The first piece in my Neurodivergent Series in which I was processing my unmasking. I realized I had a lot of internalized ableism to let go of but also realized that those prejudices came from a place of trying to protect myself and survive in society. I have to keep the mask partially intact in order to be able to communicate and function with neurotypical people and systems. I also mask my disabilities from myself and am on a journey of self-discovery.