Episode 249: PDA & Empowering Autonomy: Navigating Uncertainty and Travel Preparation - Patricia Young

PDA & Empowering Autonomy: Navigating Uncertainty and Travel Preparation

Patricia discusses her experiences with attachment injuries, being activated, anxiety, and preparing for travel. She shares insights into managing her emotions and navigating relationships through the lens of autism with a PDA profile. Patricia asserts her need for autonomy, feelings of powerlessness, and the challenges of managing uncertainty. Patricia also explores her experiences with OCD, hypervigilance, and the impact of early childhood trauma on her current behaviors and thought patterns.

HIGHLIGHTS

Takeaways

Exploring attachment injuries and the impact on relationships
Managing anxiety and OCD symptoms
Navigating travel preparations and the challenges of change and uncertainty
Understanding the impact of early childhood trauma on current behaviors
Coping with autism and sensory processing

Ways to reclaim a sense of agency and control when faced with feelings of powerlessness.

Acknowledge the lack of control and see if there are ways to be more proactive in daily life.
Focus on stepping back into your life and regaining a sense of autonomy.
Address attachment injuries and work towards healing and growth.
Engage in activities that help manage anxiety, especially in anticipation of upcoming events like travel, or where there’s uncertainty.
Utilize skills and coping mechanisms to navigate challenges that can activate your nervous system.
Seek comfort in preparedness and organization, such as creating packing lists and to-do lists (IF this brings you comfort).
Maintain open communication with family or support systems to process emotions and work through difficulties.

Strategies for travel to increase your sense of autonomy, reduce anxiety, and promote a smoother travel experience.

Create a universal packing list to streamline the packing process.
Develop a to-do list for tasks related to travel arrangements and pet care, childcare, plant care, etc.
Utilize familiar items like a fleece throw for comfort during the trip.
Opt for direct flights to minimize the stress of layovers.
Communicate openly with family members or travel companions to address concerns and plan activities effectively.
Embrace routines and familiar items to provide comfort and stability in new environments.
Engage in troubleshooting and forecasting to anticipate potential challenges and mitigate anxiety.
Make a plan, but try and have some flexibility for unanticipated changes.

Sound Bites

“I think probably the easiest place to start is the attachment injuries.”

“It’s just fascinating to watch. It’s also really annoying AF.”

Chapters please allow for the addition of the introduction

00:00 Navigating Attachment Injuries and Emotional Management

13:39 Challenges of Travel Preparations and Coping Strategies

PODCAST HOST

Patricia 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 and RSD, helped Patricia rewrite her history with a deeper understanding, appreciation, and a sense of self-compassion. She created the podcast Unapologetically Sensitive 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.

HIGHLIGHTS

PODCAST HOST

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