About Me — LaShy Black

LaShy Black. Photo owned by author.

Hi there, I’m LaShy Black, a Midwest native navigating the complexities of life from the comfort of my childhood home. At 20-something, I’ve taken an unexpected detour from the traditional path, finding myself in a prolonged pause due to Avoidant Personality Disorder (AvPD). But let’s skip the clinical jargon for a moment. Imagine feeling like the walls of your own bedroom are both a sanctuary and prison for years — that’s been my reality.

So, how did I get here? Contrary to what you might expect, my journey isn’t marked by dramatic trauma. I was simply a hyper-sensitive child, easily overwhelmed by the world and overly critical of myself. These emotional cuts, seemingly insignificant at the time, piled up until they became too heavy to bear. It wasn’t until my young adulthood that the dam burst, flooding my life with a torrent of emotions and uncertainty.

But here’s the thing — I’m not content to let AvPD define me. I’m in the midst of a journey — a delicate dance between letting go of the past and embracing the possibilities of the future. And one of the steps forward? Writing.

I’ve taken to writing on Medium for several reasons:

• To mitigate the need for in-person interactions and navigate the challenges of agoraphobia more comfortably.
• To connect with others through the power of written expression, gradually stepping out of my comfort zone.
• To explore the potential for income generation in a flexible and accessible manner.
• To indulge in a free hobby that offers both solace and creative fulfillment.
• To add purpose to my day, steering away from the aimless distractions of the internet.

This newfound outlet serves as more than just a platform for self-expression; it’s become a beacon of hope and possibility in my journey towards personal growth and healing.

Here’s some things I like:

• Music and concerts have always been a passion of mine. Metal is at the top of the genre list for me these days. But I enjoy almost everything. Currently, Truly Dreams by Allie X has captured my heart and refuses to let go.
• Anime! My favorites are Bleach, Hozuki’s Coolheadedness, The Apothecary Diaries, Jujutsu Kaisen, and Demon Slayer.
• Thrifting at the Goodwill with my mom. We love the thrill of a good deal.
• Anything Chocolate. Have you ever put chocolate syrup on pizza? I love sweet and savory that goodness. Don’t knock it till you try it!