Learning to Live with ADHD

Sometimes living with ADHD is fucking hilarious. ⁣ ⁣

The comedic relief is hard to explain to folks who don’t have ADHD, or for those who find ADHD qualities annoying (which is totally fair—’cause same). Because my ADHD often feels like an alternate ego, I’ve named my ADHD, Addy. ⁣ ⁣

Addy is my annoying little sister that lives inside of me— Every morning, she wakes me up with more energy than she knows what to do with, and regardless of how much sleep I’ve had, Addy rushes me into the day, promising greatness. Thanks to my psychiatrist and the boundaries I’ve placed with her, Addy has FINALLY learned how to take naps during the workday. Even though she still wakes up and asks me to do things for her that aren’t necessarily important, she means well and just wants to be comfortable in her own skin. It’s annoyingly innocent. ⁣ ⁣

Addy doesn’t know how to half-ass a single thing, often setting herself up for failure. Thankfully, failing doesn’t usually bother Addy; to her, failing is another experience for her to go through. Because she gets distracted by societal norms, she’s more likely to throw herself completely into what she’s doing, experiencing contentment all on her own, which is fascinating to watch. ⁣ ⁣

To others, Addy appears aloof and overzealous, but that couldn’t be farther from the truth. She may not have all the right words to describe what is going on internally, but she’s more aware than you’d think. Addy doesn’t feel the need to prove herself in a society that doesn’t see the value in who she is, and I absolutely love that about her. ⁣ ⁣

I don’t usually let Addy help me with these posts, because let’s be real, she’d talk about brain farts and true love, but she says hello and hopes others out there embrace their specialness too:) 🥸

“ADHD makes it harder to focus, pay attention, and sit still. People with hyperactive ADHD feel the need for constant movement. They often fidget, squirm, and struggle to stay seated. Most people who have ADHD are also very sensitive to what other people think or say about them.”

There’s obviously so much to this diagnosis that I won’t get into, but having this low level of dopamine has affected my life in ways that are difficult to share in a society that values accomplishments and success above all. I’m not complaining, btw— Living with this kind of energy is great when there’s a ton of shit to do and when I have the time to release all that is built up inside, but I’m very aware that I’m “different” because of it.

I struggle to pay attention to details, appearing less qualified than my peers; sometimes I forget what I’m doing WHILE I’m doing it; you can often find me wandering around the house moving items with determination, and yet, with no plan. I’ve been told I don’t know how to relax, which always felt unfair since I put so much effort into taking care of myself. I’ve been told that I’m not professional because sitting for hours makes me restless…the list goes on…

Now that I’m learning how to accept this part of myself (and dare I say, even love it), I’ve found so much freedom in trusting that doing my best is enough, regardless of what it looks like on the outside.

As a person with ADHD and a craving for spaces that ground me, I felt that it was only fair to myself and to my community to stay up-to-date with the latest of the latest so that we can plan around different wellness resources that fill your cup. Whether that be reading mental health resources, updates on the podcast, ahead about the beauty of stability, and knowing what is coming up.

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