In her feature article, Chris at Zenquility got me thinking about what I need in my life (besides the obvious food, water, clothing, family, etc.). Problem is, I sometimes don't know, and the needs change. So I decided this morning to make a little list of what I know right now. A lot of it has to do with work because work keeps me on track and helps give meaning to my life.
- a schedule mandated by work, but with some flexibility
- a place to go to work to get me out my own head and environment
- a harassment-free workplace
- a place that doesn't require me to keep secrets or lie to people
- a place where I won't be required to play politics
- a workplace where people understand my disabilities and needs and respect them
- a place that actually addresses problems as much as possible instead of ignoring them
- a job that yields a physical product
- a job that allows some creative license and diversity
- a quiet place to work that doesn't isolate me entirely
- time for silence, in my head and externally
- better skills at identifying and expressing what I need
- a strong approach that motivates and inspires others instead of pissing them off
- time for exercise and some motivation to do it
- a feeling of being accepted
- an environment where I can love people without fear of being taken advantage of
- an environment where I can learn new skills, new perspectives and bounce ideas off of others
- a place where I can feel safe from gossip, manipulation and PTSD triggers
- enough time to rest
- a place that supports my goal of healthy eating (meaning, I can bring or buy food and there isn't a lot of candy hanging around) and/or the tenacity to walk away from things like chocolate
- the will power to ignore the negative, focus on the positive and take care of myself
- time to write creatively and pursue my creative and spiritual interests
- paying work that contributes something positive to society
- a clean house
- as much as possible, no "drama and trauma"
- no push for me to be something I am not (like a counselor)
- a place where real, sincere people work
- resources for people in need and/or a place to refer people in need to
- a mentor
- wise friends
- someone to help me function in society (in spite of my belief that it's a made-up system that isn't natural and often is self-defeating)
- a place where I can be my very best self and work to my full potential
- a job that takes out taxes and social security and allows me to save for retirement
- vacation time and the money to take a vacation
- self awareness, especially to know when I need a break or when people aren't understanding me
- better "thinking on my feet" skills and time to process information
- written guidelines and frequent reminders of them
- training
- reasonable challenges and goals
- an ethical work environment
- a place where, when I bring up problems that need to be addressed, I won't be penalized
- bosses who don't micromanage, criticize in the negative sense or who are mean spirited
- co-workers and bosses who aren't bullies and recognize when my brain is on overload
- positive reinforcement and encouragement
- patience with myself and from others
- a schedule that makes sense for me and my family (though I've yet to determine what that is)
- a place where I can be my weird self
