I've Become the Frog

But Knowing is Half the Battle.

There is an urban myth I often think about. It says if you put a frog in a pot of boiling water it will instantly leap out. But if you put it in a pot filled with pleasantly tepid water and gradually heat it, the frog will remain in the water until it boils. Morbid, yes. But stick with me.

Allegedly, the frog is not able to detect the gradual increase in temperature until it's too late. In essence, when our living conditions deteriorate gradually, we adapt to these conditions instead of getting rid of them, until we are no longer strong enough to escape. The boiling frog syndrome may occur in our relationships, interactions, or work-related situation.

I’m afraid of becoming a frog.

In my past year of self-reflection, I have learned a lot about myself. One being…so far in my life to-date, autism is my biggest worry. It consumes me too if I’m not careful.

There is always a phone call to make. A therapy to try. A medication that could be tweaked. A new behavior to understand.

Adulthood is looming. I am aging. His feet are bigger than mine.

I am no stranger to waking up at 3 am terrified about the future.