Hello! I'm Kristen,
and I was diagnosed with ADHD at age 54. You know that feeling when someone describes something they're going through and you just get it? Several years ago I was taking a walk with a new neighbor, when she began to describe her experience being recently diagnosed with ADHD.
She was describing me! I was stunned. I could see ADHD in her children, but her? Me? How is this possible?
I began to ask her questions and had her book in my hand before I went back home, A Radical Guide For Women With ADHD.
Could this be what has been going on with me my whole life?
So much resonated that I became certain that I had ADHD and soon had an official diagnosis.
Because I was diagnosed late, I was relieved, to know what has been "wrong with me" my whole life, and at the same time, I grieved that I hadn't been diagnosed years ago.
Misdiagnosis
As I researched what it means to have ADHD, I found more and more signs and symptoms that fit, I made an unfortunate discovery.
Women and girls with ADHD are often missed and even misdiagnosed.
I had been diagnosed with depression and anxiety. Antidepressants never really worked well for me. In fact, I went four years without crying. I thought there was something wrong with me. The antidepressants left me feeling flat. Sure, I was out of a dark space, but life was dull.
Who I am
In my personal and professional life, I’m a curious and creative person, always desiring to learn and to see the world in new ways. I'm a plant lover, animal lover, and enjoy getting out in the sun.
I'm highly sensitive and find extraordinary fascination and beauty in the world at the same time as being challenged with sound, texture, and touch.
Social dance lessons (two-step, swing, cha cha etc.) have been an outlet for inner restlessness for years.
I also enjoy gardening, exploring new places, and generally leaving things better than I found them.
Gig working has always been a way of life for me as a florist, photographer, child care provider, gardener, house/pet sitter, coach and Pilates instructor. Did you know Pilates is ADHD friendly?
ADHD is my constant companion and now inspires me to continue growing and experiencing life fully, with all of life's ups and downs.
I found a coach and then an ADHD coach
I sought career coaching with a coach who is knowledgeable in ADHD and quickly realized I wanted to serve and encourage others who have experienced similar challenges as mine.
Getting a coach and learning that there is a reason for my challenges led to self compassion that I had not experienced before. I set out to educate myself on how my ADHD symptoms connect to my challenges, and got my own ADHD coach, which has been life changing!
Most importantly I began to appreciate the parts of me that I had previously devalued.
My education
Like many other ADHDers, it took me a while to get my bachelor's degree. I worked to save money, took a class or two for a quarter or two, and then withdraw to save for the next several courses.
My experiences with ADD Coach Academy (ADDCA) led to further clarity about myself and my brain, Executive Function challenges, and character strengths.
When I interviewed David Gwierc, one of the founders of ADDCA, he told me that even more than the education, I would meet others like me who would be friends for life. That alone would be worth the fee for the course.
I decided to take every course they offered, went through the required steps, and got my credential with the International Coaching Federation (ICF). It was a tough process, but my love of learning, support from my cohort, hours and tears, joy and frustration, found me at the end of initial requirements with certification from my school and my PCC (Professional Certified Coach) from ICF. I continued learning through PAAC certification and later ADDCA's Ethics course.
What I wish I knew
When I was first diagnosed I felt overwhelmed at the idea of finding resources that I could trust. That is why I wanted to create an extensive list for others.
While I cooked meals, did laundry, took walks, I consumed countless YouTube videos (mostly listened) to really understand what this new diagnosis meant for me and my life.
I had no idea that ADHD could show up this way or that for different people. You'll find a full post on the various resources I have discovered through my early journey, my education, and my years as a coach.
My desire for you
My desire for you is that with the resources I have found that you will find what you need with greater ease and benefit than I did when first diagnosed with ADHD.
Let's connect!
Feel free to get in touch with any questions you may have about resources, coaching, group coaching, coach education, and referrals to professionals in the coaching field who specialize in areas of interest.
Would it be valuable for you to have a meaningful conversations that are geared toward moving you closer to making your desires a reality? Let’s explore your own ADHD, find out what works for you to move toward your goals with intention, and get clear on why it matters to you!
What better time is there to begin your journey than now? Choose a resource, book a Discovery Call, sign up for a group, follow an ADHDer on Social Media.
Anything you do today will lead to something being different.
Even one leaf adds to the pile.
Find out more about ADHD Coaching!