February 2025
February 2025
What would change for you if you truly believed that your neurospicy brain is not “disordered” but perfectly ordered to be exactly what the world needs?
What if a racing brain is specially designed to take in tons of new ideas and distill them into a creative new way of solving a problem?
What if autistic wiring allows you to dive deeper down that special interest rabbit hole than anyone else and discover fascinating new things at the bottom?
What if super emotional sensitivity makes you uniquely qualified to help others navigate their big emotions?
What if low dopamine is a special feature rather than a deficit, allowing you to be driven by a need to always seek out new ideas and experiences?
What if a childlike fascination with the world allows you to connect with children in a way that makes them feel seen and understood?
What if PDA means that you are unwilling to let anyone dictate the limits of your creativity? (Did anyone else see the Bob Dylan biopic and think PDA?)
What if your unique wiring is a gift for you and the world?
I started this email last week with the intention of writing about a new study out of the UK that has been much in the news recently (Link to study and New York Times Article Gift Link)
The study found that people with ADHD have a shorter life span (7-9 years less) than neurotypical people.
(Side note: the study specifically focused on people with diagnosed ADHD. I’m expanding my focus here to people who identify as having a neurodivergent brain that may or may not include ADHD as part of their unique wiring. Feel free to hit reply and tell me what you think of that!)
All I could think about as I read commentary on the study was what a waste of so much creativity and uniquely beautiful people.
The study summary states:
“Adults with diagnosed ADHD are living shorter lives than they should. We believe that this is likely caused by modifiable risk factors and unmet support and treatment needs in terms of both ADHD and co-occurring mental and physical health conditions.”
As I wrote, the focus of this email shifted, from all the things that are “wrong” with ADHD people, all the possible reasons for the study’s finding, to what might need to shift for neurospicy people to truly thrive and live a long and happy life.
Living with ADHD in this dopamine candy shop of a world is not easy but I’m going to make 3 suggestions, let me know what you think.
You can live and thrive with a neurospicy brain by:
Choosing to focus on accepting yourself just as you are, complete with all your beautiful, messy neurospiciness.
Making choices about how you want to live that allows your unique gifts to shine and about what you’re willing to change or let go of.
Recognizing where you might need support in shifting those “modifiable risk factors”.
Where are you already shining and thriving in your life? How are you getting support in those areas where you might, perfectly naturally, need support? What would make it OK to ask for and receive the support that you need? Who are the people around you who see you for the amazing human that you are and are always in your corner?
This email is filled with LOTS of questions? If you feel so inclined, hit reply and let me know what came up for you, or forward it to someone who might be struggling with the challenges of their unique brain and need a little perspective shift today.
I’ll leave you with a wish that you may be surrounded by people with whom it feels safe to be uniquely, beautifully you.
With Great Love,
Danica
p.s.
As always, I’m trying to err on the side of good enough rather than perfection; comments welcome.
If you would like to discuss anything that came up for you and what support might look like, I’m always open to a complimentary 30-min call.
My next free book club, beginning in April, will be What your ADHD Child Wishes You Knew by Dr. Sharon Saline
