Episode 272: Bold Moves: Purple Hair, a Tattoo, and No Take-Backs - Patricia Young

Patricia (she/her) reflects on what it really means to make bold moves—and how we talk to ourselves when those decisions don’t land the way we hoped. Through the very real experiences of dyeing her hair purple for the first time and getting a tattoo she isn’t sure she likes, she explores autistic decision-making, sensory overwhelm, masking, regret, and self-compassion. This episode is about reframing regret as information, honoring neurodivergent needs in the moment, and learning how to be kinder to ourselves when we take risks and feel unsure afterward.

WHAT YOU’LL HEAR IN THIS EPISODE

End-of-year reflection: How has this year been, and what are we carrying into the next one?
The desire to make bold moves—and the fear that often comes with them
Deciding to dye hair purple for the first time
Letting excitement, doubt, and second-guessing coexist
Experiencing a deeply neurodivergent-affirming salon appointment
The importance of predictability, process explanations, and bodily autonomy
Getting over-hungry, tech issues, and how small barriers can cascade into overwhelm
Allowing a meltdown in a safe space instead of masking through it
Not knowing immediately whether you like something—and the pressure to perform enthusiasm
Scheduling a tattoo the very next day as another bold move
Sensory overload, unexpected pain, and difficulty advocating in the moment
Masking through physical pain and being praised for “doing great”
Immediate tattoo regret and the awareness of permanence
Naming regret without spiraling into shame or self-blame
Reframing regret as data, not a moral failure
Disconnecting from the body temporarily as a coping strategy
How rigid rules around food, ownership, and permission show up in autistic lives
The power of communicating needs instead of carrying silent embarrassment
Challenging the belief that we must always make the “right” decision
Ending with reminders about gentleness, lowered expectations, and honoring sensitivity

SOUND BITES

“The goal was to make bold moves—and I did.”
“It’s okay to have regrets. That doesn’t mean I did something wrong.”
“I allowed myself to feel what I was feeling instead of masking and falling apart later.”
“What we tell ourselves about our experiences matters more than the experience itself.”
“Sensitivity is nothing to apologize for. It’s how your brain is wired.”

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

WHAT YOU’LL HEAR IN THIS EPISODE

SOUND BITES

SENSITIVITY IS NOTHING TO APOLOGIZE FOR; IT’S HOW YOUR BRAIN IS WIRED

PODCAST HOST

LINKS