Beany Brain #60: Neurospicy Newsies

Author

Abigail Munday
September 24, 2025

Beany Brain: loving our jumping-bean brains!

Welcome to this issue of the Beany Brain! I hope today’s newsletter will bounce us up as we contemplate the upsides and challenges of being neurodivergent, a little beauty, some creativity, and just general yeehawesomeness.

Table of Contents

Photo by Abigail Munday

How Are We NDs Coping with the News Firehose?

I was having some tea and chatting with a friend IRL the other day and I mentioned that I was struggling with dealing with all the news right now.

It’s too much.

It’s too big.

It’s too real.

It is real.

She suggested I cut back on my intake.

Very wise.

And also…

There’s so much going on that even reading the headlines, not even the content, is enough to make me want to puke or pull my hair out or both.

I’m taking some steps.

I want to do something positive to help the world and myself.

So…

I’ve unfollowed two social media sites that share a lot of videos and direct quotes from politicians that I just don’t want to see or hear from. Honestly.

I’m continuing to sign petitions to stop state-sponsored executions, I mean murders, from happening. “Execute justice, not people!” - Death Penalty Action

I continue to read the daily Substack from Heather Cox Richardson, a historian, author, and professor in the US who pulls from historical context to share current events. It’s a helpful roundup of each day’s news, and sometimes a day just devoted to one historical event.

Two friends and I are holding each other accountable for some daily workouts, and it’s been super hard and super rewarding. We’re on 29 days in a row now! This was all for the sake of getting in better shape, but actually it’s really helped my mind as well. When I’m doing a 40-minute workout, I’m thinking about my body, my steps, my rhythm, my heartbeat, my breathing. I’m not mulling over the stuff in the news. And because I’m getting stronger physically, it’s just helping me feel better overall too.

How are you coping with the crap? Let me know.

Mind UK, an organization that helps with mental health and wellbeing, gives these tips for dealing with the onslaught of distressing news:

Set yourself limits, and try to stick to them - like only looking at the news at a certain time of day, or for a set amount of time

Mute notifications from news websites and apps, so you only engage with the news when you choose to

Tailor your social media – for example by choosing to view certain pages, but not scroll through timelines or newsfeeds

Focus on factual content rather than opinions - even though the facts may still be difficult

Seek out some positive or uplifting news stories, or scroll social feeds that make you feel good

Will we get burned by the fire of constant crazy and sad and outrageous news? (It really is all 3 of those things, among the injustices out there.)

Will we get firehosed into inactivity and fear? (If so, I’m not judging. I completely understand. It happens.)

Will we rise to the occasion and take a stand for goodness?

We’re all just doing the best we can in each day and moment. Big hugs, if you like hugs.

Hey, I have some news for you: You are beloved. I’m glad you’re in this world.

Christopher Sexton

Ha Ha Haiku

My aim is to share a funny haiku with you every week in every newsletter, whether it’s one of my own or one I curate for you. HA. Ha. Haiku.

Photo by Abigail Munday

Today’s haiku happens to be by moi:

Goin’ on a trip;

Suitcases don’t pack themselves.

Look! Flying squirrels!

Photo by Abigail Munday

Neurospicy Is Nicey

Grapefruit isn’t everyone’s cup of tea.

(It’s not even tea. It’s a fruit, y’all. FYI.)

Just like a citrus fruit, I feel like my neurodivergencies add a bit of zing to the world.

However…

Some people don’t want added tartness without covering it in some sugar or honey.

I guess my (exhausting) masking is adding neutrality and a fake sweetener to a neurotypical world that wants me to try to dampen down the zing.

(Just like masking, fake sweeteners give me a headache.)

I want to embrace myself and my neurospiciness more and more. Grace for the spice. Spice is grace and grace is spice.

Why Do People Use Terms Like Neurospicy?

Many people prefer the term ‘neurospicy’ as a way of describing their differences. And that may be because it offers a more intriguing, fun, and casual way to explain their neurodivergence.

By saying ‘I’m a bit neurospicy’, it can feel easier for neurodivergent people to disclose their differences without it feeling too weighty or awkward.

‘Neurospicy’ offers a light-hearted descriptor to introduce the topic. It means the same thing as neurodivergent but is a less serious way to say it.

There’s a debate in the neurodivergent world about using the word neurospicy to describe ourselves.

The article above also says:

Some people may find it difficult to use the term ‘neurospicy’. This could be because they feel it diminishes the seriousness and importance of their neurodivergence. Others may see the term as an ‘internet fad’ or used only by younger people.

In the end, it comes down to a matter of opinion and choice. If people find something they’re more comfortable with then why not embrace it?

It even comes with its own hashtag and emoji – the chilli pepper! 🌶️

If there were no NDs or if we NDs masked all the time, the world might be a bit bland. Spice is nice!

If you’re ND, what do you think? Do you use “neurospicy” to describe yourself?

Photo by Abigail Munday

Yeehawesome!

Yeehawesome! is a happy-brain roundup in each issue of Beany Brain. What’s happening that’s good in brain land? What’s bringing me joy?

  1. I’m a big fan of Dolly Parton and I was tickled pink to see her line of frozen pies at the grocery store here in Wisconsin. I can’t eat them, but they look fun. And, um, $9.99 for a frozen pie? Gosh.

  2. The Metroteka in Warsaw has opened an express library in its station, full of books, laptops you can use, a hydroponic garden, and even complimentary coffee and hot chocolate. Poland lost over 70% of its libraries in WWII, and many folks grew up without seeing their grandparents or parents reading. They’re trying to encourage folks to read more, and this library is so gorgeous that I can see that happening. Over 400 books were checked out on the first day it opened.

  3. Another cool library story: Lindzi from Leicestershire in the UK has converted an old double-decker bus into her mobile home and a library that she takes to communities with limited literacy.

Quote of the Week

New section, folks! Today’s quote is by moi:

Blessed are those who stop and notice for maybe they shall trip over less.

Beany Brownie Points and Extra Bonus Funniness

Liz Climo

Wonderful Wednesday

Wonderful Wednesday was a day once a year in college when they would suddenly and surprisingly call off all classes and we’d play all day. The cafeteria provided special fun food and we’d do stuff outside like slip ‘n slides and jello wrestling in sumo suits. This segment of Beany Brain is dedicated to that memory of silliness and fun—no words, just a photo from the week that I’ve taken or found that reminds me to let the joy in. Since Beany Brain is published on Wednesday every week (at least, Wednesday in Japan), I hope you enjoy this Wonderful Wednesday.

Photo by Abigail Munday

Today’s Beany-full Summary:

  • News consumption is good and also tricky. How do you deal with the firehose of current events?

  • The term “neurospicy” can be divisive in the neurodivergent community, but personally I like it and I’m going to use it more.

  • Go forth in Beany joy. What will help you feel yeehawesome this week?

Thank you for reading this installment of Beany Brain! You’re very welcome to hop on by any old time.

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