Home Archives for inspiration

A common ADHD symptom

Posted on May 8, 2010 Written by Leave a Comment

A common ADHD symptom I see amongst adults with ADHD is low self-esteem. Self-esteem is related to how we feel and view ourselves. If we feel good about ourselves then it is higher than if we feel bad about ourselves. This self-awareness is part of being human. One of the ways self-esteem is shaped is from the messages we receive from the outside world, mainly the people we interact with. We then process these messages and in turn they affect our self-esteem.

When you have ADHD you tend to experience more criticism and “unpleasant” situations your life than their non-ADHD peers. These experiences begin as a very young child, through teenage years and into adulthood.

Low self-esteem can result in impaired academic and job performance, problems in relationships with the people in your life, anxiety, stress, depression, and drug and alcohol abuse.

The good news is that whatever your self-esteem level is right now, it can be increased! And with increased levels of esteem you feel more confident, happier, feel proud in your accomplishments and much, much more. Don’t worry, this does not mean you will become ‘big headed’ or arrogant. You will still be you, but an improved version of yourself.

Because self esteem is a common ADHD symptom and because increasing it is such a vital key to reaching your potential as an adult with Adult I have written a few articles to help you raise yours.

Below you will find links to all the articles on this blog relating

Your Inner Voice, ADHD and Your Self Esteem

Your Body, Self Esteem and ADHD

Importance of Focusing on your gifts when you have ADHD

Create the Right Environment

Interestingly when I start working with adults with ADHD their self esteem starts to increase almost straight away. Its a wonderful side effect of knowing you are now taking action on the issues that were bothering you.

emailA common ADHD symptom
Filed Under: Adult ADHD Tagged: , , , , ,

My First Radio Show!

Posted on April 27, 2010 Written by 1 Comment

my first radio show.thumbnailMy First Radio Show!Today I hosted my first radio show!!! The song that kept playing in my head when I woke up this morning was, “Video Killed the Radiostar’ by Buggles: a song that my sister and I played millions of times when we were very young as it was one of the first vinyls we owned. 
 
I declared the show a personal success after receiving 3 phone calls and many emails saying ‘Congrats’ and ‘thanks for the great information’ within minutes of its end. I also received this wonderful tweet.
 
@jojojo09 “You have a new fan and you have hardly started speaking. I am fighting tears. Hearing u speak validates me”
 
I couldn’t ask for better feedback.
 
The show, which I named “Untapped Brilliance”, after my book ‘Untapped Brilliance how to reach your full potential as an Adult with ADHD is an extension of my coaching philosophy. As an adult with  ADHD you have many wonderful traits. However, you tend to forget those great traits as you spend most of your time focusing on the things that aren’t working in your life.  If, however, you can shift your focus to what is working in your life and  learn a few tricks and techniques to minimize the negative effects of your ADHD, you will just shine! And have a more joyful life.
 
The show is going  to be a wonderful combination of information from me about non-pharmaceutical ways to manage your ADHD and special guests talking about their expertise on topics that are known to help ADHD. For example, meditation is really beneficial in reducing  the negative effects of ADHD. It’s also a difficult technique to learn. So next week I will be interviewing Bonnie Hutchinson, meditation expert, and she will be teaching everyone how to meditate.
Also being interviewed will be successful ADHDers, who have created a life that works to their strengths, to act as inspiration. Finally, every week  myself and any guests will be able to answer questions from listeners either directly on the phone, or via email. Today Anne from Iowa asked the great question “Should I get tested if I think I have ADHD?” If you missed the answer or any part of my first show, you can listen to the recording at http://tobtr.com/s/1020033.
And if you have a question for the next show, please email it to me at Jacqueline@untappedbrilliance.com.
 
P.S. If you want a blast from the past,  listen to “Video Killed the Radiostar’ by Buggles on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iwuy4hHO3YQ

Pin It
emailMy First Radio Show!
Filed Under: Adult ADHD Tagged: , , , , , , ,

ADHD Characteristics

Posted on April 22, 2010 Written by Leave a Comment

dont take things personally.thumbnailADHD CharacteristicsWant to listen to this article?  Click here.

Two lovely ADHD characteristics are that you are ‘emotionally intelligent’ and ‘sensitive’ people  While being sensitive is not considered ‘cool’ in a culture that values ‘strong and independent’, being sensitive is an incredible gift. It allows you to relate to other people’s emotions and empathize with how they are feeling. This, in turn, allows you to connect within a deeper level that is rewarding and fulfilling.

Whether you wear your heart on your sleeve or have developed a thick outer skin, your sensitivity is a gift and can help you in your personal and professional life.

However, as with all gifts, there is a downside.

Life events that seem quite small to a non-ADHD’er can leave you mulling over that event for days, and the lovely ADHD characteristics seem more than a burden than a gift. People’s reactions to something you said, did or didn’t do stay with you for a long time. It’s hard for you not  to take things personally. Perhaps a  first date that doesn’t want a second, ‘ A friend’ who deletes you from facebook, or the car behind you honks their horn because they don’t agree with how you’re driving.

When things happen like this it’s easy to think “what did I do wrong, was I too…” A brief reflection on a situation is healthy. However, usually it’s nothing to do with you and everything to do with the other person.

Don Miguel Ruiz wrote powerful small book called ‘The Four Agreements’ .Each agreement is a combination of old Tolec wisdom and modern day knowledge. The second agreements is ‘Don’t take Anything personally’ and it’s powerful advice for everyone with ADHD

If someone doesn’t want a second date with you, it’s not because you aren’t a beautiful human being inside and out; perhaps you reminded them of their ex.  If someone deletes you as their Facebook ‘friend’, it could be because they don’t want to see what a fun life you are having, or a zillion other reasons that you couldn’t even begin to imagine.  The man behind you is honking his horn not because you violated a road safety rule but because he is in a rush, or had a fight with his wife and is feeling grumpy. Rather than spending hours thinking of different reason for someone’s behaviour and feel bad about yourself, simply remember Don Miguel Ruiz words: ‘Don’t take Anything personally’ and move on to the next fun item in your day.

Pin It
emailADHD Characteristics
Filed Under: Adult ADHD, Untapped Brilliance Blog Tagged: , , , , , , , ,

Exercise and ADHD

Posted on June 29, 2009 Written by 1 Comment

exercise 300x199Exercise and ADHD

To the average adult with ADHD exercise takes a back seat to almost all other activities. Work, family and friends, errands, sleep and even housework! These activities are important, however so is exercise. Exercise not only helps the longevity of your body, but it helps reduce some of the negative effects of ADHD too. For example, exercise improves your attention, mental focus, memory, mental stamina and allows you to expend pent up energy.

So what can you do to make sure exercise is part of your daily life? As well as choosing a form of exercise that is fun for you and one that is convenient, a powerful way is to look to those people who you admire and are inspired by. Perhaps your favourite sports personality or someone who you know personally. There is one particular example of someone we all know who I find very inspiring and that is Barack Obama.

On the 4th of November 2008, the eyes of the world were on America and its election day. Barack Obama made history by becoming the first African American president. His political views, beliefs and sincerity resonated with millions worldwide. It was a huge day for him and his young family. Over two years of hard work on the campaign trail culminated on this day. We can only imagine the intense emotions he must have felt. That evening when the results were official, he stood in front of 125,000 people in Chicago and gave a speech that brought people to tears and gave people goose bumps all around the world. I am guessing he didn’t get much sleep that night.

Do you know what Barack did around 6 am the morning of the 5th of November? After this momentous day? He went to the gym. Then he put on a suit and started his day.

Now if anyone could excuse themselves from a visit to the gym that day, it would have been Barack Obama. Some thoughts that might have popped into his mind: I am too tired, too busy, I have just been voted the next president of the United States! Even if those excuses did come to his mind, he went to the gym anyway.

What can you do to make sure you exercise regularly?

  1. Make exercise part of your daily routine so that it would be just as hard not to exercise as not brush your teeth at night.
  2. Think of who inspires you to exercise and use them as a motivation to get you moving.
  3. Give yourself a healthy reward after you exercise.
  4. Next time an excuse pops into your head about not exercising, think of Barack.
  5. Notice and enjoy the benefits that exercise has on your ADHD.
emailExercise and ADHD
Filed Under: Adult ADHD Tagged: ,