There is nothing wrong with me! I just have ADHD.

 In undergrad, for my psychology degree, we learned about childhood disorders - one of them being ADHD. I distinctly remember thinking, “that sounds like me!” The next thought came super fast of course, “I can’t possibly have it though, my grads are good enough.” It took me almost another 20 years to seek a formal diagnosis. I, like so many other women, was convinced I was “just” disorganized and easily distracted and a little emotional, but could not possibly have ADHD because I knew I was smart and I enjoyed learning….well I enjoyed learning about things that interest me. Also, I was not a little boy. I was a grown woman who went to college! Turns out my story is not unique. I do have ADHD and I dismissed my symptoms as simply evidence that I wasn’t trying hard enough. Millions of women have done the same. I have an extremely difficult time finishing projects. Lots of big ideas, not so much follow through and completion. Crochet became representative of the way my brain works. I can have a million projects going at the same time. I start a new one when I am bored, or stressed, or need some dopamine. Finishing them takes a little more stress and a dose of time pressure. I now know, really know, there is nothing wrong with ME! My brain lacks dopamine leading to certain behaviors but I am completely acceptable as a person. There is nothing wrong with me, I just have ADHD! Here are four of the projects I am currently working on….plus a purse and another blanket I forgot to take a picture of….