Haloda, lovely people!
I’m Yolandi Myburgh, but you can call me Lan. I’m a multi-tasking maestro from South Africa juggling the roles of a mother, wife, sister, daughter, and all-rounder. But hold on, there’s a whole lot more to discover about me!
First things first, let’s dive deeper into my neurodivergent journey. As a recognized high-functioning autistic, my brain dances to its own unique rhythm. It’s like I have a backstage pass to a captivating, kaleidoscopic world known as neurodiversity. Through a journey filled with life experiences, deep introspection, and extensive self-development research, I have come to realize that being different and thinking differently is not a limitation but rather an extraordinary gift. It grants me the opportunity to perceive and embrace life in a wonderfully unique and distinct manner.
Understanding and engaging in social interactions has always been a challenging and uncomfortable experience for me. I often struggle with deciphering social cues and unwritten rules, which can make me feel like an outsider attempting to crack a secret code. In the past, I would hide my true authentic self and emotions (a survival strategy known as ‘masking’ or ‘camouflaging’), pretending to be someone I’m not, just to fit into a world that appeared to be designed only for neurotypical individuals, needless to say…it was exhausting! It’s no surprise that I often feel like a stranger in a foreign land as if I don’t quite fit into this world.
Despite my best efforts, certain social nuances still elude me. The punchlines of jokes and the subtleties of sarcasm often slip through my fingers, leaving me uncertain if people are jesting or speaking earnestly. Oversharing becomes a familiar companion as I struggle to gauge the appropriate level of disclosure. Engaging in certain games, like poker or the card version of Monopoly, feels like attempting to decipher an alien language – I simply can’t grasp the underlying strategies and hidden intentions.
Sensory overwhelm is another challenge I face, like tiptoeing through a minefield of bright lights, loud noises, and bustling environments. The overwhelming cacophony of busy office spaces, for instance, sets my nerves on edge, triggering waves of anxiety that threaten to engulf me. It’s this overwhelming sensory landscape that makes holding traditional office jobs a formidable task, as the constant bombardment of stimuli can bring my productivity to a halt. When anxiety takes hold, my brain feels like it hits a roadblock, my thoughts scatter, and my heart races, leaving me feeling defeated and questioning my capabilities.
However, knowing that there’s a name to my condition – neurodivergence – has been a game-changer for me. It empowers me with a positive mindset and a fierce determination to fight for the rights and well-being of neurodivergent individuals everywhere. While I may stumble and face setbacks along the way, I refuse to let these struggles define me. Instead, I channel my experiences into passionate advocacy, striving to create a world where neurodiversity is celebrated, understood, and accommodated.
Life has also thrown its fair share of curveballs at me. I’ve navigated the tumultuous waters of C-PTSD and emerged with newfound strength and resilience, deepening my capacity for compassion and embracing my authentic self. In 2012, I suffered heavily from migraine headaches, stress, and burnout. I was rushed to the emergency room when I fainted and became unconscious one day. An MRI and CAT scan revealed that I had (and still have) Chiari malformation, a condition where my brain decided to go on a little adventure of its own. Simply put, I have too much brain to contain.
In retrospect, I view myself as a resilient warrior who bravely underwent decompression brain surgery to regain control of my body and preserve my life, earning me the endearing nickname ‘Zipper-head’. This challenging journey introduced me to unwelcome companions like anxiety and depression. I’ve walked the path and collected the memorabilia. However, I’ve learned to seize the brighter moments and extract every ounce of joy from life. With the understanding that life is fleeting, I am steadfast in my resolve to cherish each precious moment.
Here’s another interesting aspect about me: I also experience a unique condition known as alexithymia. It’s as if my thoughts and words play a game of hide-and-seek, leaving me occasionally lost in translation. I can have vivid and fantastic ideas in my mind but struggle to express them in words. This difficulty can make it challenging to communicate my needs to my loved ones. However, I’ve discovered ways to navigate the realm of emotions through creativity, art, nature, animals, plants, and gardening. Additionally, I’m grateful for the wonders of modern technology. Having access to advanced tools has become invaluable. It provides me with the support I need to overcome the “heavy thinking” required to articulate my thoughts and ideas with clarity and style.
My neurodivergent adventure doesn’t stop with just me. It’s a family affair! My Rock of a husband and awesome son have been diagnosed with ADHD, bringing their vibrant hues to our neurodiverse canvas. Together, we embrace the thrilling twists and turns that come with neurodiversity, creating a symphony of diverse minds under one roof. My eldest daughter, the shining star of our family constellation, is on her own exploratory path. She is gifted and ambidextrous. We celebrate her uniqueness and support her journey of self-discovery, knowing that neurodiversity is a tapestry that weaves through every thread of our lives.
In our household, the air is buzzing with creativity, boundless energy, and a shared understanding that neurodiversity is a source of strength and brilliance. We champion each other’s differences, recognizing that our collective neurodivergent experiences enrich our family’s tapestry in ways that no ordinary brush could ever replicate. So, together, we embrace the adventures, the challenges, and the triumphs that come with being a neurodiverse family.
So, why am I here? It’s simple. I have a mission, an INTENTION that fuels my fire. As an advocate for embracing our beautiful differences, I’m here to break down barriers, challenge misconceptions, and sprinkle some much-needed awareness about neurodiversity. It’s time for the world to embrace our neurodivergent superpowers and create a place where everyone feels seen, valued, and celebrated.
Join me on this wild and wonderful journey as we laugh, learn, and discover what it truly means to be beautifully different. Together, we’ll paint the world with the vibrant colors of neurodiversity and show that being unique is a cause for celebration, not judgment.
Buckle up, and let’s embark on this exhilarating ride called life with a dash of humor, a sprinkle of authenticity, and a whole lot of neurodivergent awesomeness. Together, we’ll rock the world!
Love and Laughter
Lan
