Wednesday, January 25, 2017

An Answer to a Question on Quora

I stumbled upon a the following question on Quora:

What are the biggest regrets that people with ADD/ADHD have?

I like the way my response turned out, so I'd like to share it! :)

My only real regret is the fact that I didn't start receiving help earlier. That said, I have faith that everything happens for a reason, and if that means not getting a diagnosis until I was 25, well, then that was exactly when it was meant to happen.

I often wonder what life would have been like had a been diagnosed in, say, preschool when my traits were first VERY obvious. I should add now that I'm also diagnosed with autism (Level I or formerly known as Asperger’s), OCD and anxiety. The latter two diagnoses also came at 25, and the autism one not until I was 31.

Now, although I endured some struggles, I managed to come out pretty successful. I have a Bachelor's in Social Work and three jobs in human services. I don't yet live on my own, however it doesn't bother me that I'm not yet ready. One thing at a time. Besides, this just gives me more time to work, make money, and take life at my own pace.
Had I been diagnosed earlier on, where would that leave me? Sure, I may have had an easier time with things, and known more about myself earlier on, however what if I just became another statistic? Another kid thrown into the special education program which is still in need of great reform today? I was in all mainstream classes, and demonstrated that I could handle them, given there were no diagnoses yet in sight. Had I been slapped with a label from the get go, perhaps my abilities would have been overshadowed by them (note: I don't like to look at my diagnoses as “labels” but rather “titles” as they have given me many answers at the times of diagnosis. However, in some cases, they are seen as only labels and people look for what they limit, rather than enable, in a person.) I've seen friends of mine go through the special education system. Friends who have outstanding levels of intellect and could easily have gotten a degree, however were set back because they were not awarded the same diploma as their peers. I feel that the system has failed them.

To reiterate my answer to the question, I feel that if there are any regrets I had, this may be the only one, but at the same time, I feel very fortunate to have gotten as far as I have. That combined with what I know know about myself, I now use to help others in similar situations :)

Sunday, January 1, 2017

Happy New Year! :)

Hope everyone enjoyed ringing in the new year! I can check this holiday season off as a good one :)

I should start with a summary of what I did for Christmas Eve and Christmas. On Christmas Eve, my family and I went to mass and then enjoyed a pot roast dinner at my brother's house. We watched It's A Wonderful Life and relaxed for a while before going home to get a good night's sleep.

On Christmas morning, we woke up and enjoyed basking in the glow of the Christmas tree until my brother arrived around 10. We then ate breakfast and opened presents. Santa was good to me this year! My "big" gift had been Google Home which I had gotten just before Thanksgiving, and I received several other goodies: a Sonic shirt, autism necklace, Celtic mood ring, cash, gift cards, and a chameleon light that changes colors to match its surroundings.

After relaxing for a while, it was time for the traditional dinner at my grandma's house. We nommed on a delicious turkey dinner, followed by presents. I got some more gift cards, a few stuffed animals and a Samsung wireless charger for my phone. Next were some of my grandma's cookies and chatting amongst us. I spent the night at my grandma's as is tradition :)

I then had the "mega uber crazy super busy week." Not only did I work my usual full-time job, but I also worked two days at my new part-time job in their vacation camp program. The day shifts were back to back with the overnights, so I was a bit of a zombie :P It was fun, though. We took the kids bowling on Friday, and they had a blast! Saturday morning, I came home and slept like a baby.

For New Year's Eve, we went to my grandma's for snacks and lobster tails before heading to my brother's for chili and more snacks. I made my traditional Lit'l Smokies sausages wrapped in crescent rolls (pigs in blankets). Before we knew it, it was time to count down and ring in the new year! We relaxed and talked for a while, and then I went back to my grandma's, where I am writing this now, to spend the night again.

So what will this year bring? Hopefully good things. I have a good feeling about it. Resolutions are something I don't make, as I know I'll only be setting myself up for failure. I'd rather just focus on one day at a time, and if I decide I want to make any goals, I'll do them on my own timeline and in my own way. All I know is that life is pretty darn good as I know it, and if it ain't broke, don't fix it! Here's to a great year! :)