On Wednesday at 21:30, Deanna Troi's appointment showed up. Once again, the young-looking thirty-four-year-old walked in. They exchanged friendly hellos before beginning their hourly session. "So, Ms. Kelsey. What's been going on? Did you have a good holiday weekend?"

"I'd no intention of staying up till midnight to ring in the New Year. But, unfortunately, my body refused to go to sleep. God! I hate that I've had more trouble sleeping lately!"

"Are you feeling extreme stress or something else that might interrupt your sleep cycle?"

"Other then false alarms and possibly a late-night smoothie? Not really."

"I see. Do you have any other concerns when it comes to sleep?"

"Only if my medications don't get refilled soon, I"m going to be in serious trouble. I wish sickbay weren't so frustrating with getting a refill on my meds. I only told Crusher to put a temporary stop on them because I'd somehow gotten overstocked on them.

I don't see how that happened. Nevertheless, it did happen. I wish it weren't so problematic to get things straightened out. After all, people need to take their meds on time."

"Have you gone to check what the holdup? Or if the problem is being worked on?"

"Not really, Ms. Troi. I did leave a message. However, we're already informed not to leave multiple ones."

"I'm confident if you asked for an update, things might go quicker. I'm sure not leaving multiple messages only accounts for one day. Not simply checking in once a day."

"Well, I hope you're right. Because my meds will be out before the weeks up."

"Any other health concerns on your mind, Ms. Kelsey?"

"Well, it's genuinely disappointing to find out you're allergic to hair dye, particularly when you've finally decided to try it for the first time.

However, I kept getting a rash on my neck from the few times I tried a coloring shampoo. So I did read that hair chalk might be better. From what I read, it's an excellent alternative for those who have allergies to dye."

"Everyone is allowed to do what they wish when it comes to appearances. Is there another reason you desire the hair chalk?"

"Because I want bold, bright colors. I want my hair color to be as colorful as my imagination. The only dyes that might work all give dark hair. I'm fair-skinned. So having dark hair would clash.

I've always found bright colors are constitutive of making one happier. They indeed seem to produce happy chemicals in the brain more then somber and subdued ones."

"I do believe bright colors stimulate the brain into producing the chemicals needed to feel happier. What else do you do to feel happy?"

"Well, I do wish hindsight wasn't 20/20. But, you know I'm a writer, correct?"

"I'm aware you write for fun. The same reason you do your art. You've said they've been good coping skills for your lonely life. That your imagination has helped you deal with the toxic people in your life."

"Well, I only realized yesterday? Some of my request stories? They would've been a lot less hassle if I'd made them into short chapter stories. Rather then individual stories.

It would've gotten me out of my burnout faster if I wasn't pushing myself as hard as I was."

"Let's talk more about your burnout. What and why do you think you've spent the past several months in a burnout state?"

"As you mentioned before, Ms. Troi. I've got an incredibly toxic and dysfunctional family. My relationships have never been in any way considered healthy. I've fought for my whole life for them to understand why their treatment of me was abusive.

What actions were rude and disrespectful. That isn't very good to say put it in the past. How do you put past abusive behavior in the past if it persists still in the present day?"

"You shouldn't have to do all the work. I've heard you say many times over. One of the reasons you've not forgiven them is because they refuse to accept or acknowledge why their behavior isn't appropriate."

"True enough. My twin sister, for example? Even in her adulthood thrown numerous tantrums. She's a woman in her thirties! But to this day throws tantrums like she's a toddler!

What grinds my nerves the most? Again, she expects me to trust and forgive her? Yet acts like I'm speaking another language when I've told her repeatedly what the issues are?"

"We can both acknowledge that it takes both sides in a relationship to make it work. How important proper communication is. Also, maintain some perspective. Humans are creatures of emotions, not logic. Emotions are neither positive nor negative. What determines that is how we choose to act or express them. However, I do agree people shouldn't label emotions or attempt to apply logic to them."

"No, they shouldn't. Nor should they preach about forgiving others. I firmly believe forgiveness needs to be earned. In the same way, respect and trust need to be earned. Not freely given.

I don't feel you should be forced to forgive someone even if they preach about it from the bible. But, again, we're free-thinking people. No one should tell you how to feel or act. I think it is essential to get both sides of the story. Plus, make an effort to see from the other person's point of view on the events.

However, both sides need to take accountability for their actions and the consequences of said actions. While also remembering this. That an apology and forgiveness aren't the same.

I honestly feel the first step towards forgiveness? You've to be self-aware enough to realize what you did wrong on your own. Then, to show you understand why either words or actions were hurtful. Only then can you truly make an effort to change or show remorse?

If you still can't accept or realize on your own? Not even admit your mistakes? Then why should someone forgive you if you continue to act in a way that shows you don't even care about the other?"

"I imagine when neurodivergent people encountered neurotypical, the two vastly different mindsets and emotional sense can clash quite a bit."

"Yes, it is. Are we out of time?"

"For now, yes. See you next week at the same time." With that, the session and the ladies went their separate ways.

You're entirely responsible for your life.

This truth is equal parts empowering and terrifying. It means that you've to consciously let go of blame and excuses that don't support you.

It doesn't justify the wrongdoing that you've experienced. Instead, it gives you the power to change what makes you unhappy.

By accepting responsibility for where you're right now. Regardless of how you got here. You're better positioned to change the way your story plays out.