Is It Really Wasting Time… or Are We Just Reconnecting?

Growing up, I always felt like I was wasting time. I’d procrastinate, put off tasks I knew I needed to do, and end up feeling frustrated with myself. What I didn’t understand back then was that I wasn’t lazy—I was overwhelmed, anxious, and unknowingly managing life as a neurodivergent person without the tools I needed.

Today’s blog prompt asks: How do you waste time in the day?

It’s a funny one because what some might call “wasting time,” I now view as essential. Take scrolling through TikTok, for example. To many, it might seem like a pointless distraction. But to me, as a parent of a toddler and someone who spends a lot of time at home, it’s one of the few ways I stay connected to the world.

Parenting, especially in the early years, can be incredibly isolating. And when you’re also neurodivergent, that isolation hits even harder. Social media has become a lifeline—not just for entertainment but for education, support, and community. My TikTok algorithm is filled with content about parenting, autism, special educational needs, neurodivergence, and prematurity—all the topics that fuel both my lived experience and my work.

So is that really wasting time? Or am I, in the words of Ellie Middleton (author of Unmasked), honing my special interest and growing my knowledge in a way that should be celebrated?

Because let’s be honest—if I weren’t neurodivergent, my level of knowledge would likely be called expertise. But because I am, it gets labelled as a “special interest.” And honestly? That’s a label I wear with pride. Because it’s through that deep interest that I’m building a business, writing books, sharing support, and connecting with others.

So next time you feel guilty for taking a moment for yourself, scrolling on your phone, or diving into your latest hyperfocus—ask yourself: Am I wasting time, or am I meeting a need?

For many of us, especially those who are neurodivergent, that time might just be what keeps us going.

💬 Let’s chat:

Are there things you do that others say are a waste of time but you know they’re not? I’d love to hear about them in the comments.

📌 Call to Action:

If this post resonated with you, please like, share, or subscribe to my blog for more real conversations around parenting, neurodivergence, and everyday life.

How do you waste the most time every day?