Trusting the unknown during times of lightning change, chaos, and uncertainty, while acknowledging our discomfort and fear, is the solution. Here's why…

Many are feeling the visceral notes of the rapid fire changes happening in the US right now because as humans we need order, structure and predictability to nourish our well-being and to keep us in a state of feeling safe. 

When we don't have this sense of safety we expend tremendous amounts of energy seeking it and risk going into burnout. One caution is that when our internal protectors don't believe we are getting what we need our overprotective warriors step in and try to ensure we stay safe at all costs, sometimes by burning it all down.

In his book, “The Wisdom of Insecurity” Alan Watts points out that when we are clear and certain about what we are doing, we are less open to opportunities and possibilities available.  However, when we allow ourselves space to be in the unknown, there is limitless potential just waiting to unfold in ways we would not otherwise have known. 

Think back to all the times the solution you were seeking to a problem popped into your head while driving, taking a walk or in the shower. They actually make notepads for the shower because this happens so often. Solutions, and possibilities come when we aren't actively thinking about it but rather when we allow the seed of a problem to be planted and allow the DMN, default mode network, of our brain to work in the background. 

Currently our culture and society as we have known it for disability inclusion, equity, belonging, and diversity is metaphorically dissolving within a chrysalis. 

We are collectively entering a season of change and transformation. The structures we have come to rely on and identify with are coming down and dissolving quickly. 

At this moment, we are inside the cocoon, wrapped in darkness and we don't know what to expect. We don't know what the next phase will look like and that can feel scary and uncomfortable. 

“Learning to surrender to the unknown in our own lives is essential to our collective learning to move through this time of faster and faster change, disruption, and breakdown” shares Kiara Jewel Lingo in her book, “ We Were Made for These Times “

Stepping into our personal power and leaning in during times of uncertainty takes courage, bravery, personal leadership and community. 

I awoke this morning with community and collective on my heart and mind. 

Last Sunday a group of autistic advocates I brought together shared community, connection and support. We paused before we began to simply breathe and connect with our bodies and the present moment. 

I asked, “What is the biggest gap you see right now? What does our community need most in this moment?” The answer was a resounding agreement for crisis support. 

Change and uncertainty activate our protectors and our warriors, it can make us feel vulnerable and unsafe. Our bodies go into high alert and our mind reels seeking solid ground and security with a plan forward. And the parts of our bodies and brains that allow space for us to see opportunities and possibilities shuts off. 

So how do we, in times of uncertainty and fear harness this space to allow opportunities and possibilities we otherwise would not see?

By resting back and creating space.

Here's how:

When you notice yourself leaning into the future, tensing up, trying to predict what will happen, straining to figure out what to do, whether on your own or with others, see if you can pause and physically rest back into your chair or space supporting you. 

Begin by opening up the front of your chest, rotate your shoulders down and back, allow your arms to loosely hang by your sides, and lean backwards slightly. This can support your mind to rest back, release, and just be, even for a short moment. Give yourself permission to experience this to whatever degree you are able.

Inhale, gently expanding your lower abdomen in a comfortable, full breath. 

Exhale, fully expelling all the air from your lungs as you sense the space within you as you gently inhale again. Repeat. Often three breaths is enough to slow the body and mind and shift your awareness to the present moment. 

Another way to reset your mind and body is to harness the power of sound frequency and resonance. 

Try this isochronic tone at 40hz to soothe yourself and create clarity and focus from within. 

https://youtu.be/FIEXux4dsvo?si=fvDUXaly1YS7OSrs 

Whether you pause to rest back and breathe or reset with sound, this is the space where uncertainty and discomfort shift to possibilities and creation.

Lead from within first. 

If you or someone in your network need crisis support right now, here is a list of resources from our autistic advocate community.

988 Lifeline People with Neurodivergence (phone, text, chat, deaf/HoH)

https://988lifeline.org/help-yourself/individuals-with-neurodivergence/ 

988 Lifeline for LGNTQIA+ (phone, text, chat, deaf/HoH)

https://988lifeline.org/help-yourself/lgbtqi/ 

Autistic crisis resources 

https://www.autismcrisissupport.com/resources 

Autistic women are at a 13% higher risk of suicide than the general population, learn more here:

https://autisticselfreliance.org/positive-outcomes/ 

With special thanks to the Shine A Light Autistic Advocate Community:

@Becca Lory Hector

@Philip King Lowe

@Shannan Palma

@Jenni Parks

@Jacki Edry

@Sam Farmer

@Scott Frasard

@Jessica Sykes

@Garriaon St. Martin

@Sydney Elaine Butler

@Laura Peterson 

@Bridgette Hamstead

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Carole Jean Whittington: Transforming Exhaustion to Sustainable Energy for Autistic Women and Their Support Team

Meet Carole Jean Whittington, a multi-award winning disability inclusion leader advocating for equitable healthcare policy and practice for autistic women.  

Carole Jean is the author of "Unleashing Sustainable Energy" a groundbreaking book setting new accessibility standards in the publishing world, along with her upcoming book, “UnVeil You: Foundation to an Intimate Relationship with Yourself for Autistic Women” publishing on May 2, 2025.

Her work is reshaping the landscape of support for autistic women and their support team, fostering equitable access to healthcare and guiding autistic women to an intimate and authentic relationship with themselves. 

Carole Jean hosts the popular talk show, "Beyond Chronic Burnout," a global sensation that captivates audiences in over 100 countries. Spotify has honored "Beyond Chronic Burnout" as a top 10% podcast in the Self-Help category for 2022 & 2024 recognizing its profound impact on the Autistic community.

As Chef Well-Being Officer and Lead Researcher at Whittington Well-Being, she’s developed proprietary and groundbreaking solutions to burnout recovery for autistic women, including The UnVeiling Method, Rapid Recharge Lab, and The Inclusive Communication Ecosystem.

Through her current pursuit of a Master's in Public Health, and with over a decade of research and application, lives are transformed, and a more inclusive and supportive world is being built.

Connect with Carole Jean Today!

Contact Carole Jean Whittington:

📧 Email: energize@whittingtonwellbeing.com 

🌐 Website: https://whittingtonwellbeing.com 

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IG: https://www.instagram.com/carolejeanwhittington/ 

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