When Time and Money Slip Away 🎃

🎃

When Time and Money Slip Away 🎃

Some days it feels like time and money just vanish without warning. I’ll check my bank account and realize I’ve spent more than I thought. Or I’ll glance at my calendar and realize I’ve missed a week, forgetting when my appointments were supposed to be. It’s not because I don’t care or because I’m careless. It’s because my autistic brain struggles with executive dysfunction.

Executive dysfunction makes it hard for me to keep track of things that seem simple to others. My brain doesn’t always remember time the same way. Hours can slip away while I’m trying to get ready for work or finish one small task. I can plan ahead the night before, wake up early, and still somehow be late. It’s frustrating because I know I’m trying my best.

That’s why I’ve learned to rely on reminders, alarms, and notes for nearly everything. My phone has become my external brain. I use timers to keep me on track when getting ready or doing chores. I set multiple reminders for appointments, and if something isn’t written down in my phone calendar, there’s a good chance I’ll forget it completely. It’s not laziness. It’s how my brain works, and I’ve learned to adapt.

There’s a lot of guilt that comes with forgetting. Society tells us that being “responsible” means remembering everything on your own. But for autistic people like me, that isn’t realistic. I’ve learned that using supports doesn’t make me weak. It means I’m finding ways to succeed in a world that isn’t designed for how my brain processes time and tasks.

If you’re someone who also struggles with executive dysfunction, please know you’re not alone. Needing reminders, notes, and structure isn’t a failure. It’s a tool for independence and self-compassion. The truth is, my reminders aren’t a crutch—they’re lifelines that help me show up, stay grounded, and keep moving forward.

---

💬 Note to Neurotypical Readers: What looks like forgetfulness or disorganization is often a hidden disability. A little patience and understanding go a long way.

🌿 From the Chronicles of a Quiet Fighter: Every reminder I set is not just for a task, but a small act of self-care and survival.

🎃