Could this be the summer I break out of my shell?
In the weeks before I stopped seeing my therapist, I told her I was worried that I was isolating myself from humanity. She wasn’t too concerned because she felt that it was a response to the amount of high energy and intensity I project through both my work and my personality.
I’m usually satisfied being alone in my house because the ghosts and voices in my head keep me company. My therapist explained that the way I live life is a high-intensity sport, so it would only make sense that I would need more rest and silence than others.
That’s all fine and dandy, but as the calendar pages keep flipping, my concern is that I am missing out on life. That’s why I would like to try and attend Picklesburgh this summer.
Yes, Picklesburgh.
I have wanted to go to Picklesburgh since its first year. I love pickles. I review them on my YouTube channel. I bought pickle soda to try in a video. Last year, I even made my friend a pickle slushie. So yeah, I’m pretty obsessed with pickles.
However, I also have a super loud brain that makes super loud events awful to attend. I either shut down, or I get super manic and make stupid decisions that I’ll eventually regret.
Therefore in past years rather than attending, I watched from afar on social media.
Every acquaintance in Pittsburgh posts fun pictures of the event. I admit that sometimes social media helps recluses like me live vicariously, but sadly, more often it reinforces how limited our lonely existences can be.
With summer on the horizon, I noticed everyone starting to post about this year’s Picklesburgh. I was getting annoyed because, yet again, I would be missing out on this event because of my brain.
It dawned on me that perhaps with people becoming more aware of folks with sensory issues there might be sensory-safe areas at the event. That would mean that I could try and attend.
I reached out to Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership to see if there would be sensory-friendly areas at Picklesburgh, but unfortunately, there won’t be. However, there are family events all summer for kids with sensory issues, which is a step in the right direction.
I just think it’s important to remember that kids with sensory issues grow up to be adults with sensory issues. We need to continue creating safe spaces for families, but it’s also time to start making an effort for adult events as well.
As for me, I’ll be hosting my own Picklesburgh in my blanket fort full of ghosts and imaginary friends. I mean, we won’t have Rusted Root or The Clarks, but we will have ocean sounds and eucalyptus oils.
Please don’t be concerned – my shrink wasn’t.
