So let me start out by saying I’m not an expert. I still feel really new to being aware of my neurodivergence.
I struggled most of my life, assuming I was neurotypical and “just not trying hard enough” (like so many others had told me). Then, about 3 years ago, after complaining of focus issues and how it was keeping me back in my career, my therapist encouraged me to consider being assessed. I was SHOCKED when I was diagnosed with ADHD. I never knew that there was another version that was more common in women. I would’ve NEVER ever thought I had ADHD. And when I learned about how the inattentive form presents, there was no question that my diagnosis was completely on point.
Today, I want to talk about some of the challenges of ADHD. My intention in sharing is: 1) information (you may not be familiar with what a person experiences), 2) my podcast is about storytelling (I share my stories because it’s possible that you can gain for yourself or understanding of someone you love/serve through hearing my experiences, 3) today, I needed to vent and if you happen to relate to what I’m going through maybe just knowing you’re not alone can be supportive. (My motto is that I.U.S.E. people. Inspire. Uplift. Support. Encourage/Empower. And today I may add another E for entertain.)
I share all kinds of stories about the events of my day and things that go on in my life, and no matter how “serious” the topic is, I can’t help but joke around and giggle so it won’t be heavy coming from me.
On today’s podcast I shared about challenges I was dealing with today and how I chose to overcome them. In short, sometimes it’s better to just go with the flow and not keep fighting with yourself. If your body/mind just doesn’t have the energy or focus, taking a break, a nap, stopping to get something to eat, a glass of water, a smoothie… some form of a reset will probably be better than trying to force yourself beyond what you can do (well) in that moment.
Even though lately I’ve been better about dealing with the ups and downs of my energy and focus, I struggled today because yesterday was another less than productive day. So I “needed” to make progress today, but it was hard.
I gave myself a few minutes of nearly resting and I’m grateful that was enough to allow me to have the clarity to get this video (below) done. And I DoorDashed myself a gigantic slice of pizza and made myself a smoothie. Enjoying those and some good music on loop, as I drove to pick my daughter up from school, gave me the energy to edit today’s podcast that I recorded on my way home from dropping her off this morning.
I did the little things I could and they really helped.
Oh… I should wait til after you listen to the podcast, but I’ll just tell you now…. OR IF YOU’D RATHER WAIT, COME BACK HERE AFTER YOU LISTEN…. (below the main pic)
So I decided today to stop putting off putting together a gift I bought my inner child a few weeks ago. Likely my whole life I’ve always wanted a remote control car. I grew up with the “boys play with cars, girls play with dolls” nonsense. Of course, I raised my daughter to KNOW that thinking is bullsh*t. She had cars and race tracks, dolls, fairy princess outfits, spy gear and everything in between. But I digress…
Today, I decided when I got home that I was going to put batteries in my race car and play with it. I was fighting discouragement and frustration all day, but when I pointed that remote control and my car took off… complete bliss. Gonna post this now and get back to playing with my new Spiderman car.
Do what you gotta do to bring a smile to your own face. Do what you gotta do to help your mind and body reset so you can show up in your life. Be kind to yourself when your mind and body need to rest. Let it be okay. Fighting it just makes it take longer anyway. You deserve to take a break… and I guess… so do I.
Blessings,
Marlene Dillon Empowerment Specialist
Here’s the video I mentioned… the other thing I got done today.
MDillon Designs & Publishing 