My (new) life as a late-diagnosed ADHD creative

Last month, I was officially diagnosed with ADHD (alongside my already-existing depression diagnosis) at 41 years old.

I had suspected these last few years that I was likely wired that way, but it wasn’t until I broke down in front of my doctor that it was suggested that I maybe seek testing to be sure. And something about that… stung. It’s one thing for me to notice something about myself, but also easily dismissed as maybe I’m just being overly aware or thinking into it too much. For my doctor to recognize it so quickly? It hurt a bit – not because I was upset about it, but because it triggered me thinking back over the last few years and wondering how much different my life (and business) would have been if I had been diagnosed long before now. Would I have still made the choice to close my shop? Would I have been sick with anxiety and stress every time I tried to plan classes or order inventory? …Probably.

But, as I write this, I have been solidly on new meds for the ADHD for a whole month now, and this month has looked drastically different. I made things! I started projects AND finished them! I didn’t let things linger for weeks or months. I started some morning rituals and have actually kept up with them!

And yesterday I actually sat down and filmed myself for a new Art Vlog episode to show what I’ve actually managed to get done this month (ANNNNND I have a plan in place already for next month’s!) Watch my little ramblings about my art and this life change below 🙂

(I am sure I will get better at the rambling thing the more I do this – but right now we’re over here embracing done over perfection so if it feels a bit slow or long for you, feel free to use the speed settings and speed my ramblings up!)