Unapologetically Sensitive

279 The Quiet Season: Healing, Routine, and "Nothing to Talk About"

The Quiet Season: Healing, Routine, and "Nothing to Talk About" Patricia (she/her) reflects on a quiet, low-drama season of life and how emotional regulation, routine, and healing can create a sense of calm—but also unexpected challenges for creativity and productivity. She shares honest insights about AuDHD, executive functioning struggles, and the difficulty of initiating tasks when life slows down. Patricia also explores her deep connection to animals, the role of caregiving in neurodivergent lives, and how simplicity, routine, and lower expectations are supporting her wellbeing right now. WHAT YOU'LL HEAR IN THIS EPISODE · Living with less emotional reactivity can feel unfamiliar (and even uncomfortable) · A calm, drama-free life may feel "boring"… but it's actually a sign of healing · Creativity doesn't always flow when life is stable and predictable · Many neurodivergent folks create best from lived experience, not forced topics · Lowering expectations can reduce overwhelm and increase peace · Routine (like paddling, aquafit, dog walks) provides grounding and stability · Executive functioning challenges can show up more when external pressure is low · "Nothing getting done" ≠ failure — it may reflect a nervous system shift · Caretaking (especially of animals) can feel easier than self-care · A strong sense of responsibility can override inertia for others, but not for self · Animals provide emotional regulation, connection, and daily structure · Grief around pets looks different for different people—and that's valid · Neurodivergent people may deeply bond with animals in a way that feels natural and fulfilling · Life becoming "smaller" can be a protective, restorative phase · It's okay to pause, slow down, or rethink content creation rhythms SOUND BITES · "There just is not a lot of drama going on in my life—and I am deeply, deeply grateful." · "It feels like a very simple, quiet time in my life… which I really appreciate." · "I do my best recording when something is happening—and right now, things are just calm." · "Sometimes it's easier to take care of others than it is to take care of ourselves." · "It's okay when there's not a lot going on." SENSITIVITY IS NOTHING TO APOLOGIZE FOR; IT'S HOW YOUR BRAIN IS WIRED You are not broken. You were shaped by systems that weren't built for you. You deserve rest, joy, and support exactly as you are. PODCAST HOST Patricia Young (she/her) was a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for over 17 years, but she is now exclusively providing coaching. She knows what it's like to feel like an outcast, misfit, and truthteller. Learning about the trait of being a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP), then learning she is AuDHD with a PDA profile, OCD and RSD, helped Patricia rewrite her history with a deeper understanding, appreciation, and a sense of self-compassion. She created the podcasts Unapologetically Sensitive and Unapologetically AuDHD to help other neurodivergent folks know that they aren't alone, and that having a brain that is wired differently comes with amazing gifts, and some challenges. Patricia works online globally working individually with people, and she teaches Online Courses for neurodivergent folks that focus on understanding what it means to be a sensitive neurodivergent. Topics covered include: self-care, self-compassion, boundaries, perfectionism, mindfulness, communication, and creating a lifestyle that honors you Patricia's website, podcast episodes and more: www.unapologeticallysensitive.com LINKS To write a review in itunes: click on this link https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/unapologetically-sensitive/id1440433481?mt=2 select "listen on Apple Podcasts" chose "open in itunes" choose "ratings and reviews" click to rate the number of starts click "write a review" Website--www.unapologeticallysensitive.com Facebook-- https://www.facebook.com/Unapologetically-Sensitive-2296688923985657/ Closed/Private Facebook group Unapologetically Sensitive-- https://www.facebook.com/groups/2099705880047619/ Instagram-- https://www.instagram.com/unapologeticallysensitive/ Youtube-- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOE6fodj7RBdO3Iw0NrAllg/videos?view_as=subscriber Tik Tok--https://www.tiktok.com/@unapologeticallysensitiv Unapologetically AuDHD Podcast-- https://unapologeticallysensitive.com/unapologeticallyaudhd/ e-mail-- unapologeticallysensitive@gmail.com Show hashtag--#unapologeticallysensitive Music-- Gravel Dance by Andy Robinson www.andyrobinson.com

278 The Radical Neurodivergent Act of Stopping Before You're Exhausted

The Radical Neurodivergent Act of Stopping Before You're Exhausted Patricia (she/her) shares what it's like when life is actuall calm. Without drama or big stories to tell, she reflects on learning to honor her energy limits. Patricia talks about pacing physical activity, noticing the urge to push past fatigue, and practicing self-compassion when her body needs rest. She also shares everyday moments—from kayaking at sunrise to navigating workouts and dog walks—while exploring what it means for autistic and neurodivergent people to find the "sweet spot" between doing enough and doing too much. WHAT YOU'LL HEAR IN THIS EPISODE · Sometimes life is peaceful and stable—and that can make content creation surprisingly hard. · Many creatives and neurodivergent people are used to generating insight during moments of stress or conflict. · Learning to honor calm periods can be a form of nervous system healing. · Patricia reflects on getting back into kayaking and being on the water, which brings joy and grounding. · Physical energy levels can change over time, especially with chronic illness or post-exertional malaise. · Pacing physical activity is an ongoing learning process. · The urge to "do just one more thing" can push the body past its limits. · Choosing to stop while still feeling okay can prevent a crash later. · Post-exertional malaise (PEM) can cause significant fatigue after physical or cognitive exertion. · Some autistic and neurodivergent people experience PEM, especially with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS) or related conditions. · Finding the sweet spot between movement and rest is an ongoing experiment. · Overexertion can lead to days of fatigue that disrupt daily functioning. · Practicing restraint—doing less than your maximum—can actually support long-term wellbeing. · Asking for help, like getting assistance with moving a kayak, is part of sustainable energy management. · Even small tasks can become energy-intensive when managing chronic fatigue. · Devices and metrics (like watches and headphones) can sometimes create frustration rather than helpful feedback. · Everyday moments—like figuring out how to climb out of a pool—can become humorous reflections on aging and energy limits. · Patricia shares updates about family, travel plans, and caring for pets while balancing energy. · OCD thoughts still pop up, but she practices noticing and naming them rather than getting pulled into them. · Life doesn't always need drama to be meaningful—sometimes calm and connection are enough. SOUND BITES · "I create my best content when there's drama—but I don't actually want any drama." · "Everything is going really well right now… and I just don't have a lot to talk about." · "I'm really practicing holding back a little so there's something left in the tank." · "It's that balance—enough stimulation but not too much, enough movement but not too much." SENSITIVITY IS NOTHING TO APOLOGIZE FOR; IT'S HOW YOUR BRAIN IS WIRED You are not broken. You were shaped by systems that weren't built for you. You deserve rest, joy, and support exactly as you are. PODCAST HOST Patricia Young (she/her) was a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for over 17 years, but she is now exclusively providing coaching. She knows what it's like to feel like an outcast, misfit, and truthteller. Learning about the trait of being a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP), then learning she is AuDHD with a PDA profile, OCD and RSD, helped Patricia rewrite her history with a deeper understanding, appreciation, and a sense of self-compassion. She created the podcasts Unapologetically Sensitive and Unapologetically AuDHD to help other neurodivergent folks know that they aren't alone, and that having a brain that is wired differently comes with amazing gifts, and some challenges. Patricia works online globally working individually with people, and she teaches Online Courses for neurodivergent folks that focus on understanding what it means to be a sensitive neurodivergent. Topics covered include: self-care, self-compassion, boundaries, perfectionism, mindfulness, communication, and creating a lifestyle that honors you Patricia's website, podcast episodes and more: www.unapologeticallysensitive.com LINKS To write a review in itunes: click on this link https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/unapologetically-sensitive/id1440433481?mt=2 select "listen on Apple Podcasts" chose "open in itunes" choose "ratings and reviews" click to rate the number of starts click "write a review" Website--www.unapologeticallysensitive.com Facebook-- https://www.facebook.com/Unapologetically-Sensitive-2296688923985657/ Closed/Private Facebook group Unapologetically Sensitive-- https://www.facebook.com/groups/2099705880047619/ Instagram-- https://www.instagram.com/unapologeticallysensitive/ Youtube-- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOE6fodj7RBdO3Iw0NrAllg/videos?view_as=subscriber Tik Tok--https://www.tiktok.com/@unapologeticallysensitiv Unapologetically AuDHD Podcast-- https://unapologeticallysensitive.com/unapologeticallyaudhd/ e-mail-- unapologeticallysensitive@gmail.com Show hashtag--#unapologeticallysensitive Music-- Gravel Dance by Andy Robinson www.andyrobinson.com

277 Yes, I Twisted My Ankle. Yes, I Peed a Little

Yes, I Twisted My Ankle. Yes, I Peed a Little Patricia Young (she/her) explores how change— even neutral change — can feel dysregulating, especially for autistic and neurodivergent people. From shifting family schedules and unexpected travel changes to navigating awkward neighbor dynamics and social gray areas, she shares real-life examples of practicing flexibility instead of binary thinking. WHAT YOU'LL HEAR IN THIS EPISODE · Why neutral change can still feel deeply dysregulating · The nervous system impact of shifting routines · Family schedule changes and the emotional whiplash that can follow · Anticipating the worst when others are gone · Grumbly thinking vs. reality when loved ones return · The binary autistic brain: all-or-nothing thinking patterns · Practicing middle ground instead of rigidity · Adjusting dog-walking routines without spiraling · Letting your body rest without labeling it as failure · Listening to fatigue cues after high-output days · Using structure for regulation without becoming trapped by it · Creating supportive environments (like curating a digital photo frame) · Finding connection through shared routines (AquaFit, food, walking dogs) · Traveling compatibility and how that reveals relational ease · Learning to self-regulate instead of outsourcing emotional regulation · Missing daily co-regulation but recognizing growth · Letting go of shame around aging-body moments (the sneeze/cough reality) · Neighbor conflict and not over-personalizing hostility · Rejection sensitivity and the meaning we attach to social behavior · Practicing social gray areas: cordial vs. friend vs. enemy SOUND BITES · "Change isn't good or bad. But it can still be hard." · "Just because I feel grumbly doesn't mean that's the truth." · "It doesn't have to be all or nothing. There is a middle ground." · "It's not a failure to rest. It's listening to my body." SENSITIVITY IS NOTHING TO APOLOGIZE FOR; IT'S HOW YOUR BRAIN IS WIRED You are not broken. You were shaped by systems that weren't built for you. You deserve rest, joy, and support exactly as you are. PODCAST HOST Patricia Young (she/her) was a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for over 17 years, but she is now exclusively providing coaching. She knows what it's like to feel like an outcast, misfit, and truthteller. Learning about the trait of being a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP), then learning she is AuDHD with a PDA profile, OCD and RSD, helped Patricia rewrite her history with a deeper understanding, appreciation, and a sense of self-compassion. She created the podcasts Unapologetically Sensitive and Unapologetically AuDHD to help other neurodivergent folks know that they aren't alone, and that having a brain that is wired differently comes with amazing gifts, and some challenges. Patricia works online globally working individually with people, and she teaches Online Courses for neurodivergent folks that focus on understanding what it means to be a sensitive neurodivergent. Topics covered include: self-care, self-compassion, boundaries, perfectionism, mindfulness, communication, and creating a lifestyle that honors you Patricia's website, podcast episodes and more: www.unapologeticallysensitive.com LINKS To write a review in itunes: click on this link https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/unapologetically-sensitive/id1440433481?mt=2 select "listen on Apple Podcasts" chose "open in itunes" choose "ratings and reviews" click to rate the number of starts click "write a review" Website--www.unapologeticallysensitive.com Facebook-- https://www.facebook.com/Unapologetically-Sensitive-2296688923985657/ Closed/Private Facebook group Unapologetically Sensitive-- https://www.facebook.com/groups/2099705880047619/ Instagram-- https://www.instagram.com/unapologeticallysensitive/ Youtube-- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOE6fodj7RBdO3Iw0NrAllg/videos?view_as=subscriber Tik Tok--https://www.tiktok.com/@unapologeticallysensitiv Unapologetically AuDHD Podcast-- https://unapologeticallysensitive.com/unapologeticallyaudhd/ e-mail-- unapologeticallysensitive@gmail.com Show hashtag--#unapologeticallysensitive Music-- Gravel Dance by Andy Robinson www.andyrobinson.com

276 Insurance Denials, Unexpected Connection Hacks and a Kitten with a Foot Fetish

Insurance Denials, Unexpected Connection Hacks and a Kitten with a Foot Fetish Patricia Young (she/her) shares a "mishmash" of real-time reflections on disappointment, expectations, nervous system shifts, and the everyday emotional intensity of being AuDHD. From insurance frustrations and PDA autonomy struggles to surprising connection hacks like a digital picture frame, Patricia explores what it means to be neurodivergent in a world full of unpredictability. This episode is a gentle reminder that big feelings are valid, connection can show up unexpectedly, and sensitivity is nothing to apologize for. WHAT YOU'LL HEAR IN THIS EPISODE · The emotional whiplash of going from calm to dysregulated in minutes · How autistic and AuDHD nervous systems respond to sudden disappointment · The impact of insurance denial and loss of autonomy (PDA profile) · Why "doing the next indicated step" can be grounding · The difference between pushing through vs. honoring rest · Patricia's experience as a verbal processor and why venting helps · The autistic struggle of wanting specificity but needing to stay vague · How gifts outside your frame of reference can initially trigger discomfort · A surprising digital picture frame "object permanence" connection hack · The neurodivergent reality of out-of-sight, out-of-mind relationships · Internalized self-judgment about what we "should" value · How accommodations from safe people feel deeply regulating · The joy of being supported without shame or inconvenience · Navigating sensory overwhelm in loud restaurants with Loop earplugs · How trusted relationships can invite novelty without dysregulation · The concept of "burnt toast" moments — when bad things lead to better outcomes · Grief, rage, and relief that can come with late autism diagnosis · The pain of expectations falling flat in relationships · Rejection sensitivity showing up even with pets (hello, Walter the kitten) · The reminder that neurodivergent big feelings are human and shared SOUND BITES · "My window of tolerance is increasing. I can just sit with more uncomfortable things." · "Sometimes just doing the next indicated step is how we move through things." · "I wouldn't have asked for a digital picture frame… and it ended up being a great hack for connection." · "I feel so seen and so accommodated — and there's nothing about 'you're too much.'" · "There's nothing wrong with you. You're not alone. We're just wired the way we are." SENSITIVITY IS NOTHING TO APOLOGIZE FOR; IT'S HOW YOUR BRAIN IS WIRED You are not broken. You were shaped by systems that weren't built for you. You deserve rest, joy, and support exactly as you are. PODCAST HOST Patricia Young (she/her) was a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for over 17 years, but she is now exclusively providing coaching. She knows what it's like to feel like an outcast, misfit, and truthteller. Learning about the trait of being a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP), then learning she is AuDHD with a PDA profile, OCD and RSD, helped Patricia rewrite her history with a deeper understanding, appreciation, and a sense of self-compassion. She created the podcasts Unapologetically Sensitive and Unapologetically AuDHD to help other neurodivergent folks know that they aren't alone, and that having a brain that is wired differently comes with amazing gifts, and some challenges. Patricia works online globally working individually with people, and she teaches Online Courses for neurodivergent folks that focus on understanding what it means to be a sensitive neurodivergent. Topics covered include: self-care, self-compassion, boundaries, perfectionism, mindfulness, communication, and creating a lifestyle that honors you Patricia's website, podcast episodes and more: www.unapologeticallysensitive.com LINKS To write a review in itunes: click on this link https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/unapologetically-sensitive/id1440433481?mt=2 select "listen on Apple Podcasts" chose "open in itunes" choose "ratings and reviews" click to rate the number of starts click "write a review" Website--www.unapologeticallysensitive.com Facebook-- https://www.facebook.com/Unapologetically-Sensitive-2296688923985657/ Closed/Private Facebook group Unapologetically Sensitive-- https://www.facebook.com/groups/2099705880047619/ Instagram-- https://www.instagram.com/unapologeticallysensitive/ Youtube-- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOE6fodj7RBdO3Iw0NrAllg/videos?view_as=subscriber Tik Tok--https://www.tiktok.com/@unapologeticallysensitiv Unapologetically AuDHD Podcast-- https://unapologeticallysensitive.com/unapologeticallyaudhd/ e-mail-- unapologeticallysensitive@gmail.com Show hashtag--#unapologeticallysensitive Music-- Gravel Dance by Andy Robinson www.andyrobinson.com

275 Unbothered, Unmasked, and Still Showing Up: Why Neurodivergent People Do the Hard Things for Others

Unbothered, Unmasked, and Still Showing Up: Why Neurodivergent People Do the Hard Things for Others Patricia Young (she/her) explores what it means to show up for others as an AuDHDer. She reflects on value-driven behavior, executive functioning challenges, internalized ableism, grief, rest, and the deep relief of living an "unbothered life." Through personal stories about partnership, support, sensory overwhelm, initiation struggles, and authentic connection, this episode invites listeners to rethink productivity, compassion, and what real belonging looks like when we stop masking and start honoring our nervous systems. WHAT YOU'LL HEAR IN THIS EPISODE · Why neurodivergent people often do hard things for others but struggle to do the same things for themselves · The difference between preference vs. values (and why values often override sensory limits) · A real-life example of showing up for an important ritual despite overwhelm · How gratitude and being seen can make difficult experiences feel meaningful · The "Soup Jean" metaphor: values-based caregiving and automatic compassion · Why some people are confused by generosity—and how that reflects differing value systems · Letting go of mental noise and choosing an unbothered life · OCD, intrusive thoughts, and giving your brain limited airtime instead of full control · "Not my circus, not my monkeys" as a neurodivergent boundary tool · Executive functioning struggles with task initiation (especially for autistic & ADHD adults) · How supportive partners can initiate without infantilizing · Internalized ableism and the fear of "What if I have to do this alone someday?" · The myth that trying harder fixes ADHD and autistic challenges · Compassion for inconsistent energy, productivity, and capacity · Capitalism, productivity culture, and why rest feels morally loaded · Why systems (homes for objects) matter more than willpower · Everyday executive functioning examples (milk, groceries, unfinished tasks) · When to step in to support vs. letting natural consequences happen · Communicating needs during grief without over-explaining or masking · Redefining intimacy: showing up tired, quiet, grumpy, or grieving—and still belonging SOUND BITES · "There are things I struggle to do for myself that I would do without hesitation for people I love—because that's my value system." · "I don't want things taking up space in my head that don't belong to me anymore." · "Just because I can do something one day doesn't mean I can do it the next—and that's not a moral failure." · "Rest isn't laziness. It's information." · "You can't screw up being you." SENSITIVITY IS NOTHING TO APOLOGIZE FOR; IT'S HOW YOUR BRAIN IS WIRED You are not broken. You were shaped by systems that weren't built for you. You deserve rest, joy, and support exactly as you are. PODCAST HOST Patricia Young (she/her) was a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for over 17 years, but she is now exclusively providing coaching. She knows what it's like to feel like an outcast, misfit, and truthteller. Learning about the trait of being a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP), then learning she is AuDHD with a PDA profile, OCD and RSD, helped Patricia rewrite her history with a deeper understanding, appreciation, and a sense of self-compassion. She created the podcasts Unapologetically Sensitive and Unapologetically AuDHD to help other neurodivergent folks know that they aren't alone, and that having a brain that is wired differently comes with amazing gifts, and some challenges. Patricia works online globally working individually with people, and she teaches Online Courses for neurodivergent folks that focus on understanding what it means to be a sensitive neurodivergent. Topics covered include: self-care, self-compassion, boundaries, perfectionism, mindfulness, communication, and creating a lifestyle that honors you Patricia's website, podcast episodes and more: www.unapologeticallysensitive.com LINKS To write a review in itunes: click on this link https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/unapologetically-sensitive/id1440433481?mt=2 select "listen on Apple Podcasts" chose "open in itunes" choose "ratings and reviews" click to rate the number of starts click "write a review" Website--www.unapologeticallysensitive.com Facebook-- https://www.facebook.com/Unapologetically-Sensitive-2296688923985657/ Closed/Private Facebook group Unapologetically Sensitive-- https://www.facebook.com/groups/2099705880047619/ Instagram-- https://www.instagram.com/unapologeticallysensitive/ Youtube-- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOE6fodj7RBdO3Iw0NrAllg/videos?view_as=subscriber Tik Tok--https://www.tiktok.com/@unapologeticallysensitiv Unapologetically AuDHD Podcast-- https://unapologeticallysensitive.com/unapologeticallyaudhd/ e-mail-- unapologeticallysensitive@gmail.com Show hashtag--#unapologeticallysensitive Music-- Gravel Dance by Andy Robinson www.andyrobinson.com