One teacher in first grade, noticed I rushed through my tests. She had me take a test alone and I scored 100%. In class with others, I'd rush to be the first and didn't hit "my potential." Sound familiar? This was the first sign. She was onto something but nothing more came about. During elementary school, I had minor behavioral problems which I fixed because not being perfect was too scary. High school had many temptations which robbed my focus. Papers due were panicky times, as I used cliff notes and all-nighters to meet tiring deadlines. Though I did well, thanks to a photographic memory, college exposed my lack of skills, focus and inability to inhibit myself. I was excited to go to college, meet new people and be away from home. Unfortunately, extracurricular activities became my focus, not my studies. I did well for a couple of semesters but trading fun for overwhelm, and frustration to focus, refocus and refocus again, plus feeling misunderstood was not an even trade. Impulsivity won many times.

Eventually and undiagnosed I turned my life around due to my values. Values are who we are and not being responsible plagued me everyday. I went through a few successful careers where I'd struggle with conformity and the imposter syndrome. Eventually, I'd get depleted holding back who I really was. Additionally, I’d get bored and switch jobs and careers every two years. I needed and wanted to: learn more, earn more, become more, which after many years was finally achieved. Almost weekly I would dream of a different life, yet where, or how was overwhelming.

I finally followed the value of what was rewarding for me. I couldn't ignore it and went back to school and became a Life and Leadership Coach. Clients would come into coaching yet they were very stuck. Nothing worked for them, therapy of all sorts didn't hit the mark. I deeply searched to expand my ability to help them. Luckily, I found training for ADHD Coaching.

When I entered this particular school and learned about ADHD, all worlds merged, the universe sang and finally I understood my own challenges, past and present. I was relieved to finally know why I struggled where others did not, except for other other ADDers, We usually found each other and clicked. Listening to what spoke to me, led me to where I am. Yes, cliché, however, that click freed me, and answered so many questions.

Everyday I have my routine, a word which I used to hate because I was incapable of it. Now I have my anchors, my work, my partner, my family, friends, preferred environments, interests and curiosity. Embracing my values, strengths and interests with pride took time and consistency. It has been invaluable.