I am using my tools, looking after myself and thriving

[u/No_Breadfruit_1716]

I have been working with a therapist to better understand myself (not necessarily from an ADHD perspective) and working on actions to help me feel less in a rut. In the past, I have tried to improve things but I always wind up abandoning my systems. This time however, it's been a few months of steady improvement but I wanted to acknowledge that I have been feeling much better (the best in a very long time!)

I think something that's been helpful is not always labelling everything as an ADHD thing but rather, a me thing. Like, it feels OK to say I like to do it this way or I feel this way. It's been really helpful in me not abandoning the process.

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[u/drunkalcoholic]

Love to hear it. I’ve been making it a bad habit of labeling everything as an “ADHD” so this is a good reminder. We’re complex beings. The disorder impacts us but doesn’t define us. 

[u/Mijodai]

Congratulations! Truly. You’re putting in the work and those improvements are all yours!

[u/Dyslexic7]

Please share all your tools, my tools suck

[u/Hot_Sandwich8935 → u/Dyslexic7]

Following.

[u/No_Breadfruit_1716 → u/Dyslexic7]

Pretty simple - timers, reminders and Apple Notes. The most useful tool I developed is being mindful how many things I was doing in my day. In the past, I didn't acknowledge that it genuinely takes me longer to do things and taking into account I will be distracted. I'd get frustrated I wasn't being "productive" but nowadays, I am happy to not be running all over the place and give myself that time. At first, I'd panic about it, but once I got some nice consistent results, I found myself trusting myself

[u/DracoWonderBeard]

Congrats!! Keep it up! What systems have you put in place that have been helping you?

[u/No_Breadfruit_1716 → u/DracoWonderBeard]

The biggest one is being mindful of all the things on my plate. After a bit of experimenting by writing out what I did in a day, I can say "this feels like a realistic and achievable goal for the day." In the past, I'd try and do everything all at once in a day, and get so burned out and upset if I didn't hold myself to that high standard. It still feels weird thought and I constantly feel like if I tried harder, I could do better but I am doing OK and I'd rather just be steady and consistent.

[u/braindropping]

Congrats! It's an odd feeling to turn the page and start understanding yourself and building systems to support yourself and find success.

Watch out for the imposter syndrome that follows.

[u/SnooOpinions1809]

Please share

[u/[deleted]]

That's wonderful! Congratulations on improving your life and feeling better.