01/07/2025
A Better Kind of Looking Back. It's that time of year when we look and reflect. ADHDers often think something like this...
I wish I had…
I should have…
I didn’t quite…
A Better Kind of Looking Back:
Knowing we tend to ruminate (automatic negative thinking loops), feel guilt and shame, I challenge you to deliberately look for evidence of success and accomplishment. This may feel strange and unfamiliar. One of the benefits of talking to a good friend, a counselor, or a coach is that they can highlight some of the good things about you, or accomplishments, that you may not have even noticed.
“Hey, what about when you did that cool thing with the… ?”
“Remember last month when you had that great idea about… ?” or maybe
“Yesterday you woke up and got through your day even though you felt like crap” or even
“You decided the day was a self-care day.” Points for that!
That silver lining can be elusive for ADHDers. When you look back at your year, tell the negative thoughts to take a back seat for a minute. Instead, think about …
What did you do that brought yourself (or others) joy, or peace, or moved you forward in some way?
If you can’t think of anything right now, that’s okay. Keep that question in the back of your mind. Let it simmer. It could be the base for a delicious meal in the new year!