Leaning into our Giving of Thanks

This is the time of year of reflection and considering what we are thankful for. 2021 has been very stressful for so many, but there are also some bright spots. Maybe you started a new routine or learned something new. Maybe you reconnected with friends online or via video call or discovered something new to laugh at. Maybe you missed seeing family and have made more of an effort to call or text more often to say hello. And maybe you’re just tired of sitting in your home so you have some motivation to get outside and out into your community to be more social! What are the bright spots that you’re thankful for?

We started Neurodiverse Connections to help people connect with one another. The end of the year can be a very stressful time, and more than ever we need to reach out and make connections with ones who are important to us. If you’ll be with family or friends, how can you focus on strengthening those relationships? It’s hard to think about refining existing relationships, but often we may over look those closest to us. Think of a way to tell your family (or chosen family) how much you appreciate and care for them. How can you branch out to create new relationships to fulfill your social needs? Can you join a sibling or friend for their group events? Or try a new club or hobby through Meetup, an interactive coffee shop, or your community recreation center? As you think about your own social motivations, consider a new routine that includes trying new activities and exploring options to support your goals. We are looking forward to this upcoming new year and hosting and promoting more events to help create those much needed connections.