This life, these destinations are
mine
Once
upon a time, there was a little boy named Muneeb who was diagnosed with autism
spectrum disorder (ASD) at the age of 4. Muneeb's parents were devastated when
they first received the diagnosis, not knowing what to expect or how to help
their son. Because
life is a struggle in every situation and it continues its journey. But they
were determined to give him the best possible life and support him in every way
they could. Lots of people have said to me "Well you can
at least enjoy the journey on the way to your destination"... But again,
I'm over here thinking to myself "I'll enjoy the journey after I reach my
goals, I'll have freedom to do as I please." Folks, its all about the
sacrifice and some just aren't willing to do so. Get concrete about your goals
and go after them with an insane obsession and you'll achieve them. Just my
thought for the day.... Go on a journey after you've made it to your
destination.
Growing up, Muneeb had difficulty communicating with others,
especially in social situations. He struggled to make friends, often feeling
isolated and lonely. He had a tendency to become fixated on certain topics or
activities, becoming hyper-focused and resistant to change. Muneeb's parents
recognized that these were common symptoms of ASD, and they sought out
resources and therapies to help him overcome these challenges.
One of the most helpful resources for Muneeb was speech therapy.
Through regular sessions with a speech therapist, he learned how to better
communicate his thoughts and feelings. He also gained a better understanding of
social cues and how to interact with others in a more natural way.
In addition to speech therapy, Muneeb's parents enrolled him in an
Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA) program, which provided him with structured
activities and socialization opportunities. ABA therapy helped Muneeb to
develop new skills, such as playing with others and following routines. It also
helped him to become more adaptable to change, which was a significant
challenge for him.
Despite these early interventions, Muneeb still faced many
obstacles in his everyday life. He struggled with sensory issues, finding it
difficult to process certain sights, sounds, and textures. He also had
difficulty with executive functioning, which made it hard for him to plan,
prioritize, and organize his activities.
Despite these challenges, Muneeb was determined to lead a
successful life. He found solace in his love of video games and computers,
which provided him with a sense of purpose and belonging. His parents
encouraged this interest, recognizing that it was a source of happiness and
fulfillment for him.
As Muneeb grew older, he began to embrace his identity as an
individual with ASD. He learned to be proud of his differences, recognizing
that they made him unique and special. He also found a sense of community among
other individuals with ASD, connecting with them online and in person.
Photo by Nataliya Vaitkevich from Pexels: https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-person-marking-a-map-7235910/
One of the biggest challenges Muneeb faced as he transitioned into
adulthood was finding meaningful employment. He struggled with traditional job
interviews and didn't know how to navigate the job market. Fortunately, his
parents were able to connect him with a local organization that provided job
training and placement services for individuals with disabilities.
With the help of this organization, Muneeb was able to find a job
as a computer technician. He excelled in
this role, using his skills and knowledge to help others troubleshoot and
repair their computers. He also found a sense of belonging among his co-workers’,
who appreciated his unique perspective and abilities.
Over time, Muneeb continued to grow and thrive. He developed new
skills and interests, and he became more confident in his ability to navigate
the world around him. He continued to face challenges, but he learned to
overcome them through persistence, determination, and a willingness to ask for
help when he needed it.
As Muneeb looked back on his life, he realized that his ASD was
both a challenge and a gift. It had provided him with unique strengths and
abilities, such as his intense focus, his attention to detail, and his ability
to see things from a different perspective. He was proud of who he was and the
person he had become.
In the end, Muneeb's
story was one of resilience and hope. He had faced many obstacles along the
way, but he had overcome them through hard work, perseverance, and the support
of his loved ones. He had learned to embrace his differences, recognizing that
they were what made him special. And he had found success and fulfillment in
his own unique way.
I strongly dislike the term 'life is a journey, not a destination.'
..... But, life is about the destination, not the journey. Maybe I'm not as
free-spirited as most, but I'm more goal-oriented than anyone you know. I've
heard 100's of people say 'Life is about the journey, not the destination' yet
I never understood that quote... until I looked at the people who were saying
it. were I soon realized that these were people who did not have concrete goals
and ambitions. I am not the type of person to sit back and take what life gives
me.
“:Life is all about the destination, NOT the journey.:”
