ADDA brings adults with ADHD together. As an adult struggling with ADHD, life can feel hopeless. But, when you realize you’re not alone in your struggle, when you discover that people just like you have solved the same problems you’re facing, you feel empowered and – perhaps for the first time in a long time – you feel hopeful. It’s a powerful feeling.
You Have the Power
That’s why there is power in your story. Your life, your adventures, your trials and triumphs are all part of your story. Your story can change your life, and it can change others’ lives, giving them hope, courage and joy.
It’s All in How You Tell It
I love the way Lisa Wills, an ADHD coach in Denver, Colorado, explained how powerful your story can be when you forgo the, Joe Friday, “Just the facts, ma’am” school of communication.
Imagine a conversation with a friend sharing the experience of driving your daughter to college this summer. You could say, “Saturday, I helped my daughter pack and drove her to college. It was hard, but I’ll see her at Christmas time.”
That’ll work. But when you share the “why” and “how,” it makes all the difference.
Imagine if, instead you said, “I knew I had to help Jenna pack for her big move to college 5 states away. God I wasn’t ready for that. I cancelled my weekend plans to focus on helping her pack… I had to cancel my chemo appointment, I haven’t even told her about THAT yet. I couldn’t bring myself to tell her the news knowing it would completely overwhelm the experience we were about to have; I’d dreamt of this moment since she was little. We spent the entire weekend sorting, going through her photos, folding and packing the handmade quilt I made while she struggled in 9th grade. I remember that time because it was right after her ADHD diagnosis. She and I worked together on that quilt, it was the only thing that seemed to give her relief from her anxiety – time stood still. We found an old essay she’d written and lost about how she would never be accepted to this University because she wasn’t smart like everyone else. So many of the things we came across sparked conversations we’ve never had before. I can see now that she is leaving a mature woman – and I can’t wait to see her at Christmas break!”
It’s not the facts; it’s the story that creates a personal connection. When you share the story, you create a connection, and connection beats the Web, email and even social media.
Help Create Hope
Your story can help those adults with ADHD. Remember when you first discovered you were not alone? You found answers. You felt hope. You were empowered. It was life changing. Sharing your experience can be change someone else’s life!
Won’t you help ADDA give the gift of hope by sharing your story?
To your success,
Duane Gordon, ADDA President