Hi there! My name is Erica, and I’m a 51-year-old mom recently diagnosed with ADHD. Like many of you, my journey with ADHD started with a series of traumatic events that led me to therapy. It was through therapy that I discovered my ADHD, which explained so much about my life up until that point. I was overwhelmed, defeated, and felt like a failure. But through my own journey, I’ve come to realize that ADHD doesn't have to hold me back. In fact, it can be a strength and a tool for success.
As a mom with late-diagnosed ADHD, you may have gone through a rollercoaster of emotions. From disbelief to anger, to acceptance, and now, to a place where you want to thrive. I talk about my journey through the grief cycle of late- diagnosis here: Late Diagnosed ADHD: My Journey Navigating Through the Grief Cycle. However, the journey to embrace your ADHD and thrive can be challenging, especially when you have gone without a diagnosis. That's why it's important to shift your mindset and embrace your ADHD as a unique aspect of who you are.
What is the Late-Diagnosis ADHD Mindset Shift?
The late-diagnosis ADHD mindset shift is changing how you view and think about your ADHD. It involves letting go of negative beliefs and emotions, such as shame, guilt, and frustration, and embracing your ADHD as a valuable part of who you are. This shift requires a change in perspective, and a focus on your strengths, passions, and potential for growth and success. The shift takes effort and time.
Why is the Late-Diagnosis ADHD Mindset Shift Important?
The late-diagnosis ADHD mindset shift is important because it helps you overcome the emotional and psychological barriers holding you back. When you embrace your ADHD and see it as a valuable part of who you are, you are more likely to feel confident, empowered, and motivated to reach your full potential. Additionally, when you adopt a positive and growth-oriented mindset, you are more likely to find creative solutions to your challenges and to turn your passions into a profitable side hustle.
How to Embrace Your ADHD and Thrive
Embracing your ADHD and thriving requires a combination of self-awareness, self-care, and practical strategies. Here are some tips to help you make the late-diagnosis ADHD mindset shift:
- Practice self-awareness:Take time to reflect on your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. This will help you to understand your ADHD better and to identify areas where you can make improvements.
- Embrace your strengths:Focus on your strengths and use them to overcome your challenges. Celebrate your unique qualities, and don't let your ADHD hold you back.
- Find support:Seek support from friends, family, or a therapist. Talking to someone who understands your experience can help you to process your emotions and to find creative solutions to your challenges.
- Adopt a growth mindset:Focus on growth and improvement, rather than perfection. Embrace failure as a learning opportunity, and don't let setbacks discourage you.
- Practice self-care:Take care of your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. This will help you to manage your ADHD more effectively and to find balance in your life.
- Embrace your passions:Pursue your passions and turn them into a profitable side hustle. When you do what you love, you are more likely to find fulfillment and success.
By following these tips, I was able to make the shift from feeling overwhelmed and defeated to embracing my ADHD and thriving. I hope these tips will help you on your journey as well. Remember, you're not alone, and there's a whole community of moms with late-diagnosed ADHD who are here to support you. So, embrace your ADHD, and let's get ready to thrive!