Remember the incredible workshop with Ali Abdaal and Izzy Sealey I followed? Evaluating and revisiting was explained to be a huge part of the process, so here we go…
The first quarter of 2025 has come to an end, and as I take a deep breath and look back, I feel nothing but gratitude. As an autistic misfit, I’ve never quite fit into the mould society offers—but I’ve learned to craft my own world, one where I feel at home, where I thrive, and where I contribute something meaningful. I hope my journey can inspire you to carve out your own space in the world, too.
A Commitment to Thought and Expression
At the start of the year, I set myself the ambitious goal of writing one academic article and one popular article or blog post every week. And I did it! My writing this quarter covered a wide range of topics, including:
- Disability Studies & Representation: Exploring disability in fan culture, mermaid aesthetics, and biblical narratives.
- Fanfiction & Pop Culture Analysis: Examining themes in The Last Kingdom, The Witcher, and YOU.
- Martial Arts & Neurodiversity: Investigating the intersection of budo practice and neurodivergent experiences.
- Autism & Mental Health: Discussing sleep, grief, and journaling for neurodivergent minds.
- Linguistics & Literature: Studying Esperanto fanfiction, Celtic elements in storytelling, and mermaid mythology.
Through these pieces, I’ve deepened my engagement with disability studies, fan culture, and representation, all while sharing knowledge with a wider audience.
Besides my writing, music has always been my sanctuary, and this quarter was no exception. Next to my Sunday services as a chorister, I had the privilege of performing multiple concerts, both with Selene, celebrating Japanese spring music, and with the Domcantorij, where we sang Bach in all his splendour. From the safety of my home, I released my album 鳥笛 (Bird Flute) and kept up my weekly flute recordings on my YouTube channel The Fipple Flutist, sharing my love for flute music with a growing audience.
Sharing and Learning
I travelled, spoke, and connected with lovely people with brilliant minds at these incredible events:
- Heroes Made in Asia
- Domestic Cats in Literature Conference
- Nihongo Matsuri
- Kendo no Kata Taikai
- SCANNER General Assembly
- The opening of the Netherlands Women’s Health Research & Innovation Center at Erasmus MC
Every conference, every event, every stage was a chance to amplify my message and learn from others who share my drive to make the world a richer, more inclusive place.
This quarter, I made a special Spring Edition of my Neurospicy Planner, featuring mermaids and axolotls, for the NeuroSpiceGirl Etsy. I also published my first illustrated Japanese picture book The Tea Party, a project that brought me immense joy.
Languages & Learning: Expanding My Horizons
Every week, I dedicated myself to learning Japanese, Chinese, and Korean, a commitment that continues to broaden my perspective. I also embarked on a new academic journey in neuroscience, with an elective in rocket science—because why not challenge myself?
In martial arts, I achieved a major milestone: earning my 2nd Dan in Iaido and even winning a prize at the Kendo no Kata Taikai! Discipline, precision, and perseverance—these lessons extend far beyond the dojo.
The Heart of It All: Creating and Giving
Beyond all the achievements, what truly makes my world feel full is the time I spend on small, meaningful acts of care. I unwind through arts and crafts, stitching stories into fabric, and shaping warmth into homemade bread. Few things make me happier than surprising someone with a hand-embroidered card, a fresh loaf of bread, or a song played just for them over the phone.
Moving Into Q2: Onward, Always
As I step into the next quarter, I carry forward this momentum, driven by passion and purpose. To anyone reading this: if you ever feel like you don’t quite fit in, remember—you don’t have to. You can build your own world, where you belong, where you thrive, and where you make a difference.
Here’s to another season of learning, creating, and growing.
