“the meds don’t work on their own,” says Dr Russell Barkley, so we have to take action…
So what action can we take?
Celebrating ADHD is not an easy proposition when it may be a source of distress, frustration or a sense of hopelessness. The key is, we all have a precious human life and it is our responsbility to take care of it.
“I sort of knew that meds alone could only do so much for my ADHD. So, adding the therapeutic coaching to mindfulness training and forming meaningful connections with like-minded, neurodiverse people has been a transformative experience. I would highly recommend to anyone wishing to move forward with their life as an ADHDer.”
Sue Hart, Founder of Celebrating ADHD
After getting my own ADHD diagnosis at the age of 44, I realised that for many years I had been living life to fit into the world around me. A bit like trying to squeeze a square peg into a round hole.
“When we look back, we can connect the dots” says Steve Jobs in his inspirational Stamford University speech.
During my early childhood years, I found myself choosing to adopt defence mechanisms to survive the sea of opinions floating in the external world. My inner world became dark and the feelings of not being good enough were constantly present and experienced immense confusion around how to relate to others. I developed a persona that entertained others at the expense of my own life. I was the perfect host and organised events with precision to serve others, especially to win the love and approval of my parents. I was the ultimate people pleaser and self-saboteur, feeling like an imposter in all relationships.
Interpersonal relationships are mostly at the source of suffering. Two objectives of behaviour - to be self-reliant and live in harmony with society. The consciousness that supports these behaviours is the mindset that “I have the ability and people are my comrades.” There are three categories: work, friendships and love. Therefore, the ADHD effect on relationships is the elephant in the room and we believe that this is essential to work on for anyone suffering from ADHD. Once the acceptance of the diagnosis had set in, I made the decision that I was not going to live the next 46 years in the same way. After reviewing coaching, it seemed like the best option to make these changes last.
“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma — which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most importantly, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition.”
Having witnessed the changes in my own life from coaching, I invested in the Animas Diploma in Transformation Coaching and became a certified ADHD coach. Having studied Steven Safran and Dr Russell Barkley (leading ADHD scientists) and completing the Kings College course in ADHD, the knowledge of how it affects the brain become more apparent. It was clear that a holistic approach is required to treat ADHD as medication does not work on its own. I quickly realised how my 10 years of Buddhist training in mindfulness and teacher training in yogic practices were ideal complements to coaching.
I was able to manage my symptoms and raised awareness on the self sabataging and destructive behaviours. Once the awareness is there, it is possible to choose something different for your life as we can only control our own response to events. So, integrating those practices into a holistic approach and developing an online ADHD course was the obvious choice. My purpose is to serve myself through respecting my life and others by reducing the suffering that we create for ourselves. Changing lives became a possibilty when I started to see the transformation in myself and clients. However, ignorance is at the root of all suffering.
“About 1.5 million adults in the UK have this condition but only 120,000 are formally diagnosed.”
Due to the diagnosis process taking up to 7 years on the NHS, coupled with private healthcare and personal ADHD one-to-one coaching becoming more expensive, we need to take action and investigate what is holding us back. Our aim is to make change accessible to you.
“ADHD, in general, is poorly understood, but this course has been carefully designed by someone who has it - which is really important. The modules are comprehensive; with practical techniques to overcome the key challenges (impulsivity, self-compassion etc) and clear insights into how the ADHD brain actually works. Underpinned by mindfulness and the opportunity to learn from fellow ADHDers, this course will provide you with an essential holistic approach to taking charge of your life.”
Seeing clients regain self-confidence, a sense of purpose and optimism as they transform their lives, is a rare joy and a privilege! Your success is my success too. It is a partnership for however long you want it be.
Celebrating ADHD is a holistic, practical and useful way to take charge of your symptoms incorporating coaching and mindfulness training as the underpinning tools.
Think you’re ready to leave your old story behind?
Want to find practical ways to manage ADHD symptoms and enter a new, brighter chapter of your life?
Or maybe you want to become a ADHD coach?
We are currently recruiting other coaches who have been diagnosed with ADHD. If you are already a coach or would like a career change , please feel free to get in touch.
Or maybe you want to refer clients to Celebrating ADHD?
If you are a medical expert and want to know more about client referrals, please join one of our weekly webinars or book an intention call to discuss it further. Listen to the podcast to learn more.
Remember we are responsible for the life we create.
Finally the other main reason to take charge is due to the recent research on life expectancy by Dr Russell Barkley, which indicates that anyone with untreated ADHD will lose as much as 13 years of their life due to illness. Check it out for yourself. Some of the frustration and anger associated with ADHD can manifest itself in the body, as the body always keeps score.
