My Adult ADHD Story

My Adult ADHD Story, unmedicated.

I’m writing today, on day five, of having no refill on my ADHD medication. I scheduled myself to start writing this very newsletter at 9:00am today. It’s now 2:30pm. 

• I’ve organized my Post-it notes.
• I’ve cleaned out my desk.
• I did some Instagram stories… between way too much scrolling.
• I put a few pieces into the puzzle that’s out in our living room.
• I’ve done everything except sit down and write.

My “Midlife Meltdown”

I’ve referenced my “midlife meltdown” a few times here, and coming to terms with my ADHD being part of the story. My doctor and I were trying to figure out the “why” behind the fatigue, depression, overwhelm, and general sense of blah. She suggested I have a thorough psychological testing to see if there were any diagnoses tucked away we didn’t know about. This turned out to be a lot different than the check-the-box paper you fill out at the doctor’s office. This was several hours of testing and interviewing and several weeks until the results were back. 

I knew they were testing for ADHD, and while I suspected it could be at play, I really didn’t want my suspicion to impact the tests. So I did my VERY best.. I focused like my life depended on it. And I aced it! (or so I thought)

My Moment of Realization and Hope

At last my appointment came to discuss the results. We got to the ADHD section, and I said with total confidence, “I know I nailed this part!” She looked at her notebook, tried to contain her knowing smile, and said, “Jennifer, you absolutely did NOT nail this section. You have an ADHD brain.”

Undoubtedly, I was shocked, given that I was a good student, teachers loved me, and I am still a high achiever. I thought the only people with ADHD were the squirmy boys in elementary school who couldn’t keep their hands to themself or stop talking. I never thought I would be telling my own Adult ADHD story.

But I was also relieved. When you know what you’re dealing with, it’s much easier to make progress. Which I did. 

• I found a medication that works for me. 
• I got to work on improving my overall physical health (which was much easier with a calmer brain). 
• I went back to the Enneagram for self-awareness and growth. 
• I got clear on my purpose so that I could move forward instead of feeling stuck.

All of this took time. But I began to experience deep changes within me that affected everything and everyone around me.

• My marriage improved.
• My parenting became more empathetic.
• And my faith hit a new depth. I saw that God loved me enough to show me my weakness in order to help me gain new strength. 
• I was becoming who I was created to be: authentic, purposed, and energized.

This is why I am passionate about my work and what I’m inviting you to do with me. I’m inviting you to know yourself better, know your purpose, and take care of your body and mind. I want you to become the authentic, purposed, energized person YOU were created to be!!!

My Purpose Realized

“OK, Jen… I like the sound of this, but where do I even start? What do I do?”

This is a great and logical question. I think you should start with understanding and knowing that you are created for a purpose. Even if you have ADHD, mental health struggles, or physical limitations. Even if you have a job you love and even if you have a job you hate. If you are young, old, or somewhere in the middle…. knowing your unique purpose for living is a key ingredient to living a better and more fulfilling life. We have a new Purpose Pod starting in February and I’d love to have you join us. Click the image below if you want more info.

OK, now, before I go…. here is the funniest thing that happened this week during my non-medicated situation. It’s a short video because I had to drop the phone and deal with the clean-up, but please enjoy this moment!

Have an awesome weekend, friends!
Live Well,