The Autistic Mile · Oct 25, 2026 · 0:37
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Every long journey starts with a first step.
Jim Gaffney shares his experiences with marathon running and the lessons he learned from pushing through moments of doubt, exhaustion, and adversity.
There are times when a goal can feel so far away that it starts to seem impossible. You may question whether you’re capable of following through, especially when progress is slow or setbacks make you feel like you’re falling behind. But Jim explores why those moments don’t necessarily mean you’ve reached your limit.
Sometimes, you’re stronger than you think.
That doesn’t mean everyone has to accomplish something extraordinary by society’s standards. Growth can be much quieter than that. Improving a little at a time, building endurance, developing confidence, and continuing forward even when the progress feels small can still add up to something meaningful.
For autistic individuals especially, comparing yourself to other people’s timelines or expectations can make personal goals feel even more intimidating. Jim’s story serves as a reminder that success doesn’t have to look impressive from the outside to matter.
What matters is starting somewhere, continuing to build, and recognizing that becoming a little stronger than you were yesterday is already progress worth being proud of.
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