Overcoming Addictions

New Car!

That Car Thing

First, I want to thank all of you for reading my blog, and I want to thank everyone that contributed to my car fund. Over $500 was raised through Indiegogo. That wasn't enough for a new car, but my dad is going to chip in and sometime within the next couple of weeks, I will have a replacement car. For the time being, a very good family is allowing me to borrow their back-up car for which I am incredibly grateful for their generosity. I very much look forward to being able to return that to them soon.

Aside from my car breaking down, my life is going well. I am in a documentary called Autism in Love, and today, they released a sizzle reel which is intended to give a feel of what the documentary will be like. I highly encourage everyone to check out the footage.

More YouTube videos are on the way, and I look forward to keeping everyone updated on the car situation and also on the documentary as that progresses. There are still a few more months left of shooting left.

Until next time, may you have a most awesome day of awesomeness!

Where is my life heading? The twists and turns of 2013

My Life has gone through some interestint turns since 2013 began. I do feel my life is on the track for the better, and I am starting to look at thing with a new perspective. I am changing as a person, and some of these changes feel kind of dramatic in a way.

One noticeable event that has happened to me is that my car broke down. I think most of you knew this already. I feel my car breaking down has caused me to really look at my autism program and ask myself what do I need to do so that I can financially take care of myself. As it is, I can't really afford to get a new car so I have had to resort to asking for donations through an indiegogo campaign. http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/help-empower-autism-now-program-director-in-need-of-replacement-car

So far, over $500 of donations have came in. Any help is appreciated. However, I also feel like I should not be asking for help. I feel as if I shoudl be more independant. I have taken a serious look at the work I am doing. I provide free groups and workshops. These take a lot of work on my behalf to make happen. For a long time, I have felt drained at times from my program. I now realize what the source of that is. And, no, it isn't the work being put in. I realize why I feel so tired and drained is that I am rarely ever getting any compensation for the work I put in. I worry about having enough money to get gas, and now I worry about getting enough money to get a car. These financial worries are what are really zapping away my energy.

But, I am not complaining. I am merely stating some realizations I have come up with. I am starting to think that maybe I should charge for some of the workshops I put on. At first, I was opposed to this idea, but I do put a lot of work into them, and my workshops are really good. I know they are good. UCLA charges almost $100 per workshop session for something similar to what I'm doing. Would it be wrong of me to ask for $20 per session at my workshops. I don't know. For a long while, I was morally opposed to that. But, I also have to be able to take care of myself. How can I be seen as a good leader and effectively run my groups if I can't even take care of myself or car issues or pay for gas?

So, my car breaking down might be a good thing. I think self-respect means holding people accountable. I can't continue to offer something for free and not expect anything in return. I have been doing this for 5 years, and aside from a really great program, I don't have much else to show for it. I am still living at home, and I am lucky to make a few hundred dollars per month. So, what do you think? Should I charge? Should I not charge? I still want to keep my main groups free, but make it so that additional workshops have a fee. But, a part of me is very much opposed to that.

With that said, other things are happening in my life as well. I am in a documentary, and I am learning that I need to be more open as result. I feel these last couple of months, I have become a more open person, revealing more of myself and making myself more vulnerable. This is a scary experience, but I also feel it is important. I feel the more open I become, the more I am able to live the life I want to live. I also feel by being open, this allows people to also realize more of their potential as well and feel more at ease with who they are. I think almost all of us have fears of what others will think of us once we show our true selves. I feel being open helps get past that barrier and allows one to start living a more fulfilling life.

Honestly, though, I don't know what to make of all of this. I feel I am being stretched outside my comfort zone. With that said, I thank you for reading today's blog entry. Also, I do hate asking for help. But, any donations for my campaign are super appreciated BIG TIME. So far, more than $500 has been raised. Only a few days remains left to donate. http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/help-empower-autism-now-program-director-in-need-of-replacement-car

Thank you again for reading my blog. I appreciate it. Take care and have a great day. :)

What is My Greatest Fear in Life?