Meghan Bonde

I wrote an essay called "My Own Drum" to apply to be a part of a book about Autistic Joy and then I forgot about it. I recently learned that my essay was selected as one of ten to be published, but the author, Jackie Schuld, decided to shift the book project to articles on Medium...

I climbed down what felt like a 100 foot ladder into a cave with candles around the outside. My skin was covered in sticky sweat and dust from the hike to the cave in 90 degree heat and 90% humidity. I jumped into the cold, refreshing water to go for a swim and felt a deep sense of awe and wonder at this magical place. I had never swam in such clear, clean, naturally beautiful water in my life. I felt immense gratitude for this once in a lifetime experience in the Dominican Repubic (DR).  ...

I was standing backstage in the gym of the event venue for Tedx Woodinville with a tight stomach, my jaw clenched, and my stomach churning. I couldn't believe that it was actually going to happen. I was about to go out on that stage, stand on the red dot, and share my heart and soul with the world. I walked to the back corner with my headphones on and pressed play for the first song, "This is Me," by Keala Settle. My anthem that described what it felt like to unmask and "come out" as...