My Spicy Brain: Embracing My Quirks and Soft Rebellion

The Need for Order (and the Mess That Follows)

I have this need for order. When my space isn’t clean, I don’t feel great. For example, I just got back from a trip, and my spare bedroom/office is still half unpacked. Every time I walk by, I feel like it gives me hives (well, not really, but you know what I mean). I should finish putting it away, but then I think of a dozen other things I “should” be doing.

This craving for order shows up in other parts of my life, too. For example, I’ll go through my closet and drawers every two months - pulling everything out, refolding, sorting piles to donate, and trying on items I haven’t worn in a while. When it’s freshly done, everything fits perfectly, and I feel so accomplished. But within a week, the folded clothes are messed up, things are stuffed into drawers, and somehow there’s less space than before. I’m never sure where it all goes, but I keep repeating the cycle.

I laugh about it, but there’s comfort in the ritual: starting over, getting a fresh slate, even if I know the “system” won’t last. It reminds me that sometimes order isn’t about perfection - it’s about giving myself a reset.

Living in a Pinball Brain

My brain loves to jump from one project to another. I’ll start working on socials for a blog post, only to realize I forgot to adjust the margins on my latest book draft. So I switch to the book. Then, mid-adjustment, I’ll get an idea for a new sticker saying and start sketching designs. While drafting, I’ll remember that I should finish the book revision so I can upload the manuscript - and suddenly I’ve got three projects halfway done.

It can feel overwhelming, but this “pinball brain” is also where my creativity thrives. The connections I make between ideas often lead to some of my best work - like a sticker design born from a blog tangent, or a planner page idea inspired by my dogs.

The trick is learning how to gently corral the chaos. I’ve had to build systems, like writing every idea down immediately, so even if I don’t finish right away, I don’t lose the spark.

Sensory Quirks

On top of all that, I’m picky. I don’t like certain textures, and I require a lot of downtime to recharge. I love when things feel soft and cozy, but I can’t stand super bright lights unless it’s natural daylight. At the gym, I’ve even asked my trainer to lower the fluorescent lights during early morning workouts.

When I travel, I slip on noise-canceling headphones - not just to block out sound, but also to signal to fellow passengers: please, no small talk. Those little sensory boundaries make a big difference in how I show up for myself and others.

I used to think this made me “high maintenance,” but I’ve come to see it as simply knowing what helps me function at my best.

The Introverted Extrovert

Since COVID, I’ve had more space to notice these quirks. Before, I was constantly rushing - late nights, busy weekends, no real time to recharge. Being home with my dogs showed me how different life feels when I slow the pace.

I’ve also realized that while I’m an extrovert, I’m more of an introverted extrovert. I thrive with people I know well, but with new people, social anxiety and awkwardness often creep in. It’s a strange dichotomy - craving connection but also needing recovery time afterward.

Now I plan social events more intentionally. I give myself prep time before and recovery time after. That space allows me to fully enjoy being with others without feeling like I’ve drained my batteries completely.

Coping Tools and Routines

While I haven’t been diagnosed with anything, I’ve built coping skills along the way. I take endless notes so I don’t forget things. I plan out my days so I don’t lose track - or lose time. And if I have a social event, I need space beforehand to mentally prepare.

I’ve learned that the right tools can make a huge difference. A simple notebook, sticky notes, or a digital planner becomes more than stationery - it’s a lifeline for my brain. Even cozy tech like noise-canceling headphones or a lamp with soft light helps me create an environment where I can function with less friction.

“Rest is My Resistance”

The Soft Rebellion of Saying No

Part of my soft rebellion is learning to say no. I used to feel obligated to attend everything, even when I didn’t want to. Now, when guilt creeps in, I pause and ask myself: Is this important to me? Is it important to them?

I even keep a personal guide - non-negotiables like friends in need or meaningful events that I’ll always say yes to. Everything else, I evaluate carefully. Saying no still isn’t easy, but it’s part of honoring myself.

It’s funny - rest shouldn’t feel rebellious, but in a culture that prizes hustle and busyness, slowing down can feel like an act of defiance. For me, it’s a gentle rebellion: choosing rest, choosing presence, choosing intention.

Turning Quirks into Creativity

What I’ve learned is this: I don’t need to keep living at a frantic pace, saying yes to everything. I can choose rest. I can be intentional. And when I do show up, I’m all in.

That mindset is also why I started my business. So many of the sayings and ideas that became my products were born from these very quirks - this neurospicy mix of chaos, creativity, and self-awareness. I wanted to create things that reminded people like me that it’s okay to honor how your brain works.

You’re Not Alone

If you see yourself in any of this, you’re not alone. And maybe that’s why little tools - planners, stickers, cozy tech, even a well-placed mug with the right words - matter. They’re not just products; they’re reminders that your way of doing life works.

Because maybe the goal isn’t to “fix” ourselves, but to build lives that fit us.

My Go-To Tools for a Neurospice Life

Over time, I’ve found that small, intentional supports make a huge difference. Whether it’s writing things down, having visual reminders, or creating a cozy environment, these are the things that help me turn chaos into something more manageable.

Here are a few of my favorite ways to make life a little smoother:

 🔖 Planner / Productivity Version

If you’re wired like me, planners and lists aren’t just helpful—they’re survival tools. Having a space to track ideas, half-done projects, and “should-dos” keeps me grounded when my brain is in five different places at once. That’s why I created the Brain Tabs Planner and working on some other planners and apps - to make planning feel less like pressure and more like support. 👉 https://amzn.to/4nq3cDr

🌟 Stickers / Soft Rebellion Version

Sometimes all it takes is a small reminder to reset. That’s why I love creating stickers with sayings that reflect this “neurospice or soft power” energy, like “Quietly Rescheduled” or “Sensory-friendly, people-optional.” They’re little daily nods that it’s okay to be who you are, quirks and all. Etsy shop: 👉 https://www.etsy.com/shop/SoftEditCollective

🖥️ Cozy Tech Version

And sometimes support looks like cozy tech—the tools that help me focus and recharge. A good set of noise-canceling headphones, a desk lamp with soft light, or even a timer app can shift how my day feels. I’ve gathered a few of my favorites that make navigating the chaos a little smoother.

👉 Check out my cozy tech blog for some recommended products: https://www.fickleflashes.com/blog/cozy-tech