A Year of Writing ADHDer.net: Lessons Learned About ADHD and Myself

Can you believe it's been a whole year since I started this blog? What a journey it's been! As I reflect back on the past 12 months of researching, writing, and connecting with you, my wonderful readers, several key lessons stand out that I want to share. If you're an ADHDer like me, I think these insights will resonate.

The Power of the Pause

One of the most impactful things I've learned is the importance of pausing. With ADHD, our brains are constantly firing on all cylinders. Taking intentional pauses – whether it's a few deep breaths before reacting, stepping away from a task for a quick break, or sleeping on a big decision – allows our racing thoughts to settle. It creates space between stimulus and response, enabling us to act more mindfully. Building more pauses into my days has boosted my focus and decreased my impulsivity.

Self-Reflection is Self-Discovery

Writing this blog has also been an incredible tool for self-reflection. By putting my ADHD experiences into words, I've gained so much insight into my own patterns, triggers, strengths and struggles. Things that felt like personal failings, I now recognize as common ADHD challenges. Aspects of myself that I took for granted, I now appreciate as unique gifts. If you don't already, I highly recommend keeping a journal to privately explore your ADHD journey. You may be surprised by what you discover about yourself.

Diversity of Perspectives

Connecting with you and others in the ADHD community has opened my eyes to the broad diversity of ADHD experiences. Even though we share a diagnosis, it can show up so differently in each person – different subtypes, symptoms, comorbidities, coping strategies, etc. I've learned to be very wary of one-size-fits-all approaches. What works for one ADHDer may not work for another. It's all about experimenting to find the right fit for your unique brain.

Consistency is Key (and Really Hard!)

I'll be honest, sticking to a regular posting schedule this past year was TOUGH. ADHD and consistency are not natural allies. There were many weeks I just couldn't get myself to write, no matter how much I wanted to. I had to get creative – writing in sprints, working in new environments, bribing myself with rewards. I learned to be more forgiving of myself and celebrate the small wins. Progress, not perfection, right? Ultimately, I realized that true consistency comes from habituation. The more I wrote, the easier it became, like exercising a muscle.

The Journey Continues...

While I'm proud of the ground I've covered, I know I've barely scratched the surface. ADHD is a complex, multifaceted, and highly individual disorder. There's still so much for me to learn – from scientific research, from experimenting with strategies, and most importantly, from YOU! I'm excited to dive into year two of this blog, armed with all these lessons but also a beginner's mind, open to new insights and perspectives.

Thank you for being on this journey with me. Here's to another year of learning, growing, and thriving with our marvelously unique ADHD brains! Let me know in the comments what lessons ADHD has taught you this past year. I'd love to learn from you!

Until next time,

D