The Method to the Rhythm — Why I’m Doing the Gateway

-

​If you’ve seen my recent posts about the Mencap Gateway Award, you might be wondering: What is the purpose behind all of this? Why turn my quiet, daily rhythms into a six-month "official" project?

​The truth is, life as an autistic person can often feel like you’re drifting in a sea of other people’s expectations. The "Sanctuary" I talk about isn't just a place—it's a practice. I’m doing the Gateway Award because it gives that practice a backbone. It’s about intentionality over accident.

​The Purpose Behind the Plan

​1. Building My "Sanctuary"

The award gives me a reason to stick to the rhythms that actually make me feel good. Without this commitment, it would be easy to skip my Finch goals or the Northumbria Office prayer when I’m tired. This turns my self-care into "official progress," helping me stay grounded when life feels overwhelming.

​2. Proven Independence (The Folder Effect)

By working directly with Mencap and managing this blog as my own "Living Folder," I’m proving to myself—and the world—that I can manage a complex, long-term project. It’s evidence of my autonomy. I’m the manager of my own growth.

​3. Bridging the Gap to Community

Activities like Dad & Me at Midlothian Sure Start and my Walk for Autism push me to engage with the world in a way that is structured and safe. It helps bridge the gap between "Sanctuary" (being alone and safe) and "Community" (connecting with others).

​4. Recognition of a Different Path

As an autistic individual, my path often looks different from others. This award is a nationally recognized way to say: "I have set goals, I have shown commitment, and I have achieved them." It’s a formal acknowledgment of the hard work I put into my daily life.

​5. The "Digital Parish" Legacy

By the end of these 26 weeks, I won't just have an award; I’ll have a six-month digital diary of my growth. I’ll be able to look back at my first post and see exactly how far I've come.

​The Squiggle Society fidgets I use, the nature walks I take, and the reflections I write aren't just hobbies—they are my anchors. I’m doing this to show that an independent, mindful, and spiritual life is possible on my own terms.

​Thanks for being part of my pilgrimage.


A Highland Theological College graduate and non-conformist follower of Jesus living at the crossroads of neurodiversity and faith. Writing through the lens of the proverbial Forest Parish on the wild grace of the Gospel.

Comments

Post a Comment

What sayest thou?

Popular posts from this blog

Welcome to the Forest Parish

-
Image
​A Place of Hearth, Home, and Holy Ground ​ Dear friends in Christ, ​Welcome to this clearing in the woods. Just as the forest offers shelter to all and the hearth provides warmth to the weary, I hope this space serves as a sanctuary for your spirit. ​There are many voices in the world, but here is the rhythm of my own heart and ministry—a way of life rooted in the ancient soil of the Gospel and the quiet light of the home fire. ​The Three Great Trees: A Foundation of Faith ​In my journey, three truths stand like ancient oaks, providing shelter and strength: ​ The Living Word: Jesus Christ is God manifest in the flesh. Apart from Him, the true God cannot be fully known. In Jesus, we see the face of a God who is Love, and whose Gospel is the path of Peace. ​ The Gift of Grace: Salvation is found by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, for the glory of God alone. Like the rain that falls on the forest floor, grace is a gift—unearned, refreshing, and life-giving. ​ T...
Read more

Take Heart: A Catechism

-
Take Heart A Catechism By David Holdsworth  Authors Note: There are many good Catechisms available. But, somewhere along the line Christians in many parts of the church at large seem to have lost this age old practice of simple instruction in the format of questions and answers. In no way is this little contribution meant to take away from good Catechisms already written, but rather to be a compliment to them. This is a simple way for me to share the good news with others. It is my hope that you the reader or listener may find biblical help from the simplicity of the good news. I have included biblical proofs as standard so you may go and examine the scriptures (and indeed your heart) for yourself. Pax et Bonum. (1) Q. What comfort may be found for the believer? A. A heart that need not have trouble or fear. One that can rely on God in troubled times and that can glorify His name.  Proofs. John 14:27, Psalm 46:1, Psalm 50:15 (2) Q. What message does scriptures give to those st...
Read more

Ares or Christós?

-
What if we aren't the "goodies" after all?  What if propaganda from all sides of all conflicts reveals a darker truth?  There are no heroes only villains and their victims. The broken cisterns of this world are truly overflowing.  There are no righteous, no not one!  There never have been, for all our supposed righteousness is as filthy rags. It is a sad reality that so many, even those of the faith, seem to effectively kneel before Ares.  This idolatry of violence and war is in such contrast to worshiping at the feet of the Prince of Peace.  Sometimes it feels as if the entire world is marching toward destruction and chaos.  Worst of all is that we know the mistakes made in our histories, but we seem to learn nothing from history (other than that we learn nothing).  We do it all again and again.  Sin after sin. When posterity comes to judge us will they look upon the arms trade unchecked, the governments unhindered in iniquity and the...
Read more

Be Still

-
“Be still, and know that I am God.     I will be exalted among the nations,     I will be exalted in the earth!” (Psalm 46:10)   Once there was an old man who took his grandson a walk in the countryside. The old man's face was creased with wrinkles. Like the rings inside an ancient log tree, each signified age and wisdom. The man, to the boys surprise stopped suddenly. He was calm, so calm the boy didn't feel it right to interrupt this moment of solititude. 'Listen', the old man said. The boy listened. At first he could hear nothing but his own racing thoughts. 'Truly listen', the man said sensing the boys difficulty. So he tried again. He closed his eyes, took a breath and opened them again. 'I hear it', he whispered. They both fell silent again and listened to the gentle winds and the birds in the trees, and further a field the beautiful sound of a babbling brook. Then they listened to silence itself. 'This my child is real worship.'...
Read more

Happy Autism Acceptance Month!

-
Thanks to all who supported my walk for Autism Initiatives. My challenge was 80000 steps over 8 days. I managed over 123,385, including a team walk. My personal goal was £50 and I beat this goal well thanks to kind sponsors. As a team, No6 One Stop Shop raised £1,022 + £181.32 GiftAid. Our collective goal was £500. All support has been much appreciated. Donations and sponsorships are still open until end of the month. All contributions of any amount happily received. 
Read more

Upside Down

-
On the road to Emmaus two fellows entered fellowship with God. 'Did not our hearts burn within us...' These fellows of the fellowship of the upper room journeyed: Sorrow? Fear? Is it over? Dead! Joy? Courage? Just begun? Alive! Turn the world upside down. He turns hearts upside down. The work is finished, but just begun. 
Read more

Walk for Autism Half Way

-
Today I joined a team from No6 One Stop Shop (Autism Initiatives) in Edinburgh for a walk. It was a lovely walk toward Inverleith Park near the Botanical Gardens and back again. It was nice seeing the swans and blowing the cob webs away. It did get a little cold due to the partial eclipse of the sun. Link here to todays  photo . Sponsors and Donations big or small most welcome . My personal present step count is 63,567 towards 80,000. More than half way there. I will hopefully reach the rest of my goal by Autism Acceptance Day and Month. Watch this space.
Read more

From a Scream to a Whisper

-
There is a scream way down deep in my heart and soul.  A primitive scream of mourning, anger and pain.  A scream that should it erupt would shatter worlds.  A scream that if possible would awaken the ancestors and echo into the generations.  A scream that would make demons tremble and angels take notice.  It is not my scream alone, but a scream of collective force.  Fires and floods ravaged the years.  War and racial tension shook the earth.  Childish leaders oppressed the innocent and child like.  The species drained the earth of life and resources.  Disease and pestilence attacked the species. 'A pale horse and the one who rides on it is death and hell follows with him.'  What can hold back such a scream?  In my minds eye I see an empty old rugged cross, an empty tomb, creation groaning in birth pains, hope even in the darkness.  In my minds eye the scream becomes a whisper, "Be still all peoples, be still creation, be ...
Read more

Manna

-
My life and soul were parched. In a proverbial land of hunger and thirst, despair seemed inevitable. I cried to you like many times before. You, Lord are faithful. Like Moses striking the rock my thirst was quenched. Like Manna from heaven my hunger was satisfied. You are faithful from generation to generation. Blessed be your name. Amen
Read more

Peter Has Changed

-
Reading: Acts 3:1-10 Peter heals a beggar who can’t walk Peter has changed. "One day Peter and John..." John (the beloved) has brought the restored Peter who had so strongly denied Jesus along. There is a sense of being relational and intentional.  Peter has changed. "It was three o’clock in the afternoon. It was the time for prayer." They intentionally went to pray. They didn't give up praying but intentionally prayed at a given time. They went to a public place, not the privacy of the upper room but the temple. Peter has changed. "Then Peter took him by the right hand and helped him up." Peter is not drawing swords or being wildly outspoken. But, humbly and gently ministering to those in need. He is not a man of the sword but a man of prayer.  Peter has changed. (Quotes from NIRV).
Read more