SpeakinUpNow.com was started in 2011 to help others find their voice in sharing and communicating about issues that are important to them. It has now become a place where I share snippets of journal entries about different experiences throughout my life.

In my experience, writing provides a sense of meaning and purpose. Journaling allows us to process things in new ways and see challenges as opportunities for growth rather than problems in need of solving. When I write, I am able to find opportunities to learn and grow at my own pace. Sharing snippets of my journal with the world is one way in which I aim to find others who can relate to what it’s like being neurodivergent in a world made for neurotypicals. (I have ADHD, OCD, C-PTSD and am autistic.)

Writing out my thoughts to process my thoughts, feelings, and emotions also allows me to slow down, appreciate the simpler things in life, and provide value to others who may need and want help learning how to slow down, appreciate the beauty and nature all around us, and see things from a new perspective.

I (Laura) was born and raised in Central Florida, and now call North Florida my home with my two dogs, a chihuahua and a dachshund. I am currently a student at an online college where I am pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Marine Biology. I also have a separate website, ImperfectlyLaura.com, where I sell my artwork created to further tell some of the stories written about in the excerpts here on SpeakinUpNow.com. You can also subscribe to my YouTube channel for ImperfectlyLaura.com for upcoming videos on my artwork that will inform viewers how the pieces relate to the stories told here on SpeakinUpNow.com.