Image description: H (a young man) is looking at the camera, wearing an owl hat and holding a sonic screwdriver. Text reads: Leaning into my Hypocrisy: Sometimes the things I know to be right and true, the things I aspire to, do not come easily to me in the tired-out end-of-the-day moments. Those are the times when I may not be at my best: my patience may be worn thin, and I may feel the tempting lure of what seems like a shortcut… one that ends up just making things more complex and unruly. Leah Kelley

Sometimes the things I know to be right and true, the things I aspire to, do not come easily to me in the tired-out end-of-the-day moments.

Those are the times when I may not be at my best: my patience may be worn thin, and I may feel the tempting lure of what seems like a shortcut… one that ends up just making things more complex and unruly.

Tonight was one of those nights.

I was rushing H to get to bed – and he was yelling at me for rushing him. It did not go particularly well…

But H called me on it:

I am trying to advocate for myself here. I need you to listen to me.

I am having a hard time listening because you are yelling at me and I don’t like to be yelled at.

Well, I feel I have to yell because you are not listening to my message!

Okay… let’s connect – I am listening…

You are teaching me to advocate – I want you to listen to me and hear what I am trying to tell you.

You are right. I am listening.

I don’t like it when you rush me. I feel pushed.

You are right. You don’t like to be pushed. I don’t either.

You were not listening to my feelings.

Yes, H, you are right about that too. I was listening to your tone and feeling upset that you were talking to me in an angry way.

Did I sound angry?  I didn’t mean to.

I know… and I didn’t mean to not listen. We are both learning here and I think we are getting better at this. We might make some mistakes – and that is okay… You did a great job of telling me how you are feeling. I will try to do a better job of listening.

I know there are other layers here… layers that I am only beginning to see and understand. There are depths to ableism that I do not fully see – because no matter how determined I may be to fully understand – I approach from a point of privilege.

I am developing a deeper awareness of this as well.

I get this… and yet I know I don’t… not fully.

To claim that I do would be insulting: it is not my experience – I cannot fully understand.

It has me moving more cautiously… and checking my words carefully.

Big picture… H and I concluded the exchange with both of us feeling heard and respected and understood.

I appreciate H for being patient with me… for pointing out my hypocrisy… and for second chances!

Image: Blue background with fancy scroll pattern in lighter tone: Text reads: “Do not be too timid and squeamish about your actions. All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make the better. What if they are a little coarse and you may get your coat soiled or torn? What if you do fail, and get fairly rolled in the dirt once or twice? Up again, you shall never be so afraid of a tumble.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson (Watermarked 30 Days of Autism: Leah Kelley)

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30 Days of Autism is a project designed to fight stigma, promote civil rights, and increase understanding and acceptance for those who process and experience the world differently.

©Leah Kelley, Thirty Days of Autism (2014)