A Holiday Wish
Finally. We’ve almost reached the end of a very long, very trying year. Who would’ve thought that 2020 would bring fears of hugging our friends and family, going to the grocery store or gathering for a wedding? Who would’ve thought chewing gum sales, of all things, would plummet? Apparently fresh breath isn’t a must when you’re on a Zoom call. With fewer sporting events, we’ve become so bored that some betting sites are taking wagers on the weather. Yup, you read that right. If you can guess what the temperature will be at 4:00, you could win some big bucks.
Life has changed.
Navigating the ups and downs and around the corners of this pandemic has been challenging, to put it kindly, especially for folks with ADHD. Adapting to a less structured world has really wreaked havoc on people who depend on those structures to guide them through the day. It’s brought about Zoom fatigue, more opportunities for distraction and an onslaught of emotions to regulate. But I have to take my hat off to those who have managed to find the silver linings.
As Sari Solden suggests, “What if this Great Pause is your chance to create a new normal?”. In some ways, she says, the pressures and demands of societal norms have eased up a bit. Working from home can mean less pressure to have the perfect outfit and hair. Social distancing gives us a great excuse to avoid gatherings we really didn’t want to attend anyway. We’ve gotten used to virtual meetings and appointments, curbside pickups and delivery of just about anything we need, so our days aren’t spent frantically running here and there. Supports that might have made some feel like they stick out, are now commonplace. That means we can spend more time focusing on other, more important pursuits.
As the year winds down, we’re reminded to take a look back and reflect. That’s not always the way of the ADHD brain. But looking back informs the future. Take some time to inventory your victories, large and small. Maybe even make a list (yes, I know you’re sick of the list) because we tend to let those moments of success just breeze on by without the recognition they deserve. Worse, we minimize them by saying, “So what. I should be able to do a lot more than that.” Acknowledging the wins helps build the confidence we need to keep taking those next steps. And the things that didn’t go welll? That’s feedback. Take the lesson and let it go.
My holiday wish for you, my friends, is to find peace within yourself and with your fellow humans. Every one of us is a work in progress. As we try to find our way in a world that’s been turned upside down, take that pause and focus on the good, the great in yourself and others. 2021 is coming soon and I’m betting on better “weather” ahead!
Suzanne Leon is a Certified Professional Coach who works with people affected by ADHD/ADD. Visit her website to learn more about the services she provides
Sources used:
https://www.additudemag.com/women-adhd-pandemic-change/