Mornings in Chaos: The ADHD Story Begins:

This sums up ADHD and me! I'm about to make my way out the door. I’m frantically searching for my keys, phone, and everything I need to leave the house. I finally get everything gathered and head to the car. As soon as I get seated, I realized I forgot my wallet. I rush back into the house, grab my wallet, and head back to the car. Get in, start the car…then, where is my phone?! Back inside I go. Apparently, when I went to grab my wallet, I sat my phone down in the process. But where did I put it? But wait, the trash needs to be taken out. And did I brush my teeth? Welcome to my world where I have a degree in living with ADHD!

Do you ever feel like your thoughts are on warp drive while the rest of you feels like you are stuck in first gear? Or, you're typing out an important E-mail and your brain has it composed so perfectly. You type away, not really paying attention to the screen until you finished your masterpiece, only to realize that you skipped about half the words your brain thought you typed? I got another one. You run to the convenience store for one specific item. Once there, distraction steps in and you walk out with a bag full of items. And then, you get home only to realize the one thing on your mental list you forgot to buy! If any of this sounds like you, you may have ADHD. But never fear, even though living with ADHD can feel you are constantly managing chaos. It’s also a never ending adventure flowing with insights, creativity, and unexpected superpowers!

ADHD: From Frustration to Understanding

For most of my life, I thought I was just scatterbrained. The endless lists that were never followed. Countless attempts of trying to get organized but never finding success. Forgotten deadlines or bills needing to be paid, only realizing I forgot when my phone stopped working. All the amazing art and projects I started, but rarely crossing the finish line. Often just writing it off as being eccentric and quirky. It could get very annoying, but somehow I always got by just living on the fly and laughing it off. Deep down, though, I felt broken.

It wasn’t until my mid 30s that I finally confirmed what honestly I already knew. I received my official diagnosis: ADHD. Up to that point, I joked about having it. I thought it was just a character defect that I just had to deal with. But as they say, “knowledge is power”. Once I began educating myself and understood that it wasn’t a character defect at all, my brain was simply wired differently. I was part of the world of the neurodiverse. Later on in life, I actually discover I am on the autistic spectrum as well, but we will stick to ADHD for this writing. Suddenly, with this newfound knowledge, puzzle pieces were falling in place. I wasn’t lazy or unmotivated, I just had to learn how to work with the way I was wired. It was a revelation that gave me a new sense of clarity—and permission to stop beating myself up.

Before the diagnosis, I labeled myself in harsh ways: unreliable, careless, incapable. I believed I couldn’t do anything right. I can't even count how many times I have heard the words "You're fired". Now, I understand that some things I judged myself for so critically—like my tendency to hyper-focus and get stuck, being easily distracted, impulsiveness and my inability to sit still — are part of the ADHD experience. Once, I stayed up all night because an idea struck me about a fictional story. The sudden impulsiveness grabbed me tightly, and the hyper-focus set in. I sat at my laptop writing, typing away nearly 20000 words, then I suddenly noticed that it was morning and the sun was up! Not to mention the fact I had to work that day, and I never even finished the story! What looked like an obsession to others, at the moment, it felt like pure joy and accomplishment to me.

Navigating ADHD can be quite the challenge at times. My impulsive nature has often pushed me to make hasty choices that I later regret, like spending money I didn't need to spend or life decisions that didn't work out so well. The list is really endless. Living with ADHD isn’t just about the quirky traits and exciting hyper-fixations; it also comes with its share of major frustrations. Accepting ADHD for what it is has helped me embrace the challenges that come along with it and sometimes, like I mentioned before, it even feels like a superpower.

What Is ADHD, and How Does It Affect Adults?

ADHD, known as Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, does not limit itself to children. A significant number of adults also grapple with this condition, often unaware of its presence. While kids may find it hard to remain seated or concentrate during class, adults typically face more nuanced challenges, such as a constant sense of mental restlessness, procrastination, or emotional dysregulation. For me, it was all the above! Before understanding myself better and ADHD, I believed the only thing I was superb at was procrastination! Here are some challenges of the ADHD brain.

Key ADHD Symptoms in Adults:

• Inattention:Adults with ADHD often struggle to maintain focus on tasks, overlook details, and are easily distracted. They may have trouble following through on instructions and organizing tasks, which can lead to unfinished projects and general disorganization.Although if they are interested in something, they have the ability of extreme hyper-focus
• Executive Functioning Issues: Challenges with executive functioning may present as poor time management, trouble prioritizing tasks, and difficulty following complex instructions. These issues often lead to problems in planning and managing daily activities
• Emotional Dysregulation:Adults with ADHD may experience intense emotions, rapid mood swings, and a quick temper. They often have a low tolerance for frustration and may struggle to cope with stress effectively.
• Impulsivity: Impulsiveness in adults with ADHD is seen in actions like interrupting others, difficulty waiting their turn, and making hasty decisions without considering consequences. This can lead to challenges in social and professional settings.
• Hyperactivity: This symptom can appear as constant movement, such as fidgeting, an inability to stay seated, and an overall feeling of restlessness. Adults may describe themselves as being driven by a motor, often feeling the need to stay busy.
• Behavioral Problems: Behavioral issues often stem from ongoing patterns of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity that interfere significantly with daily life and development.
• Relationship Issues: ADHD can affect relationships through misunderstandings, difficulty interpreting social cues, and managing social interactions, often leading to strained relationships.
• Work-Related Problems: Adults with ADHD may have a fluctuating work history, frequently changing jobs or feeling unsatisfied at work due to difficulties in maintaining focus and meeting job expectations.

For those living with ADHD, it can appear your brain is tuned to a different channel—and indeed, it is. It’s not about being flawed; it’s about navigating the world with a one-of-a-kind combination of skills and challenges. The key is to learn how to use your neurodiverse brain as an ability rather than a disability.

Living with ADHD: Tips and Tools to Thrive

Navigating life with ADHD isn’t about “fixing” yourself—it’s about finding what works for your brain. All ADHD brains are unique, so what works for me might not work for you. Heres a few options that may help:

1. Organization Hacks:

• Use digital planners like Notion or Trello to track tasks. Breaking large projects into smaller, manageable steps makes them less overwhelming.
• Color-code calendars or use sticky notes for visual cues.
• lists, lists, and more lists.

2. Time Management Techniques:

• Try the Pomodoro Technique: Set a timer for 25 minutes of focused work, followed by a 5-minute break. It helps you stay productive without burnout.
• Use alarms or reminders to keep track of deadlines.
• Get routine into your life. This one helps me tremendously.

3. Harnessing Hyperfocus:

• Plan time for activities you love. Hyperfocus, when channeled well, can be a superpower for creative projects or problem-solving.
• Minimize distractions like turning off the TV or putting your phone on silent.
• Take breaks to avoid burnout.

4. Managing Emotional Regulation:

• Practice mindfulness or breathing exercises. When I feel overwhelmed, I practice deep breathing—inhale for four counts, hold for four, exhale for four—helps ground me.
• Apps like Calm or Headspace can guide you through relaxation techniques.
• Get plenty of sleep.
• Exercise, even if it's just taking long walks

4. Managing Emotional Regulation:

• ADHD coaching, therapy, and support groups can significantly impact your life. Being part of a community where you can share your experiences with those who truly understand can be both affirming and enlightening.

5. Medication:

• I have always been one to resist medication. Truth be said though, medication can be tremendously helpful. There are several options out there, including both stimulant and non-stimulant. Not all work for everyone, but all of them work depending on the individual. Talk to your doctor about the options.

Embracing the Gifts of ADHD

Navigating life with ADHD goes beyond just facing challenges; it’s about embracing the qualities that set us apart. It's about gaining an understanding of your own unique qualities and challenges. For me, I realized early in life that I was a terrible employee. I literally got fired from every job I have ever had in my life. I had to learn to work for myself and my neurodiverse brain was blessed with intelligence and with the hyper-focus of ADHD; I discovered the ability to master multiple skills in my life. I have owned several businesses, including getting my electrical contractor's license, creating and running a small newspaper. I have had several web based businesses and can write code in several languages, just to mention a few. I believe none of this would have been possible without my neurodiverse brain. My ADHD fuels my creativity, spontaneity, and resilience—traits I wouldn’t exchange for anything in the world.

One of my favorite aspects of ADHD is using my hyper-focus to create. Whether its creative writing, poetry, music, physical or digital art, coding or whatever I find interesting at the moment. When I get into that flow, hours pass like minutes. It is a constant reminder that ADHD isn’t just a challenge; it’s also a source of incredible strength and creativity. Like I said, a superpower!

What about you? What’s one way ADHD has shaped your life? Is it a blessing or a curse? It could be either, it's the state of mind that makes the difference. I’d love to hear from you. Share it in the comments below.

Do you like what you see? Consider supporting my journey by visiting the shop or making a donation of any amount. Every little bit helps. If you can, Thank You! If you cant, Thank You for being here!