“No problem can be solved from the same level of consciousness that created it.” – Albert Einstein
On Sunday 7th February 2021 I declared to the world on the Social Media platforms I frequent, that I am on the road to an ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) diagnosis. The last 48 hours have been humbling. So many people have privately messaged and spoken to me to say "thanks for speaking out" and wishing me luck.
This means so much and I thank you all from the bottom of my heart.
I've never blogged before and have no idea how this will all pan out but that makes it all the more exciting, doesn't it?
Since joining Knowhow, now Dixons Carphone, back in 2013 - my life and career have become inextricably intertwined. I work on a Campus of several thousand people. Throughout a variety of job roles (13 as it happens) before COVID-19, I mingled with hundreds of colleagues on a daily basis from all walks of life.
I found the greatest pleasure, not in fixing problems, but helping others. When I became a Trade Union Representative and subsequently a Co-Ordinator I often dealt with colleagues who were in a bad place, bereft of hope, terrified of consequences unknown. I learnt to calmly listen, without judging and stand firm when they could not. Those moments formed bonds which endure years after events such as disciplinaries and grievances are long forgotten.
The smiles and nods as I pass colleagues with whom those shared experiences took place are mutually life-affirming and truly matter.
“What is private belongs to me alone. What is personal belongs to all of us through the shared experience of being human.” - Terry Tempest Williams
I often say that you cannot fix your own head with your own head. So the "Fixing Me" theme of my blog and journey is part ironic, part humorous but fully attainable. Why? 'Cos I ain't broke in the first place! Neither are you. It's a matter of perspective.
We will explore these truths as we go along. One of my personality traits is talking too much, closely followed by my emails being too long.
I don't intend repeating that on my blog, so that's enough from me tonight.
Thanks for reading and I hope you'll stay with me as this all takes shape. Feel free to comment, share or get in touch.
Speak soon
Chris
“The only impossible journey is the one you never begin.” - Anthony Robbins