I’ve had a lot of dark times in my life, but, I found contentment, moments of real comfort, with my friends, and family.
I have been thinking a lot about my past, present and future. What I’ve realised, is, that I can’t push myself to keep fighting forever. Especially, knowing the cost may be losing those moments, with my family, and friends, in the future.
I’ll reduce my workload between now and August/September 2024. Making the school project my main focus.
After September 2024 I will officially retire as a social media influencer. I will still be involved with mylifeautistic, but in an advisory capacity. I’m doing this so that I can continue as a human rights activist, support Jeni, and advise the Scottish government. Jeni can keep me informed, about matters that are impacting the community, through her role as chief operating officer. I can hopefully use that information to find solutions and apply them at governmental level. Any podcasts or media I’m involved in by that time I’ll continue.
Jeni will look for other advocates/people she wants to work with. They will take over the written posts and social media side of mylifeautistic. Jeni’s main focus being the organisation as a whole, and building a team of autistic human rights activists to create real protections for our community, the world over.
I got used to fighting every second of every day. I’m not sure that’s possible long term any more. I had three blackouts because of pain, in 8 minutes talking to Jeni on video call back in December. That was only a fraction of what was a very intense winter. Unfortunately I realised I have to think about the future in a different way.
I don’t like making this decision, it’s actually really upsetting, but I think it’s needed. I found moments of pure joy with my friends and family, I want my future to be filled with more of those moments. That I need to fight for them as much as I have everything else in my life.
All our best and love
Ross Fraser and Jeni Dern
Words – Ross A Fraser
Graphic Design App – Canva
Future.
“My interest is in the future because I am going to spend the rest of my life there.”
Charles Kettering