Sunday Soiree -- 22nd March 2026

Legend @Mustang67 , thank you kindly!

~re-posting from earlier~

Happy Sunday everyone,

Welcome to Sunday Coffee and Chat (or tea / matcha / whatever you fancy!)
No matter how small - I hope everyone does something to treat themselves, or relax today💛

I made myself a delicious mocha earlier and plan to finish my book this evening📖🍫

~ @Honeymoon 

Hello everyone, I hope you day is going as good as possible, considering your personal situation.

For any of the new members, welcome and you can use this space to chat about anything you like.

@Shaz51 @Honeymoon @alfiepickle @Alleebelly12 @ALotGoingOnMum @AlwaysMyself @Anonymouse1000 @AntzyPantz @Appleblossom @Applepie907 @AzzyWazzy @Bee36 @Blackcloud @BlackFox @Bow @Bumblebee3 @Bunniekins @Calamity @Cat34 @Chasingsunsets @Cheekychick158 @creative_writer @Cuddlebear @Dave1999 @FarmerT @Farwaa123 @ForestBat @FracturedBeing @GenXmum @GezzaP @Emelia8 @Flutterbug9 @Fluttershy1 @Glisten @happy222 @Eeyorelove5 @OneEyedAngel @CatAttack @Chuckles @Hope4ut @Jynx @TAB @tyme @MissGremlin @ENKELI @Kindcrystal @Reynard76 @Soireethepanda @Penguincat @Ru-bee @PinkFloyd @SaltwaterSoul @Icecream  and anyone else passing through

@Honeymoon are you reading or writing your book? If reading, may I ask what book you are reading?

Absolutely @Mustang67 ,

I'm reading The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, I'm really enjoying it so far!

Do you enjoy reading too? 📖

~ @Honeymoon 

The pics are lovely. Your post brightened my day.

@Honeymoon yes, I love reading. Especially when you read a book that you have trouble putting down. I am glad that you are enjoying your book. 

When I was working in town many many years ago, I took public transport to work, which was a 1-hour trip each way, so I used this time to read. It's that long ago that I can't think of any of the authors that I used to read. I just remembered Dean Koontz was one of them, and Bryce Courtenay.

When my partner passed away 24 years ago, I stop reading, as I couldn't concentrate on the book anyway, as I had too many other thoughts going through my head. So, I have only recently started reading again. But these days it seems to be more self-help books or something relating to my mental health issues. I currently have 4 books that I downloaded by Ravenwolf that I am looking forward to reading, as I find her work very inspirational. 

@GenXmum I am glad that my pics and posts brighten your day. That's what I am aiming for.

Just you let you know that if you are responding to a person's message, you need to press the @ button and a drop-down list of people should appear. If the person you are responding to is there, you need to select their name. If their name is not there, start to type their username and their name should appear to select. That way you know the person will be notified of your message.

It's lovely to hear that you have gotten back into it recently @Mustang67  thank you for sharing💛

As much as I enjoy fictional novels, I would also love to read some of Ravenwolf's work.

Hi @Bunniekins I have been doing well the last few days and a lot better than this time last week. @SmilingGecko has peaked my interest in crystals, so it has given me something else to focus on, which has helped. 

I am so happy that things are going well for you presently.

See you have made me happy, because you are happy. So well done ❤️ 

@Honeymoon I love mochas. That was my go to when I was pregnant. I used to drink lots of coffee before getting pregnant, so I would allow myself to have one mocha a day when I was working.

Do you have a coffee machine to make the mocha, or do you make it from scratch.

aw I love that @Mustang67  - the combination of coffee and chocolate is just perfection💗

I have to be careful of my caffeine intake too (currently trying to reduce it!) Hot chocolate and matcha can be lovely alternatives. 

Admittedly, I am very lazy and use Nescafe sachets. However, I used to have a fancy coffee machine at my old place! I don't mind either though, I'm just a sweet tooth at the end of the day!😋

How did you make your mochas?😊 @Mustang67 
I would also love to hear what people's go-to coffee orders are!☕

~ @Honeymoon 

@Honeymoon Since I worked in town when I was pregnant, I had a coffee shop at the bottom of the building that I used to work in, so I used to buy it.

I do have a Nespresso pod machine, and I think they do have a mocha pod, but if I remember correctly, I wasn't that keen on it. 

I just drink whatever coffee my partner makes me. I usually have a coffee called Roma which is an 8 in strength.

Hi @Mustang67 this morning (and I was doing the assignment at a study area that was inside a shopping mall) I was finally able to lock-in and refine/edit my introduction draft on my lab report, so I'm really proud of myself for being able do that! 

Over the past 2 days, I thought I wouldn't be able to get through it and I was really dreading it to the point I thought I would end up failing it or at least get somewhere in the 50s in terms of the marks. But this morning, I kept going and eventually I did it! 😊

yes, my lab report won't meet the distinction or high distinction standards, just like with every other assignment I did - and I'm fine with that. 

I hate to think too much about what I wanna aim for and become in terms of a future career related to a psych degree. I don't wanna stress about needing to get decent marks in order to achieve a certain overall result from the unit as well as for the WAM/GPA.

@AlwaysMyself @Chasingsunsets @Flutterbug9 @Cuddlebear @Ruby26 

@Honeymoon I tried to go into her website, but it is not letting me theravenwolf.com

But I found one of her books here

Illuminations of my Soul Ravenwolf 

When I could access her site, via FB I was able to download the book to my Kindle. I looks like most of her books appear on her FB account. I hope this helps.

@Mustang67 Thanks for making this social thread on the behalf of @Shaz51 !

Hint, if you want in image to appear in the spotlighted thread on the main landing page, you can include am image in your first post in the thread

thank you @Honeymoon , @Mustang67 😍 my wonderful forum family 

mr shaz has been sick in the stomach all day xx

my log in was gone from my phone and computer  xx

soo sorry 

@tyme , @Blackcloud , @GenXmum 

@Blackcloud I am so proud of you for finishing your introduction draft on your lab report, that you originally thought you would fail or obtain low grades in. That shows perseverance on your part, which is fantastic. 

As long as you are happy with the grades you are getting and they will meet your needs in the end, it doesn't matter that they won't meet the distinction or high distinction standards. I think you are amazing being able to do two part time courses/degrees. I don't think my brain would be able to cope. If I was at my best before all the stuff happened, it wouldn't be a problem, but it would be now.

thank you @Mustang67 ❤️ yeah sometimes even with challenges, there's times where at first they feel impossible to do and achieve in, but the more you persevere through it the better it gets and you'll realise that it was so worth it at the end!

to be honest, based on my current assignment grades as well as the grades I think I'm gonna be getting for the rest of the units in the degree that I'm yet to be doing in the upcoming years, I think I'm gonna be getting at least a minimum of a pass grade for the GPA/WAM, which won't get me into the honours or grad dip of psychology (advanced) degree.

But with the grad dip of psychological science at one of the unis I'm currently enrolled at, that one only requires you to complete a 3 year bachelor degree of any field besides psych. But then that means I'll have to undertake/study some of those same core units like I did during my bachelors degree, its just that these same core units are set to the more slightly advanced/grad dip level?

I was thinking of being a neuroaffirming psychologist because I thought a psychologist would be more interesting in general than a counsellor. I don't see myself in being a counsellor when it comes to just focusing on clients' feelings, I'd like to explore a bit more on the brain and behaviour side of things and why certain things related to that make people are the way they are. But I'm afraid I won't be able to get to that career pathway because being a psychologist requires you to get some decent/good grades from the core units whether it'd be from the bachelors equivalent or the grad dip.

@Honeymoon I just read the synopsis of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo and it sounds really interesting! I might have to get myself a copy of it 🙂

highly recommend @ENKELI , especially if you enjoy romance novels with twists😍

Thank you for the information @tyme I will keep that in mind for next time.

@Mustang67 , You can add it now and the image should appear - instead of a black box - if you want.

I'd offer to do it for you, but your images are WAY better than mine lol

Hello @Mustang67 thats wonderful youre enjoying your crystals and so pleased youre coasting along nicely today! I've had a quiet day today, had to see the GP but apart from that trying to keep cool during a 29 degrees warm autumn day. Was so pleased the bus service here on a Sunday here is like a regular weekday. Was able to get in and out of the clinic quickly and get home in a flash.

I've been giving myself liver detox lately so am feeling more chipper than usual. I hope to follow a detox routine out of a book but for now am listening to Rife frequencies to detox. Just in the middle of cooking dinner right now.

If you like crystals you got to check out Vogels, thats what they are called faceted by Marcel Vogel who invented crystals for use in IBM computers. They can be used in healing. I have one. I use it to program my subconscious as well as to clear my energy body. There are very few accurately faceted Vogels out there, most are dupes and for that reason they dont work. I bought mine from the Aussie crystal shop - Krystallove.

Check out Marcel Vogels work with Vogel crystals

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@Mustang67 wrote:

@Honeymoon hopefully this works

 

 

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@Mustang67 wrote:

@Honeymoon hopefully this works

 

 

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Love it @Mustang67  🙂

Hey @Blackcloud @Mustang67 @tyme @SmilingGecko @Honeymoon @Jynx @Appleblossom @Icecream @creative_writer  @Shaz51 @Snowie @Determined @Emelia8 @Zoe7 @oceangirl @rav3n - hope your Sunday has been good! 

im currently stuck in the ER due to my MH being really poor and I’m not really coping. Im safe but feels like everything is falling apart im triggered, stuff got said I didn’t like. 

im safe

Hugs ❤️ @Fluttershy1 🥰

Oh no @Shaz51 I hope Mr Shaz starts to feel better soon. And no problem at all, I am glad to help out when I can.

This is for Mr Shaz

I am with you @Blackcloud I think being a neuroaffirming psychologist sounds a lot more interesting.

It was great when I had a light bulb moment during one of my work shops, when I realised I was a people pleaser and selected the men I did, because in my childhood, I did not feel safe or loved. So, I became a people pleaser so people would love me, and I did everything within my power to avoid arguments at all costs.

Knowing why people do what they do, I think it a very valuable piece of information that can start the recovery process.

@Fluttershy1 sending you lots of hugs 🫂 I’m here sitting with you through the pain of it all within the darkest moments ❤️

Aww thank you 😊 @Mustang67 

Thank you for that information @SmilingGecko I have just found a 53-minute documentary on Vogel's crystals. So, once I have caught up with my posts, I will watch it.

Thanks guys @Shaz51 @Blackcloud - at least my fave Mh clinician was on, she sat with me and we talked about how I was feeling and what had caused it and what my plans were going forward when i get home etc. 

so I’ve been discharged and now going to the shops to get dinner then go home. 

am safe 

oh wow @Fluttershy1 thats amazing you had a positive experience with the clinician & that you’re about to head home safely too! ❤️ 

well, I hope the rest of this evening will be treating you well tonight & that you’ll be able to eat some yummy food for dinner! 🥘 

I am glad that you are safe @Fluttershy1 and hopefully you can get some decent help. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

@Fluttershy1 @DownMoreThanUp @MissGremlin 

Thanks @Mustang67 @Blackcloud - made it home safely now I’m going to make ravioli for my dinner.

@Mustang67 My wife is coming tomorrow for we are beginning our reconciliation process. We both know there is a long way to go but we want to rebuild from the ground up, not trying to shore up what did not work. 

We hope to be able to spend two 1/2 day a week to begin with but nothing is on concrete, as it goes it goes.

@Fluttershy1 @Blackcloud @Shaz51 @tyme 

We are both very serious about all this for we want to rebuild right where we went wrong before. For where things were right between us never left us, we want our whole life/daily reality to be in such safety.

@Mustang67 tomorrow will be my first day that I’m co-facilitating a peer support group. Was completely unexpected because the owner just decided that I’m gonna be the co-facilitator alongside the supervisor. I guess because we were having a meeting regarding the placement plans and preparation stuff just almost a week ago maybe she decided to put me as co-facilitator so that I can have a practice?🤔

I don’t know how to feel about it tomorrow though, but I hope it won’t go too bad.

am so nervous & hopefully the supervisor and the owner will be able to provide me some support a bit before the actual thing starts  

good thing the organisation I do my placements at is only catered for autistic individuals like myself so I hope the people that will be the participants of the group tomorrow won’t make the whole experience for me feel anxiety-inducing 

@Fluttershy1 enjoy the ravioli for dinner.

My partner just made my family spaghetti bolognese for dinner. I haven't eaten that in a very long time. My partner goes above and beyond sometimes. Since moving into the caravan on my mum's property he has been buying my mum and sister/niece tea if they didn't have anything organised, and like tonight, he made sure there was enough for everyone, even though the deal was, that we would provide our own food, and my sister would provide the food for our mum.

I hope you enjoyed the spaghetti tonight- your partner sounds amazing @Mustang67 

Oh @DownMoreThanUp that is such great news. I am so happy for you both. And it sounds like you have a plan on how things will go, so that is the first step. To make sure you both don't repeat pass issues and bring them into the current relationship. I think you have a solid foundation laid out to slowly build upon.

I wish you both all the best in this rebuilding process. I am just beaming with happiness for you.

I am sure you will be able to provide some great support @Blackcloud and yes hopefully the supervisor and the owner can provide you with some advice and support to help with the nerves.

I have a feeling that you are going to smash it and do a fantastic job. You are such a caring individual and since you are autistic like they are, you will have a pretty good idea what sort of issues they could be facing and could provide some insight.

I wish you all the best for tomorrow.

@Fluttershy1 He can be very thoughtful and caring. But like most people, he has a dark side that I don't like to see. But 90% of the time, he is a legend and does so much for me.

Since I always like to include images with my messages on this forum, I thought that it is only fair that I

send him a couple tonight telling him that I appreciate all that he does for me and that i love him. He was very grateful to receive the images.

That’s so sweet @Mustang67. 

@Blackcloud @DownMoreThanUp - hope you had a good day

@Mustang67 Thank you very much this means more to me than i can share with you. i love my wife and she loves me it is this crappy trauma getting me psychotic all the time stuffing our life up all the time.

Yet we are both far more aware now and understand our own triggers and what to do about them better than ever.

Have a wonderful night Rest.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OvQBopWukM8&list=RDOvQBopWukM8&start_radio=1

First layer in 2 months (The white today) But this has been going close to 2 years

Oil on linen

Once again want to highlight the fantastic team effort to help @Shaz51 get coffee chats up and running nice one @Mustang67 @Honeymoon ☀️🙏

Glad you are ok @Shaz51 hope your hubby is feeling ok and tonight might be less rough too, here’s hoping 🤞🤞

@Mustang67, dinner sounded awesome! I love pasta!! I also very much love all the pics you share I’m so visual 😊☺️

@Blackcloud, sorry I haven’t been around much lately, good luck tomorrow! Feel free to tag me if you post an update on how it goes, I’d love to hear 😊. With you studies as everyone told me p’s = ° 😊 (I have to thank @MissGremlin for teaching me how to get the degrees sign hehe thanks missgremlin 🤗)

hey @ENKELI lovely seeing you, sorry I haven’t been around much to connect, I hear a lot had been going on for you? Have you been doing any craft or Dimond art recently? One day I’ll be able to catch up on everything but love all your posts 🙏🙏🙏

Nice artwork @DogMan79 😊🎨🖌️

@DownMoreThanUp, lovely seeing you around the forum, sorry I haven’t been able to connect recently, always thinking of you though. How’s the dogs and all the animals going?

@Fluttershy1, really great to hear you connected with a mental health worker you find is helpful. I hope you had a restful evening 🌼

@Chasingsunsets hehe you're welcome, it's always fun to learn something new ☺️

Yesss so so good @MissGremlin !! Thanks again, have you learnt anything new recently?

I was laughing with one of my friends the other day taking about marketplace and that she didn’t know until recently what ‘nil’ meant 😂, she thought it meant that people wanted it for zero dollars not that it meant next in line 😂. We took the opportunity to check she knew was ‘F’ in a comment meant and TIA and she wasn’t sure so now she has learnt a lot of new things ☺️ gave us all a good laugh 😆

@Chasingsunsets don't think I've learnt anything new lately. 

Haha that's hilarious 😂. I remember it took me ages to learn what SMH stood for, my daughter said it to me one day and I'm like that's it I'm googling this, even after that I kept forgetting but it's finally sunk in now 😂

@Chasingsunsets all good sweetie, life happens.

No art and craft from me of late. Yes lots of negativity around me, trying to move past it all and rise above the petty narcissistic behaviour of my paternal family. 

Hope things are going well for you and your sunset chasing xoxo 😘 

Haha thanks funny @MissGremlin, I didn’t know what SMH was and I had to google, the first thing that comes up “the Sydney morning herald” 😂🗞️, too funny gave me a bit of a laugh, finally found it- shake my head? Yeah? Hahah nice one 😂

I finally found out what spiders make the 3d nests I have been seeing over the years, a dome spider, they really do have an incredible web! And I was also reminded lately of the carpenter bee! Love new stuff 😊

how’s your evening going?

I see @ENKELI, sorry about that definitely can pack a punch and very emotive and disheartening. Sorry that that’s happening. What have you been doing to take breaks from all of that? What do you find helpful. I really love my walks one thing that I find disconnects me from stress ☺️

here’s a sunset from the other day I captured! I am very behind on highlights page desperate to get back there, lots to share of things that I have seen 😊🌅

@Chasingsunsets haha yes 'shaking my head'. I feel like there's too many little abbreviations to keep up with these days 😂.

Oohhh how awesome is that, some spiders truly create such stunning webs. You reminded me of the pics I got the other day of a bee that was just chilling in my yard. 

My evening has been rough, I have a headache and I've been in a state of shock since Saturday afternoon (I'm safe). I'm laying in bed snuggled up with Casper but sleep isn't happening. 

@Chasingsunsets sometimes I don't know the right words to say to supportsomeone, so I express myself using pictures. 

Oh wow @MissGremlin !! Those pics are fantastic! Look at the detail in the bee and the wings etc!! So cool! Well done on being close to it too 😂😎

I’ll share my carpenter bee ☺️, pics definitely not at good as yours this one did not want to land more than one second so no chance to really focus for pics 😂😂 he/she kept me on my toes! 
I have to head off now, so glad you have Casper close, for Indi’s birthday online Lexi and me had these cuddle blankets on sale half price they are so so soft she loves it and it’s touching me too and it’s honestly the softest thing I have touched in awhile so a benefit for me and Indi 😂🥰🐶. Take care MG so lovely chatting 🙏🙏

I thought of all my garden friends here too when I saw these most beautiful coloured flowers, they got my attention first then saw the bee 🥰☀️🌻

@ENKELI @Mustang67 @DownMoreThanUp @Shaz51 @AuntGlow @Blackcloud +everyone  

@Mustang67 that pic is amazing, definitely hit my soul with warmth and comfort that one 🧡💛, you have done amazing supporting here on the forum and you find some amazing pics too 🤩

Have a lovely evening my friend hope to chat soon 🫶

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@MissGremlin wrote:

@Chasingsunsets haha yes 'shaking my head'. I feel like there's too many little abbreviations to keep up with these days 😂.

 

Oohhh how awesome is that, some spiders truly create such stunning webs. You reminded me of the pics I got the other day of a bee that was just chilling in my yard. 

 

 

 

 

My evening has been rough, I have a headache and I've been in a state of shock since Saturday afternoon (I'm safe). I'm laying in bed snuggled up with Casper but sleep isn't happening. 

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Great photography work on the bee @MissGremlin I am very impressed. And that says something since I used to run my own photography studio with my ex husband.

Thank you 😊 @Mustang67 

Thank you ☺️ @Mustang67 

@Mustang67 awww thankyou sweet. I was just lucky that the bee was happy to sit and chill for a while. Once I managed to get a few pictures off it flew ☺️

Thankyou @Chasingsunsets, I love the detail in the wings aswell, honestly nature is incredible 😍. Haha being close to them doesn't worry me, this particular little bee was just minding it's own business ☺️.

Love the pics, they definitely don't like to stay still for long when they are collecting pollen 😂. 

Awww the blanket for Indi sounds lovely, I hope she had a good birthday and I'm glad you get the benefits of the blanket too ☺️. 

Was lovely to chat with you too sweet, hope today treats you kindly ❤️.

Good morning @Bunniekins While shopping for a particular crystal last night, I came across these two crystals, and they made me think of you.

Natural Aventurine Quartz Crystal

Hand Carved Strawberry Quartz Crystal

I very nearly skipped my beach walk this morning 

But I ended up seeing a dolphin 🐬 

That's your reward for doing the right thing and going for your walk @DogMan79 

@Fluttershy1 

How are you today. Sorry yesterday was rough for you and trust things have improved. It is not a nice space to be.

(I have sadly spent some time supporting someone at ER while not ok). 

Hope you were able to get the help you needed and things are better today 💜 

@Mustang67  what beautiful bunny crystals! will look up their use in a min 😄  thank you xxx

How is Mr Shaz feeling today @Shaz51 

@Chasingsunsets thanks for your kindness. I spent a lot of my morning in prayer and feel better. It's disappointing that my paternal family have turned against me but that is their loss not mine.

The hardest part is trying to explain how I feel to my brother as he doesn't understand. 

I love your photos xoxo

@MissGremlin @Chasingsunsets great photos, thanks for sharing 💕

Hey @Blackcloud how did you go with the peer support group today?

@Mustang67 It starts at 7pm. All the peer support groups are all online and they all conduct at different times during the evening 🙂

my supervisor clarified this morning that the owner only meant the ‘co-facilitator’ role that she allocated (for me) in the case as the chat facilitator for me only for this evening (since chat facilitator is the role I normally volunteer as) as I haven’t started the course/prac yet.

But yeah, it’s good that as of this evening I won’t need to do some talking - but by the time I start the course tomorrow, and by the time I’m gonna start the placement next week (early April) that I’m gonna be doing some talking in these peer support groups (not for every session though as my supervisor has said she doesn’t anticipate that I talk in every sessions).

I hope that all makes sense haha 🙂

@Blackcloud it certainly does make sense. I hope it all goes well for you ❤️

@Mustang67 the tonight’s peer support group is now over. I asked my supervisor after the session if I needed to co-facilitate some groups for my placement that am I obligated to give advice to participants after they share their struggles, she said no (which thank god!) but as a co-facilitator our job is moreso to briefly lead the conversation by asking/saying things like “has anyone got any advice on that?”, “I can hear how heavy/hard this has been for you, although I’m not very familiar with …..” and so fourth, only when necessary. So that’s a relief and a good thing for me at least. ☺️ gosh, I’m so happy that I’m part of a community where being autistic and being our authentic selves is highly valued and seen in an organisation where only all of us (participants & staff) are only autistics!! I honestly wouldn’t be able to do the placement if it wasn’t for the existence of it all honestly. 

@AlwaysMyself @Ruby26 @Flutterbug9 

@Blackcloud that is awesome that there is an organisation where you can be be your authentic self with the participants & staff all being autistic as well. Does that reduce the stress that you might feel if they weren't autistic?

I am so happy that your placement can go ahead in such an environment for you. 

Yes I hear you @ENKELI, it’s tough to let people how you feel, brings along with it a lot of vulnerability 💜

Oh I bet you are glad you didnt skip the beach dogman79, that would have been awesome to see the dolphin 🐬 

@Bunniekins this is what Google AI says about the two crystals the rabbits are made from.

Strawberry Quartz is a rare variety of quartz distinguished by its pinkish-red hue and visible sparkling inclusions of iron oxide, such as hematite or lepidocrocite. Unlike the uniform pink of Rose Quartz, Strawberry Quartz appears as a clear stone with a scattering of tiny red or pink "seeds". 

@Mustang67 Yeah it 100% does reduce the stress for that. I wouldn’t survive if I was in an environment where people are not autistic 

I am just happy that they now provide a place like this for autistic people to utilise and I am glad that you found them 😊

@Blackcloud 

"I was finally able to lock-in and refine/edit my introduction draft on my lab report, so I'm really proud of myself for being able do that! "

Well done! 😍 i am really proud of you too! 🥰

"my lab report won't meet the distinction or high distinction standards, just like with every other assignment I did - and I'm fine with that."

I relate to this a lot too. 

I found it really hard when i was at uni if i was not coping or "over it" (an assignment) that I *wanted* to do my best and *knew* i could do better if i was in a healthier place, but that at that point in time i needed to do what was *best for me* and that sometimes that was to submit something that was *good enough* even if i knew it *could* be better. 🙂. Its something i have also had to learn to accept and be realistic about - and look at rationally: whats the effects of *not* getting an HD for this assessment? Nothing other than not getting a 7.0 GPA that I don't need for anything? 

Same as doing Transferred-Credits from other universities -- it meant that I was inelligble for a university/faculty award by 2 subjects short 😅. But thats Ok, because status/ego/recognition isnt important to me - as long as i can get a job and *then* prove my worth 😇🥰. 

I wonder if this reflection is of interest to @creative_writer too (tagging just in case 🤗).

@Blackcloud just summed up my work-life 🤣.

"I wouldn’t survive if I was in an environment where people are not autistic."

@Mustang67 

@AlwaysMyself @Blackcloud It really makes me happy to hear that there are places out there that take on autistic employees and that there are also places that have only autistic employees. It actually makes my heart sing that you both have an environment where you can feel comfortable to work in. I am so happy for you both.

I have an autistic great nephew, so it pleases me that he will be ok when he needs to find employment in the future.

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@AlwaysMyself wrote:

@Blackcloud 

"I was finally able to lock-in and refine/edit my introduction draft on my lab report, so I'm really proud of myself for being able do that! "

Well done! 😍 i am really proud of you too! 🥰

 

"my lab report won't meet the distinction or high distinction standards, just like with every other assignment I did - and I'm fine with that."

I relate to this a lot too. 

 

I found it really hard when i was at uni if i was not coping or "over it" (an assignment) that I *wanted* to do my best and *knew* i could do better if i was in a healthier place, but that at that point in time i needed to do what was *best for me* and that sometimes that was to submit something that was *good enough* even if i knew it *could* be better. 🙂. Its something i have also had to learn to accept and be realistic about - and look at rationally: whats the effects of *not* getting an HD for this assessment? Nothing other than not getting a 7.0 GPA that I don't need for anything? 

Same as doing Transferred-Credits from other universities -- it meant that I was inelligble for a university/faculty award by 2 subjects short 😅. But thats Ok, because status/ego/recognition isnt important to me - as long as i can get a job and *then* prove my worth 😇🥰. 

 

I wonder if this reflection is of interest to @creative_writer too (tagging just in case 🤗).

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@AlwaysMyself to be honest, I really feel that by the time I'll be completing/graduating from the degree which will be in years time, that I'll end up getting somewhere within the below average range for the overall GPA/WAM - maybe? 🫠

which means in that case, I can still apply for the graduate diploma of psychological sciences since that one only requires me to just complete the 3 year bachelor degree.

but yeah

@Mustang67 

@Blackcloud Is there anything wrong with a GPA that is less than "average" as long as you pass the degree? (genuine question 🙂 )

A GPA of 4.0 or above is "passed" (noting that different uni's are a little different, and 3.5 can be consider Pass), and it sounds like you are on-track to pass?

I love that you know you can still go onto the Postgrad pathway through a Grad Dip or Psych Sciences even if you don't get a high GPA that (I am assuming - correct me if I am wrong! I would "ask" if it was real-time!) would instead allow direct-entry to a Masters-level psych degree? (or which qualification or accreditation-level is your end-goal?)

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@AlwaysMyself wrote:

@Blackcloud Is there anything wrong with a GPA that is less than "average" as long as you pass the degree? (genuine question 🙂 )

A GPA of 4.0 or above is "passed" (noting that different uni's are a little different, and 3.5 can be consider Pass), and it sounds like you are on-track to pass?

 

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@AlwaysMyself I guess I mean in the sense that if I wanna get into a postgraduate degree that requires me to get at least a minimum of 65% or higher overall from the level 2 and 3 psychology core units - meaning that for that, I will have to aim for some average to quite-decent percentages for the assessments in each of those level 2 and 3 core units. It does depend on what percentage each of the assessment/assignment is worth - but if an assessment/assignment is worth than anywhere higher than maybe like 40% at least, then thats kind of a big deal 

I got recommended by at least 2 people I've spoken to (one including my support worker that suggested me this yesterday) if I can pursue a career as a researcher. my support worker said that she can see me doing that, and I kinda think so myself too as I told her that I don't know if I'd be able to do well in a role that requires me to interact with clients and having to come up with advice and stuff on the spot 🙂

ChatGPT told me that I can get into a grad dip of psychology (advanced) and then get into a relevant masters for research (like maybe/perhaps masters in philosophy?), or if I was to switch from Bachelor of Arts (psychology)/BA psych to Bachelor of Psychological Sciences at anytime, then I can try to aim to get into the honours version of that?

Ah, research! What a great idea @Blackcloud 😍. And I absolutely believe that a lot of the autistic traits can be so well suited and harnessed to excel in the right research environment. Especially monotropic focus! Lets work with our brains here! 😁

But I hear that getting through the diverse subjects and time pressures of the degree to get to the research degree can feel stressful and at time overwhelming. But you can take it slow 😊, and if you decide to change your mind later when you see a better pathway for you - that is always OK too!

(I worked at a university for a few years early on, and I liked the "no-nonsense" and reliable academics much better than the "fluffy" and unreliable ones lol. I know both types exist from my own experience.)

Masters by research and PhD appeals to me (I haven't done either) because you choose the topic and you are autonomous in it. 😍 I'm wondering if those factors may also resonate with you?

I am wondering what helps you feel more able to achieve the 65%+ scores in assessments that you expect will be required for this entry pathway?

I am wondering if there are modifications/adjustments that can be made (lifestyle, study supports, etc) that can help with this?

And remember - a lower grade on a single subject/unit doesn't significantly alter your GPA if the rest of them are doing above the "required" level. 🤗. Remember I missed an exam work 40%? I got 0/40 marks for it. 😂 and 52/100 for the unit overall. It didn't ruin anything because the rest of my work was above what I needed as a minimum for my aim.

If I knew a subject was going to be boring or difficult (or a lot of work!) I either paired it with an "easy" subject at the same time, or selected it to be one of the semester that I only did 1 subject during (so i could have more time/breaks whilst slogging through it).

PS - different universities have different pathways to research degrees. 🙂 I know when I worked at one (over 10 years ago), they changed their pathways so that there was a specific Masters course for research, but also possibly I recall a pathway from Honours into PhD too if someone achieved Honours (4th of Bachelor) in a science course.

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@AlwaysMyself wrote:

Ah, research! What a great idea @Blackcloud 😍. And I absolutely believe that a lot of the autistic traits can be so well suited and harnessed to excel in the right research environment. Especially monotropic focus! Lets work with our brains here! 😁

But I hear that getting through the diverse subjects and time pressures of the degree to get to the research degree can feel stressful and at time overwhelming. But you can take it slow 😊, and if you decide to change your mind later when you see a better pathway for you - that is always OK too!

(I worked at a university for a few years early on, and I liked the "no-nonsense" and reliable academics much better than the "fluffy" and unreliable ones lol. I know both types exist from my own experience.)

Masters by research and PhD appeals to me (I haven't done either) because you choose the topic and you are autonomous in it. 😍 I'm wondering if those factors may also resonate with you?

 

I am wondering what helps you feel more able to achieve the 65%+ scores in assessments that you expect will be required for this entry pathway?

I am wondering if there are modifications/adjustments that can be made (lifestyle, study supports, etc) that can help with this?

 

And remember - a lower grade on a single subject/unit doesn't significantly alter your GPA if the rest of them are doing above the "required" level. 🤗. Remember I missed an exam work 40%? I got 0/40 marks for it. 😂 and 52/100 for the unit overall. It didn't ruin anything because the rest of my work was above what I needed as a minimum for my aim.

 

If I knew a subject was going to be boring or difficult (or a lot of work!) I either paired it with an "easy" subject at the same time, or selected it to be one of the semester that I only did 1 subject during (so i could have more time/breaks whilst slogging through it).

 

 

PS - different universities have different pathways to research degrees. 🙂 I know when I worked at one (over 10 years ago), they changed their pathways so that there was a specific Masters course for research, but also possibly I recall a pathway from Honours into PhD too if someone achieved Honours (4th of Bachelor) in a science course.

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@AlwaysMyself thank you for that (with the taking slow part) ❤️ that's why I only aim to study just 1 unit per trimester for now 😁

yes I remember you mentioning to me about that time you missed that exam and you still passed the unit from memory 🙂

I appreciate your help and advice ❤️

@Blackcloud Yay, I'm so proud of you! Lab reports are so stressful, they are literally set up to be impossible to get perfect. It is amazing work to get it done and submitted. 

Sometimes it can be great to study for the sake of study. Psychology doesn't lead to a lot of jobs, but that doesn't have to be your aim at all. Learning is a worthwhile pursuit on its own. I never got a job with my psych degree, but it was still an important goal for me. 

@Blackcloud Oh wow that sounds like an amazing placement. I've always wanted to run a peer group for autistic people. I'm glad you live somewhere where this is an option. I find the way non-autistic people are very difficult to understand- I can see the advantage of working entirely with other autistic people. So are you studying a Cert IV in Mental Health AND an undergraduate in psychology right now? Or is it something else you're studying? 

@Mustang67 

@AlwaysMyself @Blackcloud @Mustang67 the lack of autistic environments is why I'm having so much trouble finding work. I also feel like I'm not really able to survive in my non-autistic family either. I've had to distance myself from my family, which I've been really depressed about. But I can't mask to the standard they need me to. It has felt like trying to grow in an environment without water. 

@Ruby26 yes, I’m studying both of the courses in part-time mode. I’m only doing 1 unit on each course. 🙂

@Blackcloud oh, wow, that's a lot of work. Starting one new course is a lot and you're doing two :D. I hope you're very proud of yourself. 

@Ruby26 I can say that I personally would love a lived-experience peer group (social and/or chat about life challenges) that was for autistic and/or "people who value autistic perspectives and communication style" (i.e. "allies"). 🥰 

Part of my self-realisation pre-diagnosis that I was not neurotypical was my friends pointing out that none of my friends (themselves included) considered themselves neurotypical 😅 and how there is a known trend for autistic people to non-intentionally "find" and befriend the other like-minded. 😆. 

I would attend a peer group run by you for autistic people if only you had one and i could 😊.

...and that it was consistent and didnt have last-minute changes often 😆🤣 (schedule & location) lol.

@Ruby26 exactly!! It’s so worth studying a degree you’re interested in just for study purposes without having to worry about needing to chase for a relevant career right now after you finish it. It’s amazing how a lot of people don’t realise this & in my opinion I find that trying to study a degree just to try and chase a career right away is gonna stress you out. And considering how the job marketing is right now as well, yeah….

@AlwaysMyself aw, thank you so much. 

I would also love to be in an autistic support group again. At this point there are just too many barriers in place. I do have some great neurodivergent friends, so I don't need groups as much as I used to anyway though. 

Yeah, that happens in my friendship group too. I have a friend who I'm sure is autistic but he doesn't know it yet. Being only interested in hanging out with autistic people and getting along really well as an equal with everyone in an autistic friendship group is a pretty clear sign. 

Oh, I wish I could invite you when I host a social event. I am the most consistent person ever with schedule and location. Same restaurant, same time, same table. I only change the schedule if there's an actual problem (restaurant shuts down, covid etc). I've had people complain that I'm too boring before, but I just tell them to organise something themselves next time then.