Soul SiStories
Soul SiStories was born out of a mutual desire to bring forward hope and healing through sharing our lived experiences. Hope is embracing life despite adversity. Hope is our reason.
Soul SiStories
Embracing Autism: Life at Your Own Pace
Liz Michels shares her powerful journey as an adult woman with autism, challenging misconceptions and advocating for understanding that people develop "in their own time." Her story from early diagnosis to becoming a workplace advocate demonstrates how proper support and acceptance can lead to thriving despite challenges.
• Diagnosed with autism at age three despite doctors' limited expectations for her future
• Parents chose to "take her home and treat her like everybody else" rather than viewing her through a deficit lens
• Found inspiration in the Japanese concept of autism meaning "in their own time" rather than just a disorder
• Credits dedicated teachers including her music teacher Mrs. Bernstein and occupational therapist Mrs. Snyder with helping her reach milestones
• Now works as an EVS technician at a hospital where she advocates for inclusive hiring practices
• Was featured in a "Coast Life" segment for National Disability Awareness Month to showcase workplace capabilities
• Lives by the motto "If you can't find the sunshine, be the sunshine" which reflects her positive approach to challenges
• Emphasizes that everyone deserves patience and understanding regardless of neurological differences
• Recommends that counselors and mental health professionals listen fully to autistic clients and educate themselves through available resources
• Finds joy in being an aunt and spending time by the ocean near her Delaware home
Connect with Liz on Instagram @Lizzy_Sunshine_Strutter_98 or on Facebook as Liz Michels to share your story or connect with her autism advocacy work.
Thanks for listening to Soul SiStories. We hope you follow us on your favorite podcast platform. Five-star ratings and reviews always help to spread our message of hope.
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Welcome to Soul Sisteries.
Speaker 2:Welcome back to Soul Sisteries. We just had a great conversation with Liz Michaels, an advocate in the autism community.
Speaker 1:It was so great to talk with her, one that she reached out to us to have a connection, and we thought, yes, yes, yes, we want to hear the stories we want to hear from so many. And it was so, just so great to hear from Liz we didn't know her before and getting to know her story, her message, and it is just a very simple and straightforward one that is so important for all of us, right, yeah, yeah, perfect, good stuff. Enjoy everyone, hey, everyone. So this is so exciting. We have a new guest with us today. Her name is Liz Michaels. You know, the internet is a wondrous thing because this is where we make connections, right, and we discovered each other there. So Liz is joining us to really talk about her advocacy and bringing awareness to autism and living with autism and her own hope through story. So welcome, liz. We're so, so glad to have you here with us.
Speaker 3:Again thank you for having me.
Speaker 2:So I'm going to jump in just because this is the first time we've talked, liz, and I would love for you to maybe just share a little bit with us and everybody listening kind of your story and what got you kind of to here with us today.
Speaker 3:Um, so I I discovered you guys on Instagram and I listened to an episode and I jumped on to to apply to be on the show. And the reason is is because, you know, um, I am an adult woman with autism and I really wanted to share my story because, as as the years go on, you know, autism is coming out more and more, um, and the diagnosis are going up, and I really so. I was diagnosed at the age of three, around, uh, late, early nineties, I would say, and you know, um, you know connecting with others and you know speaking and speaking and also comprehending things were very difficult for me, but with the help of occupational therapists, school psychologists you know I was and just overall teachers who didn't give up on me, was, you know, able to overcome, like, get those milestones. Just, I hit them a little, um later than my other peers and that's one of the things on my autism journey that I've been teaching people is you know, everyone goes at their own pace, um, I know in Hawaii and Japan they have like I forget the word, but it means in their own time and so I've been doing a lot of research like how, like other countries deal with autism and when I saw, like Hawaii you know a US state and Japan have a word that means like in their own time. Autism to them just doesn't mean a neurological disorder, it means for them, it just means in their own time. So it just kind of brings comfort for me, it brings a well, it brings a lot of comfort for me because to to for that, to see that it's just, it's more than a diagnosis, it's just okay, this person just than a diagnosis, it's just okay, this person just hits milestones in their own time.
Speaker 3:And so as I, you know, as I went through school, you know, I dealt with bullying and I dealt with, you know, again, just being a little bit behind from my peers and feel feeling like I was playing catch up. And from time to time, as an adult, I that way too. Yeah, I still feel that way, but again, in my own time, like I will understand and eventually, you know, understand, you know the what is around me and the people around me, um, so you know, um, and uh, doctors did tell my parents, you know, I wasn't going to graduate high school or, like you know, be be able to go to college or, like you know, elementary school. But you know, um, my mom being a 30 year, uh, art teacher, um, and um, my dad, you know, being a football coach. You know, they both just said you know, we're just gonna take her home and, you know, treat her like everybody else. And that's exactly what they did. Again, you know, challenges did rise but at the same time, uh, you know, again, I was able to hit those milestones. Just, it may have just been a little bit later in life, which, and that's okay, um, and you know, I did go on to graduating high school and I went on to college.
Speaker 3:I was a daycare teacher on and off for 15 years and I had like jobs in between, but the job that I'm really enjoying right now is I work at a hospital. I help, you know, keep the environment clean. It's called an EVS technician. It's called an EVS technician and it's, um, it it's somebody who helps keep the environment clean for both, you know, the employees and the patients, and keeping it safe, um, I feel like for me, I do take it one step above. Like you know, if I go into, like a patient's room and they just want somebody to talk to, you know, I sit there and talk with them for a little bit, just because I know hospitals are a little stressful and they're not, yeah, they're not fun and I know, especially like some of my elderly patients that come in, they're like I just don't want to be here and I'm, I, I commend, I tell them like it's okay to feel that way, like nobody wants to be here, Um, but uh, you know, and I also have brought you know um autism acceptance and awareness at my workplace, um, I, I was on um, a new segment called coast life, and they, um, they showed me, uh, a day in the life of me for National Disability Awareness Month, which is in October, and they pretty much, you know, shared, you know, just, like people with autism can do things.
Speaker 3:You know, you, just, it's all about patience and you know, giving them a chance because, you know, unfortunately, there are people who you know who do, who are in workplaces, they don't have the time and patience for somebody who may have a different learning style, um, or who may have a disability, and you know they don't have that patience.
Speaker 3:And, um, the one thing I'm trying to teach at my, at my job is, um, you know, at my, at my job is, you know, give people a chance, whether they have anxiety, depression, autism, cerebral palsy, you know anything. Just you know these people do deserve to work. You know you just be patient and work with them. And so I also joined my women's resource, women in leadership resource group and at first I thought, you know, I told them I was like, oh, I'm sorry, like I'm not leadership in EBS. And they were like, oh, you're a leader, you know, it may not be, it may not be like, cause you know where I work we don't really have a. We have a manager, but we don't really have like a lead, like we're kind of like independent. But they were like, oh, you're a leader, all right, you know you, just you're a leader in with your autism advocacy and representing our, our, our hospital and teaching people to give other people a chance.
Speaker 2:So I appreciate you sharing all of that with us and kind of just your journey and where you've gone. I want to go back a little bit because I know you talked about, like your parents, getting that diagnosis when you were three and then the struggle you had. I'm curious what you found along the way, and I don't know if you remember this because of course you were only three, but at what point did you feel like there was somebody there to kind of help you in the way that you needed to be helped?
Speaker 3:So when I was three, I remember I remember teachers going in and out and helping me. But this the one actually, I want to say to teachers first off, music is something that's very important to me. So elementary school, mrs Bernstein, who was my music teacher, she had, she had a lot of patience with me and she knew I loved music. Like she could tell, like, oh, this, this girl really likes her music. And um, uh, my occupational therapist, mrs snyder, um, I still tie my shoes the same way. She has taught me to this day.
Speaker 3:I was in elementary school and I'm 30, I just turned 36, and I still tie my shoes the same way to this day. Um, so, shout out to both of them. Um, yeah, they, well, both of them. Like with miss bernstein, like, even though she what to me, she just wasn't a music teacher, she was somebody who, like, really listened to what I had to say and really noticed, you know, whether I was having a good day or a bad day. She noticed just I, I know what to do to help liz and you. I remember this was back in the 90s where the Macarena was really popular and she knew I liked doing it and she was just like, okay, we're going to get through this lesson and then we're going to do this Macarena, I mean and.
Speaker 3:I was just so pumped. And then when Titanic came out, she knew all the girls loved the celine dion song. My heart will go on. And again she would be like, okay, like we get through this, I'll play it.
Speaker 3:And it was just like, yay, yeah, it's beautiful yeah, yeah and um, she, she, um, she also uh again, like she knew I loved to sing. And the other thing that I really appreciated about her was my love for music. Because now I teach other people, especially children, who are like, oh yeah, I like this rapper and like this person, like, oh, composers, how boring. Well then I, when I was a daycare teacher, I would teach. I would say to them you know, you wouldn't have your music if it wasn't for that. And then they would look at me like, oh, you know, I just thought our musicians did their own thing. They did. But if you and I told them, if you watch interviews or if you watch, hear them speak, some of them, a lot of them, listen to classical music, which is what started music, you know, like. So she was a very good role model and I still talk to her to this day. One positive thing about Facebook is just, you know, I still talk to her and she's a great lady.
Speaker 3:The other so, my occupational therapist, mrs Snyder. She really stuck up for me, like, if you know, I would show her a class assignment. I wasn't understanding Like and I was having like. There were times where I would have a hard time cutting. So she would like go to my teacher. Go, can we blow this up? Like there was one time I had like a mat project and she was like, oh my gosh, like the little little bits. So she would say, I'm gonna blow this up. So then yeah, and she taught me.
Speaker 3:She taught me how, even in the hardest ways like you know, the hardest um uh projects where there was a lot of cutting, like she really helped me, you know um uh, for cutting, she would help me with that. And then one of the obstacles, you know, my mom was telling her was, like she really needs, she's really struggling how to tie her shoes. So Mrs Snyder figured out, if she did it consistently, meaning like, like during our there was one session I remember she dedicated me just tying my shoe over and, over and, over and over again, and I think, with some people on the spectrum, I think that's what you just need to do. Like, again, patience, and both teachers, ms Snyder and Ms Bernstein, both were very patient and Ms Snyder, though, especially, was patient. And she just said that day, she, she used to call me Elizabeth and I mean, you know, back then that was fine, um, because even though I go by Liz, um, I always respected, you know, if teachers wanted to call me Elizabeth. That was fine, she would say. And she was like our session's going to be very different.
Speaker 3:And I looked at her and said, okay, like you know she was, she was telling me the entire time we're just going to tie your shoes. And, and that's that's what we did is just because she knew. She said your mom told me you need to learn how to tie your shoes. So I took my shoes off and she, just she said we're going to keep doing it, like over and over again. And it makes perfect sense. Like because she realized, like okay, liz's brain, you know her thinking she'll remember this if it's just done over and over and over and it'll stick. It'll stick. So I mean for our hour, like that's all I did. And to the, you know it, it stuck. And I'm again 36 years old, I'm still tying the way she taught me.
Speaker 3:So those, those, those two things, I, I, those two teachers, like is, when I realized, like I was just like okay, like I have a challenge. And you know, again, teenage years, you know, are, are, and again, like I, I don't get salty with anybody because man, being a teenager, even to this day, is is. Back then, is is tough, like you're hitting you're, you're getting hit with puberty, you're getting hit with you know. And and back then, like when I went to school, I remember girls like like the period talk, like I remember some people would be like oh shh, don't talk about that, but now, because, like some girls, would be in a lot of pain like I mean going to school, you know, and I mean you know people back then they could only do so much, but now I like, you know, you see these teachers like, have you know?
Speaker 3:like uh, like a, um, a pan, like a, almost like a pantry, and I think saying if you need products, like they're there. Yeah, and I really like that. That is becoming more comfortable to talk about, because I know for me being autistic and then getting up here getting a menstrual cycle, it was really tough on my body and like the sensory the. You know the pain and then I'm like what is going on? Why am I so tired? Why am I? Why am I? Why am I so hungry? I just ate my lunch. You know the pain and then I'm like what is going on, why?
Speaker 2:am I so tired? Why am I?
Speaker 3:craving. Why am I? Why am I so hungry?
Speaker 3:I just ate my lunch, you know, yeah, um, and and then, like you know, learning how to you know the shaving, and then it was just so, it was just a lot, it's a lot, yeah, yeah, and then and then, um again, as I've gotten you, you know, older, I'm realizing I'm like no wonder teenagers are like, so, like salt can be very salty is because I don't think, I don't think like I think you know, now, today, with the technology, I just think you know teenagers need somebody like to just sit down and just talk to them face to face, no phones, no nothing, and just saying how are you feeling? Why are you feeling like this, you know?
Speaker 3:and if they go, I think, um, with less technology, like I will say this, with less technology, like back when I went to school, there was more face-to-face talking, um, and that and me and my brothers, we all say like we're glad we graduated when we did, because you know, I do think school is getting a lot harder and a lot more challenging just with the testing and kids Like kids. I even talk to my nieces and nephews and I'm just like that is like the workload of an adult and you guys are in fourth and fifth grade, yikes.
Speaker 3:But yeah, um, so, but I mean again, you know, teenage years were a little challenging for me, um, but you know, as I graduated high school and went on to college, um, you know, I, you know more and more I, that's when I really my my love of music. Like I really and my dad is the one who really introduced me to all kinds of music he had his like thousand CD collection and like it would, it would go around like click, click, click, and then it would go pick a CD and it would play, and so I'd be like, oh well, who's this? And he would say this is the artist Like this is who you know you're listening to. So, and I mean, music just brought me a lot of comfort and to this day it still brings me a lot of comfort and it's been a, it's been very important in my journey.
Speaker 1:Liz, let me ask you a question, because you just mentioned your dad there and I'm thinking all along the way you had mentioned earlier, your dad is coach and your mom was an educator, and what do you think that role I mean, it kind of feels obvious what do you think those roles did in terms of your support and getting you started in the way you needed to be started and getting you supported in the way you needed to be supported?
Speaker 3:So my dad is not like a babyer, he's not like, and that, in a way, with this situation, it's good, because he he would always say, like she doesn't need to be coddled, like she's not broken, she just has autism. Like you know, I love that she's not broken.
Speaker 1:She just has autism.
Speaker 3:That's beautiful, yes and I think that you know when people do get that, you know diagnosis. They're like, oh, my god, like we have to, you know, keep on on guard at all times. And it's just like he just was kind of like no, I'm not doing this babying. Like, oh, it's okay, you're autistic. He's like, no, you're gonna face check. And there were times for, like, where I didn't want to go to school because I'd be like this person's being mean to me. He was like that's the real world, goodbye. Like I mean and and back. Looking back, I'm like, well, I'm kind of glad he did. Like that's the real world, goodbye. Like I mean and and back.
Speaker 3:Looking back, I'm like, well, I'm kind of glad he did that because it's prepared me to be, you know, even in my adult, my adult life. You know I do meet, you know, not so nice people and you know I do get that feeling like, oh, this, this kind of stinks being around that. But I handle it a lot better, like if it wasn't for him and my mom going like you need to go by, like you're going to meet me, meet me, just, you know and I'm still learning to the state with my counselor Like sometimes you're going to be in a space with people you don't necessarily enjoy being around, but you need to just respect them and just you know you don't have to say anything. Just you know, just say, okay, they're in the same space as me. You know, like it is what it is. You know we don't need to be best friends, um, uh, with my mom though, um, being a teacher, though you know she's had all kinds of students, um, you know, and, and art being again, she knows, she knows, she knows like art with her kids with disabilities was, and the drawing, like you know, it was very it was something they enjoyed.
Speaker 3:It was, you know, it was kind of a break from the workload and my mom was also very understanding with her students, like you know, she, she told me this one time this little kid it was kindergartner's first day of school and he fell asleep in her class and she was like it's his, it's his first day, like, and you know, she knows, not everyone gets access to preschool and stuff, so she's like I just let him sleep like the last 10 minutes. She's like it was, it's an exhausting day.
Speaker 3:She was very she was very understanding and she also had students, you know, who would you know, say some not nice words and get like all like what, what? And she just was like no, I'm not going to run to the principal, no, like I can deal with it. And so like, um, she would tell me, like you know, all these two boys, they like to talk to each other and they wouldn't get work done. So she said, I made the plan. I had one boy on this side, one boy on that side, and I stood right in the middle and I would tell them, oh, you don't need to get up, mrs Michaels will get it for you. You know, she was very strategic and like knew, like what to do if she saw a problem. Like would come up with solutions if she saw a problem, like would come up with solutions.
Speaker 2:Oh, go ahead. No, I just want to ask because, because you mentioned, you've mentioned your work, kind of in advocating for the population with autism. You also, just kind of in passing, real quick, mentioned your work with your own counselor, and I don't know if you're aware, but but I work with counseling students. I'm in education and I work with counseling students who are getting ready to be working in the field, and one of the classes that I'm teaching right now is all about advocacy and how to advocate for various populations that they might work with. And so I'm curious what you might want counseling students who are future counselors that are going to be working with all sorts of individuals, but including individuals with autism. What would you want them to know about advocacy and how to get involved and like, kind of what should they know to advocate for that population?
Speaker 3:So, for starters, I know with my counselor, like she really like, if I have a lot to say, she will go. Okay, I'm going to sit here, I'm going to listen, and then you let me know when you want me to intervene. So, um, and I know, um, you know there are times where I'm just like I, I need to get something off my chest. She says go ahead, um, so another thing is, if there's like workshops like I know there's a lot of free ones online, like, take advantage of it. And um, you know, if there's like a town hall meeting, you know where, I know they're not police officers, but I know there's like some where they're like how to, how to um interact with people on the spectrum or other disabilities, like, really take advantage of your resources, because I know some people are like, oh, I don't have time for it. Yeah, it's like you, I think a lot of people do have the time, it's just they don't want to use their time for that. But really, what's an hour gonna do? You know, um, really take. And if like um, you know, count with counseling, like if there's workshops being offered, you know, again, take advantage, even read books about people on the spectrum, you know and how.
Speaker 3:Because I think one thing I've learned is people on the spectrum, they want to be talked to, they want to have even those with profound autism, they don't want to. Just because they can't talk doesn't mean they don't want to communicate with you. They want, yeah, they want to communicate. It's just they communicate in a way that people aren't used to. You know, whether it's blinking, whether it's like hand gestures, you know you, just a lot of a little patience goes a long way, right, so, and spending time with them too, and I know, with, again, my counselor, she again really takes the time to listen and then and after that she'll put, like, her hand up or go like, can I just say like we've been doing, and I go absolutely, she, you know, again, she's the one that reminds me.
Speaker 3:You know, like. You know there are people who aren't going to like you and it's not. You know, again, she's the one that reminds me. You know, like, you know there are people who aren't going to like you and it's not. You know, she even tells me like it's. Because that's one thing I struggle with. Like when someone doesn't like it, it makes you feel, it makes you feel crappy and um, or you find people you know who you think are your friend and then you realize, like they're not the person you think they are. Yeah, and you know it's um, and she tells me she's just like, if um expressing feelings, like she's like if you feel don't feel comfortable with that person, just simply, like you know, say hello, good morning, and then move on and um, you know who safe people are and she says safe people are the ones who were like are asking you, how are you, are you doing, okay, like do you need anything, that kind of thing?
Speaker 3:yeah. Are the ones who were like are asking you, how are you, are you doing, okay, like do you need anything, that kind of thing? Yeah, um, the ones who celebrate you and I I do have those people who do celebrate me. So, like again with count, you know counselors as they go into the field, all you know, again, a little patience goes a long way and comfort too.
Speaker 1:Yes, yeah, yeah, yeah, liz, one of the things that you said earlier that really struck me and it was just a super goes a long way, and comfort, too. Yes, yeah, yeah, yeah, liz, one of the things that you said earlier that really struck me and it was just a super quick comment, but you talked about when we were talking about in my own time as the awareness of autism, and you said that you use that to this day as an adult. When there's something that's challenging for you in the world or that you're trying to unpack or discover, you will remind yourself in your own time and carry on and what do you think it is in you? What's that resource in you, or that part of your personality or that you've learned along the way that's kind of helped you get to that point where you can just have that self-awareness and that self-love and that gentleness for yourself, like in my own time. It's all good, I'm good and what?
Speaker 3:do you think, um, I think for me, um, I definitely think it's um, the team of people, um, that that have worked with me and that have necessarily not given up on me. I mean, there are people who you know I can tell, and they, even with with these, with my, my P, I call them my like tribe, my people. Even if they're in a bad mood, they let me know, like, hey, I'm not in the greatest mood today Cause they know I'm sensitive. Um, you know, I just want you to know I'm dealing with something it's not fun. And even I go, what can I do to help? Like, and I even say it like for me. I go, I tell them like, oh well, since you helped me, maybe I can help you, like what's going on? And some of them do open up to me and go well, this is what's going on, and you know I don't want to. You know, and you know I don't want to. You know, either it could even be like a death or just the day's not going right, that kind of thing. So I really take the time to listen to them, like they do for me.
Speaker 3:Another thing is again my, you know, doing research. I really like to read quotes too, like, and that's where I found the one that was saying autism. Um, in Japan they use the word autism, as in my own time. Um, I also um, like, remind, like I have a. I am Matra. Um, so I had a health coach named share Mac. She unfortunately passed away this past January from from chance, yeah, cancer.
Speaker 3:Yeah, from breast cancer, but I mean she's still very special to me. You know she's a guardian angel now, but she taught me the I am mantra. So like when I feel myself like getting upset or, you know, stressed, I go, I am and I'll go like I am awesome, like I work hard. I am not going to be like nasty to people, like I am not going to stoop to people's levels, like that. You know people. You know, because she always taught me never stoop to anyone you know below, never below yourself. Or like you know um to someone who isn't being kind, level, lift yourself up. Yeah, yes, yeah, she always taught me you know to someone who isn't being kind?
Speaker 3:level. Yeah, lift yourself up. Yeah, yes, she always taught me, you know, keep being a person like people can go to if they're in trouble or they need help. Because, you know again, I don't mind listening because people have helped me, like I can pay it forward to this world by listening to other people who may be struggling, and not necessarily with autism, but like anxiety, depression. You know that kind of thing.
Speaker 3:But another thing you know again just listening to stories, people's stories, and not just listening to see they have autism on levels now, like level one, two and three. So I'm like a level one and you know. But there are other levels you know I feel like I need to learn um about. So I've, I've been listening to different stories, like some people on level three that's the, that's the lowest you know that need a lot of support, um, so listening to these stories and then you know lot of support. So listening to these stories and then you know reaching out to parents and going like you know, how are they doing today? Or like just even acknowledging their child, because that's all a parent wants is for a child to be acknowledged Like every, every child and every person should be acknowledged in some way.
Speaker 3:I mean because it's not, it's not the easiest thing, and you know the with the autism community, like you know, there is a couple things where they you know they talk about like autism being a superpower and and or autism the symbol of autism, and I think, again, what I always say is like I think we all just need to like not worry about symbols and stuff like that, but just come together and give everybody a chance.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:Let me ask you, liz, going back to kind of your younger self, like junior high, early high school, maybe, when you're 13 years old, oh God, right, right. I think we all have that kind of reaction. But, yeah, think about yourself and what was going on in your life at 13. What would your 13 year old self say about you today?
Speaker 3:wow, we've come a long way. Yeah, yes, 13 was a rough, I remember. I remember telling my parents I was y'all are going to laugh.
Speaker 3:I was like I'm not wearing bad, you need to Um and um. It was because, like I just, I think part of me just like, was like dang, like like I'm becoming a young lady and she's like and that's what she told me she's like you're becoming a young lady, you need to wear this. But yeah, my 13 year old self would be like whoa, we came a long way. I thought, yeah, I thought for a while, for some time, there we were like am I going to make it out alive?
Speaker 2:Yeah, and here you are. Here you are, yes, yes.
Speaker 1:And thriving, yes, which you can tell in just talking with you, liz, that your sense of humor, your brightness, your self possession, all of these things are, you know, hallmarks of somebody who really is in their own skin, and happily so, which is what we all are striving to be no matter where we are.
Speaker 3:So I mean, that's definitely a model for for us all is truth to self, and all of us in our own time what a, what a great model for everything on this planet.
Speaker 1:Yeah, yeah, yeah, I love that. So do you have, like um, I think you've already said it, but do you have like a life motto, a life philosophy, something that you kind of live by, that that holds you up each day, that you go back to again and again?
Speaker 3:So, they call me Sunshine and I am a fan of the band called the Shruts. I am a fan of the band called the struts and they the lead singer gave me the name Lizzie sunshine. So I always go by. If you can't find the sunshine, be the sunshine. So even in my, even in my, like, kind of like, if I'm not having the greatest day, you know, again trying to find the sunshine, be the sunshine, that kind of thing. So that's one that I love, that yeah, and again, you know I also go with that saying in your own time, yeah, and just again, like that's one that I use, like they're just learning there in their own time and it's their own way of learning. And I also remind people to say like, say we all? I tell people, even you know ones who have very don't, have a whole lot of patience. I'm like you need to remember, not everyone is the same, Right, and I feel like if we were the same, it would be very boring, Like nobody would learn anything, Nobody would have a job, Nobody, you know.
Speaker 2:Yeah, yeah, boring world for sure. Yes, yes, liz, who is it that inspires you?
Speaker 3:So definitely I have a couple, so definitely my parents you know, of course, mom and dad, I live with them still, but again, like you know, they give me my own space and like, let me do my thing, um, and uh, then I again the, the band, the struts, um, uh, they um, you know they follow me on Instagram and, like you know, I cheer them on, they cheer me on, like it's it's just uh, uh, it's not, it's even gone beyond from music, it's just supporting one another and being proud of each other. Um, another band um that I grew up with is they're called 98 degrees. Um, they, they helped me through my teenage years, like you know, whether it was a good time, a sad time, like they were always there for me, their music was always there. And then, um, I also um have another band called Kelsey Carter and the Heroines, another another um female rock star who, um, and her band, who support me in my journey with autism. Like, they all enter, they all interconnect, um, they all support me in my own way.
Speaker 3:Um, and just you know again, this stuff it's, it's gone beyond like being like music, and you know, we, we, just you know it's just supporting one another, which everyone should, everyone should do for people like whether, you know, because I know, for me, like I really like to cheer people on, you know, even like depression, like if you got out of bed and took a shower and, like you know, because I don't think people realize, like everyone's, again, you don't know what they're you're fighting for.
Speaker 3:So, and my other biggest thing is, you know you need to watch your words and watch how you speak to people, because you don't, you don't know what you could be adding fuel to the fire, right? Yeah, you know, and being kind, for me being kind, whether, even if you don't like somebody, like even be, just be decent. It's not hard to be decent, right?
Speaker 2:Amen to that, Just just be decent. Yeah, so we, we like to go through kind of at this point some rapid fire questions and so we're just going to ask something and you kind of just share the first thing that comes to mind. You don't have to think about it a whole lot. But you like music, so I think this is a good question for you. So you know, like, if somebody's like walking out to the pitcher's mound or somebody's walking up to the stage there's like music playing, what they call their walk-in music, so what would be your walk-in song if you were walking up to the stage or a podium? Here Comes the Sun by the Beatles. Oh, great song. Great song too Great band.
Speaker 1:Love that, love that. What book that you've read changed you?
Speaker 3:The Diary of Anne Frank. Oh, that's such a powerful book. So I was a teenager when I read that and when it said this is where the diary ends, I lost it because I was like it's not fair and like I taught. That's where I really learned about judging people. Like you know, you should never judge somebody Beautiful but also.
Speaker 1:I mean, it's such a powerful book, and one of the reasons it's so powerful is her inimitable spirit, which we also see reflected in you. That's exactly what you choose is to live life in that way, with that same type of framework. So that makes perfect sense to me that Anne would speak so strongly.
Speaker 2:Yeah, yeah, what? What is a movie that you could watch again and again, and again?
Speaker 3:I'm trying to, I'm trying to. Well, there's a couple. Um, I really like the help. Yeah, that's a good one.
Speaker 3:That is a very powerful movie, because I think performances I, I think I would be cele Foote and be nice and be like let's be friends, because I would not. And I really liked the scene where she's like you're supposed to sit at this table and she grabs her plate and goes I am fine where I am, minnie, and the two women, octavia Spencer and the other actress, I think, jessica Chastain. You know the, the interaction, and I also really liked Viola Davis. But like I really like that, that scene where she's like I am fine, right where I am, like I would be the same way and I've told people time and time again I would probably, you know, back in those days, you know, even you know whether it was the Holocaust, or like I would be the one that would get arrested or you know, because I would be like no, I'm not, I'm not putting up with this, like we're all human beings, like stop, right, right.
Speaker 1:Wonderful, wonderful. So what did you love doing as a kid that you love doing to this day?
Speaker 3:you love doing as a kid that you love doing to this day, Probably taking walks in nature and oh, being by the ocean. I live at the beach. I live in Delaware, I'm right outside Bethany Beach, being by the ocean. It's not the sand that I like, it's just, and my mom even said when you were young you went flying to that water and yeah, so definitely being by the ocean and just, you know, taking walks in nature and like listening to the sounds and, you know, just being at peace with it.
Speaker 2:Yeah yeah, beautiful Sounds like a beautiful place to live too.
Speaker 3:Yes, oh yeah, I really enjoy it.
Speaker 2:Yeah, yeah, beautiful Sounds like a beautiful place to live too. Yes, oh yeah, I really enjoy it. Yeah, what in your world is lighting you up right now? What is giving you happiness and joy in your world?
Speaker 3:Being an aunt, definitely my nieces and nephew, I actually, so two of them. Their names are Nyla and Nolan. They're Nyla is four and nolan is one, and let me tell you that they are some. They are some funny girls, oh I'm sure so much fun. Yes, the one is just obsessed with me. I call her my number one fan. She's just like lizzie, lizzie, lizzie and I'm like what, so she likes to follow me around and then the other one, the other one, um, nyla, she is, she's close to me, but she really loves her grandma.
Speaker 3:Um she, you know, um, her grandma is a big comfort for her and you know, um she, you know she's. Nolan is talker, nyla is the quiet one. But but when you do get, when you do get Nyla cranking, you know, you know cause, sometimes I'll go. Oh, hey, nyla should go. I am not talking to you, I'm talking to my grandma. I'm like okay, well, well, I'm talking to you.
Speaker 3:Yeah, she goes. Don't talk to me right now, I'm talking to my grandma, so definitely. And my older nieces and nephew. I have another niece named Emma who lives a couple hours away from me, and then I have six other five nieces and nephews and you know, the oldest one just goes. I just can't stand these kids right now. I said I go Kara, and her name is Kara, she's my oldest niece. I go, kara. What do you think you are? She's like oh honey, I'm 14. I'm considered an adult.
Speaker 3:I'm like, oh, crank it back a notch.
Speaker 1:They all say something, so they definitely bring me a lot of joy, as I'm sure you do to them as well. Yeah, yeah. And I mean, and as you've already shared, it just goes such a long way too, when adults can just hold space for kids to be who they are, develop in their own way and time.
Speaker 3:And for me, like, like my, my oldest niece is getting ready to go to high school, like again, and this and also my other, my um other niece, uh nyla, she's turning five in october. You know for both of them, like they're both about to hit, like she's not going to kindergarten until the following year, 2027, 2026, 27,. But still like carving, even if it's a bit busy, like carving out that little time to be there for them as well.
Speaker 3:I hope simple words go a long way, just saying like I'm, you know, you don't even have to tell them you're busy with life, but you can just say I love you. Yeah, you're going to do great, you know, send them, sending them off and if they are having a tough time, you know, sit there and listen to them and talk to them. You know, because, again, listening goes. Listening to people even not that aren't family, goes a long way. Like you could be helping them Right right, yeah.
Speaker 1:So okay, we'll go back to our little questions here. If hope were a color, what color is hope?
Speaker 3:I would. For me, I would choose yellow Yellow.
Speaker 2:Sunshine yes, yep, yep, yes. And what does hope sound like if it's?
Speaker 3:a sound sound I would. For me, it would be the sun shining and just like the birds chirping yeah, beautiful sound of nature yes, like when you know how, like when you wake up and you hear, like I know winter time you don't hear it as much like cause you know winter's cold, but like hearing those birds like the chirping, just you know and just reminding you okay, brand new day, let's do this Like yep.
Speaker 1:So, liz, finish this statement Music is Life.
Speaker 2:Perfect, there you go. So another fill in the blank. Then Joy is.
Speaker 3:Unconditional.
Speaker 1:Gorgeous and hope is.
Speaker 3:A ray of sunshine, there we go, bring it on back to that sunshine.
Speaker 1:So, Liz, we are just so grateful that you joined us for this passage of time, and clearly your message is a beautiful one Everyone needs to hear. Where can they learn more about you? Where can people find you?
Speaker 3:So I do have an Instagram. It's Lizzy Sunshine Strutter 98. And then I also have a Facebook Liz Michaels. Again, it's just my name L-I-Z-M-I-C-H-E-L-S. And again, if anyone wants to share their story or you know, needs you know somebody just to listen to them, like I'm. That's what I'm here for.
Speaker 2:Wonderful that's awesome. And yeah, and we will link those, so people will see those Absolutely. Absolutely Great. Thank you so much, liz. It was wonderful to spend some time with you today, and I wish you all sorts of sunshine.
Speaker 3:Oh, thank you so much. It's been great, great being here.
Speaker 1:Wonderful. Thank you, liz, take care.
Speaker 2:Thank you, bye-bye, bye-bye. Thanks for joining us today on Soul Sisteries.
Speaker 1:And thanks for sharing stories with us. We'd love to hear your stories as well and keep the conversation going, absolutely keeping the hope going. So we're really hopeful that you'll connect with our guests as well, who have great stories to share. Go ahead and follow them in various social media platforms or live venues, wherever it is that they're performing and sharing what they do.
Speaker 2:We would love to have you follow us on all of our social media platforms, subscribe and rate, as that will help us get our message of hope out to others. Thanks for listening to Soul Sisteries.
