The Good Life: Aspen
“The good life to me means being true to yourself. It means to spend time with friends and family who support and love you and it’s to celebrate Diversity to the fullest extent” Aspen Luke (he/him)
The happiest moment in my life was marching in Mardi Gras as a proud Autistic, Queer and Transgender person. To me, community is the most important factor in building a life that is important and meaningful. Without a sense of belonging, I would feel lost and unsure of what to do next. The communities that I’m a part of have made me feel like I belong and I’m forever grateful for that.
Talking with people who understand what it’s like to be neurodivergent and chronically Ill has gotten me through some really tough times. I know I can open up to them and that they won’t judge. I also really enjoy spending time researching my special interests when I’m not doing too well. It allows me to forget everything that’s happening and I feel at peace.
“Chronic illness is not the end of a good life; it’s more the start of an interesting one”. This is the quote that has kept me going. I don’t know what my future will be like. I just hope I’ll still be helping as many people as possible and living an authentic life. I may continue to get sicker but as long as I keep doing what I love, I’ll be happy.
You can follow 16 year old Neurodiversity, Disability and LGBTQIA+ Advocate – Aspen Luke’s Good Life on Instagram.
In our social media series #StoriesOfTheGoodLife we explore what a good life means for people with disability. People from all walks of life, living rich, full and meaningful lives on their own terms.
Funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services.