating what we need and prefer is important too.

One of my most popular post continues Ten Things Not to Say to Someone with Aspergers. For a month or so now, I have wanted to write the opposite side of that post. What are some comments that can be helpful to someone on the autistic spectrum? Thus, this post was born. Hopefully, you will find it informative and relevant.