Real #ADHDlife

#ADHD & "You can do anything you set your mind to"

... Except I can't seem to set my mind to anything long enough. https://twitter.com/TheDavidJohnson/status/1155847899189796864

@TheDavidJohnson's experience described in that thread perfectly captures so muchof my own experience from this past year, since self-identifying & accepting my ADHD, before getting the official diagnosis.
2/

However, my own experience has been going a more hopeful direction than where I feel like David's post ends.
Although, I certainly have my worse days where I feel that way too.

But in June 2020, I enrolled in @ADDCA's Basic Coaching Certification path.
3/

We start with a class called "Simply ADHD" to understand "What is ADHD, *really*?"
Covering the latest neuroscience & Executive Function theories, Psychology, ADHD Strengths, & foundational ADHD-strengths-based coaching tools & frameworks, & how to begin using them.
3/

The second module is called "Personal Transformation". Our last day of this module is in two weeks.
This is an in-depth look at the ADHD-strengths-based coaching tools & frameworks. Where we really work to apply these to ourselves & do real transformational work.
4/

My classmates are incredible. It's truly been a wonderful & clarifying experience.
Each of us comes from different places & challenges. "Doing the work" has disparate outcomes, depending on who we are & our individual circumstances. It's not all unicorns & rainbows.
5/

Yet... From the dispositions I've seen in class. It seems like we all have hope.

We're each developing the awareness, confidence, & ability to navigate our ADHD &/or how we can better support our ADHD loved ones.
6/

Everyone had positive & encouraging stories about how going through these classes have brought greater understanding, clarity, & support. Their own &/or their ADHD loved ones are seeing real benefits.

We're all seeing there's real hope.
7/

The best part is... These tools & strategies are things that can help anyone who struggles to manage their attention. The tools & frameworks are still applicable & useful for the folks who simply feel constantly distracted, who may NOT have ADHD.
8/

I guess... What I'm getting at is that, yes. We certainly have neuro-biological differences that create impediments & disabilities for many of us. But that doesn't mean we're not capable of doing hard things or great things.
9/

It simply means we frequently have to find our own way of doing things. And that way will be different than the way we're "supposed to do it".
And that's okay.
Sometimes it can even be amazing & end up changing the way it's "supposed to be done" for others.
Because...
10/

Being neurodivergent/ADHD means that, by default, we get to be the movers & shakers & have changers. It's just how we roll.
We don't just break & rebuild our own systems all the time.
Our different ways are what break the bigger systems that NEED TO BE broken.
11/

Especially the ones that are already broken. The way we do things finds & magnifies the breaking points that need too be broken & rebuilt.
The way we do things also shows us the ways we can do better. Rebuild better.
Both in ourselves & in our greater communities.
12/

Anyway... I think I've wandered off my original thought track.

All I'm really trying to say is that if I've learned anything from the #adhdtwitter community & @ADDCA, it's that ADHD people are truly incredible people who are capable of amazing things.

And they're helping me
/13

To refine & clarify my goals for the impact I want @ThinckFinck & @ADHDBrainsRadio to have in the broader ADHD community.

The ramp-up to get started is a bit longer than I thought it would be (surprise! /s). And I wouldn't trade this extra time for anything.
/14

While ADHD can certainly be a disability—and it is for many...

That doesn't preclude us from being truly amazing & inspiring people who can do great things & have deeply meaningful impact on those around us.

ADHD doesn't mean you don't have or can't have strengths.
/15

Being disabled doesn't mean you don't have strengths & can't do amazing things.

It just means these strengths & amazing things look & function differently than others.

We can & do accomplish amazing things. And we are amazing people.
/16

While this isn't a recent example, it's an incredibly inspiring example.

@robmerki's thread on Leonardo DaVinci's #ADHD: https://twitter.com/robmerki/status/1288599317716938752?s=19

And if you enjoyed the post that inspired this thread, you can check out @TheDavidJohnson's blog here: https://thedavidjohnson.com/2019/07/29/you-can-do-anything-you-set-your-mind-to/