The spring equinox is upon us—a time of renewal. This spring, let us greet new life and welcome the positive energies that surround us. And as with each season past, we have an opportunity to reflect on how best to create meaningful experiences for everyone using and working in libraries.
It is with this certainty that I choose to view the world around me: relying on cycles, recognizing the strength of the constants, and respecting the resilience we gain by how we respond to changes. Change is a constant, but it doesn’t always result in upheaval. It can be comforting to create a personal plan to get ready, be ready, and stay ready as we prepare to respond to the varying opinions on the role of libraries in America.
April is National Autism Acceptance Month, and it’s a time to remember that many people can find it alarming when the world moves too quickly around them. They may need more time to process information when faced with change. This is important for me to share because I have lived my entire life on the autism spectrum disorder (ASD) continuum, where I started my journey as a nonverbal child with stimming—or self-stimulatory—tendencies who also exhibited high intelligence but ended up as a high school dropout. I was not prepared to see my place in this world since I was focused on living in my own space and time, far from the societal pressures to be perfect. Turns out, I’m okay, and so are you.
Leading during times of change can be daunting, even for the most seasoned leader, and it is important that we support those who are providing guidance.
Therapies and skills training can be helpful for those with ASD, but I found that it was the nurturing factor that helped me thrive into adulthood after I met a life partner who understood and accepted me for who I am with the brain that I have. Truly, the Creator places us all here with an individual purpose and for a glorious reason.
As a lifelong learner, I seek to observe and study human behavior, strive to understand the impacts of change to help manage my reactions, and carefully tailor responses. This is especially true when leading others because all eyes are on you. I use an abundance of empathy when interacting with others because I did not always have that support, and we are all dealing with something. I have found that it is always better to show grace and meet people where they are.
Sharing my unique leadership perspectives as a Native American woman with autism is my purpose in this life, and the reason is to hopefully help another person walk an easier path. Four decades of preparation has helped me respond better to change, but I am only one of the millions of people living with ASD, and no two people share the same journey.
While my journey is a daily commitment to self-discovery, one where I encourage myself to take the next step forward, my ultimate goal is to make sure we do not leave anyone behind.
Leadership is a passion of mine because I dream of a world where we all feel like we belong. I look to leaders for inspiration, those with great minds who lead with compassion and a selfless vision for the people. Leading during times of change can be daunting, even for the most seasoned leader, and it is important that we support those who are providing guidance as we manage the reactions to the world around us.
Remember, anyone can be a leader. Stepping into leadership at any time in your life can be challenging, but it will always be worth it as you grow with your service to the people. Look for the helpers and you will find me, a person who knows who they are, and I hope you do too.
