AdhD What now?

A couple weeks back, I wrote about a big catalytic event. The kind that changes your life forever. They’re super easy to spot in the rear view mirror, but often for me, hard to pinpoint in the moment. 

But not this time. 

I am, as of July 16, 2020, smack in the middle of a doozie. 
And I know it. 

It’s recently been brought to my attention that my daughter potentially has ADHD. While diving into the research, it’s also come to my attention that I HAVE ADHD. 


For years I have experienced sensations and patterns that felt like ADHD, but I never sat down with the DSM-5 guidelines and checked all the boxes. 

Yup. I definitely check off all the boxes. 

I won’t get into all the nitty gritty right now, but I did want to share the most amazing thing I discovered. 

People with ADHD have lower levels of dopamine than a typically wired brain, so they seek activities and distractions throughout the day that give them little “happy hormone” boosts. 

When I'm not paying attention, I can fall into the not-so-healthy dopamine seeking bucket of scrolling through social media and eating gobs of sugar. 

But if I start my day off right, I can set myself up for success with exercise in the morning, snuggle time with the kid and kitten, then scheduled sit spots and garden time throughout the day—all healthy ways to refill the dopamine tank. 

Try this 15 min activity for the post lunch slump, to give you a shot of dopamine you need to get you through the day. 

Go on a little wander, giving yourself permission to meander through your yard, garden, or other wild space. 

Don’t have a specific destination in mind, instead, allow the wind to push you, or bird song to pull you, and simply follow a butterfly. 

Before you begin, stand with your eyes closed for a moment and breathe. 

Set your intention to be open and curious about the process. 

Take the metaphorical blinders off and release anything that could potentially hold you back from truly experiencing flow. 

Then open your eyes and slowly, be on your way.

Engage with all your senses. 
What do the bark of different trees feel like? 
How many shades of green do you notice? 
Literally stop and smell the flowers! 

Talk to the beings you meet on the way. 
Thank the pollinators for following their original instructions. 
Introduce yourself to the trees or sing the birds a song for a change. 

Do whatever feels right!

If you can, leave your phone or a watch at home, unless, of course you have a commitment you can’t be late for. 
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Pay close attention to how you feel afterwards. If you feel calmer and uplifted, tuck this little tool in your box of "things things that make me feel better", so you'll always have it at your fingertips. 

I’d love to hear about your experience! Feel free to post in our Facebook Group Homecoming. 

Photo by Vero Photoart on Unsplash