A story by Ollie Alula - Digital Marketer for Communicate Powerfully.
The day I received my autism diagnosis was nothing short of a revelation. It was as though someone had suddenly handed me a manual to my wiring, a guide to the unique blueprint that defined how I interact with the world. Before this, conversations felt like navigating through a dense fog. I could see figures discern shapes, but the finer details, the nuances of social interaction, often eluded me. The diagnosis was a beam of light cutting through that fog, illuminating the landscape of my mind allowing me to see myself in a way I never had before. It was enlightening to understand that my brain processed information differently and that how I perceived the world was unique. This newfound understanding didn't just enhance my ability to communicate; it gifted me a fresh lens through which I saw myself and others. It was liberating to realize that my unique perspective wasn’t a barrier but a gift allowing me to connect deeply and authentically with the world.
Embracing my authentic self was like shedding a skin that never quite fit. The world around me seemed to reshape as I grew more comfortable in my skin. The anxiety that once clouded my interactions began to dissipate, making room for a newfound confidence. Conversations ceased to be a battlefield of decoding social cues and morphed into a playground where I could express myself freely. With each interaction, I felt less like an actor on a stage and more like a painter on a canvas, free to use my blend of colors. This shift wasn’t merely a personal victory; it resonated through my circle, creating a ripple of change. The authenticity I now brought into conversations fostered a space of openness and raw and honest dialogue. It seemed to beckon others to shed their facades, too, to engage in a manner that was true to their nature. Our conversations blossomed into thought exchanges unmarred by the fear of judgment, filled instead with the richness of genuine interaction.
During this enriching journey of self-discovery, a friend introduced me to a game called “Below the Surface,” crafted by the talented Carly Shorter. It wasn’t just any game but a vessel designed to navigate the complex waters of human interaction. The premise of the game, rooted deeply in the principles of vulnerable and honest communication, felt like an echo of my journey. It was as if Carly had poured the essence of authentic communication into a tangible form that one could play and interact with. The first time I played it, the game challenged me and nudged me gently to peel back layers I hadn’t realized I’d been wearing. It was an invitation to not just me but to everyone at the table to step out from behind our constructed facades, dig deeper into the marrow of our interactions, and be more honest, more real.
“Below the Surface” soon transcended the realm of a game, morphing into a mirror reflecting the beauty and necessity of authentic communication. Carly had crafted not just a game but a space, a haven where players could venture into the often uncharted territory of genuine interaction. The cards were vessels; the real game played out in the players' exchanges, shared laughter, and thoughtful silences. Seeing how a simple game could foster profound understanding and connection among individuals was mesmerizing. The conversations stemmed from it were rich, imbued with refreshing and enlightening honesty.
The journey, albeit personal, carries a universal message - in authentic communication, there lies a treasure trove of meaningful, beautiful connections. Tools like “Below the Surface” are keys to unlocking these treasures, waiting for us to plunge into the uncharted waters of genuine human interaction.
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