Practical Wisdom (2025)

06/07/2025

I failed a lot!!

I am Helen the founder of Practical Wisdom. Sometimes people see just the end outcome, our nice shinny social media image...

The truth is I have failed a lot! I have also been in situations that set me up to fail to...

The education system did a lot of good but didn't get my neurodiversity, it wasn't much of a thing in my day.

Only now in my 50s do I think 'I am good enough'

Like seriously, I was thinking 'well I will be found out soon' despite being a very senior nurse! My mindset was like nah you're faking it really. In fact I would say in nursing imposter syndrome is at pandemic level !!

I didn't get many qualifications at school, nothing decent, guess what that's ok! I got into nursing via a entrance test, here I am 37 years later!

I did get qualifications later but when I was ready for it and with the aid of dyslexic skills support.

I also didn't get into the NHS management training scheme! Royaly fluffed that up! But, I kept going up that ladder, going that extra mile. Moving to other roles, sometimes in new departments as you may need to do this to be seen in a different light. I have seen loads of people wait in the same role 'to be noticed'. Spoiler alert if they don't see your potential, then that ain't going to change !!

I didn't get one of the national roles I went for as I drank strong coffee for the first time and came across as drunk! (True story! Both amusing and mortifying)

So I failed in this and many things, I've cried about it, laughed at myself, picked myself up and thought fluff it, how do I get to where I want to now! I see failure as my power move! I learn and move on.

What have you failed that ended up being a good thing?

30/06/2025

Being very sensitive as an ADHD person can feel overwhelming and as a huge weakness at some times - but it can be tackled in a way where it literally becomes a super-power! 🦸
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So I have ADHD and, like many other people with ADHD, I also have rejection sensitivity. I feel emotions intensely and I'm a sensitive person, to be honest.I have also advocated for some time that it's not a bad thing to be emotional! I, along the way, have needed to learn how to manage all these feelings and sensory inputs so I am not overloaded. 💃
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I have spent some time on this and am lucky that I can manage my gifts, which have been a huge asset in my nursing and coaching career. I can tell you, when you're triaging in A&E, it's a massive advantage, it can help you assess fast and thoroughly. And you can apply this literally anywhere, be it at your job or in your family. 🏡🧑‍🎤
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With the right guidance, you can harness the power of your emotions and use it to your advantage rather than being trampled by it.

25/06/2025

You Might Not Have Kept Your New Year’s Resolutions… But That’s Okay! ✨

Let’s be real, the New Year can arrive with overwhelming pressure. Resolutions, fresh starts, and the "new year, new you" messaging, it can all feel like too much. And if your January goals slipped away? You're definitely not alone.

But what if we shifted our focus?
Instead of chasing perfection, let's choose intention. Swap pressure for gentle reflection, rest, and small steps that genuinely feel good.

Here are some kind and realistic shifts to guide you through the year:

🌱 Reflect Without Judgement
Celebrate your resilience, think of moments that made you smile, and how you navigated challenges.

🌱 Ditch Resolutions, Embrace Intentions
Give yourself room to grow gently:

“I’ll make time for joy.”

“I’ll allow myself rest without guilt.”

🌱 Clear Space
Physically or mentally, let go of what doesn't serve you, and feel your energy reset.

🌱 Rest as Radical
Rest isn’t earned, it’s essential. Prioritise downtime and protect it like a valued appointment.

🌱 Visualise Your Year
Picture mornings filled with peace, moments of creativity, and quality time with loved ones.

🌱 Find Your Encouragement
Nurture supportive connections, surround yourself with people who uplift you.

🌱 Be Kind to Yourself
Celebrate your small wins. Progress doesn’t have to be fast or loud—it just needs to be yours.

You don't have to have it all figured out today. Simply go gently and ask yourself:

What’s one small thing you can do today that your future self will thank you for?

Read more here or in the link in our bio: https://practicalwisdom.uk/you-might-not-have-kept-your-new-years-resolutions-but-thats-okay/

22/06/2025

Neurodiversity & The Primal Brain: Understanding Our Instinctive Responses

When you're neurodivergent, your brain may process emotions, stress, and sensory information differently. Central to this experience is the primal brain, our oldest, most instinctive neurological system, focused on survival and safety.

For individuals who are autistic, have ADHD, or other neurodivergent conditions, the primal brain can often be hyper-responsive. Everyday stimuli may trigger intense fight, flight, or freeze reactions, leading to feelings of overwhelm, anxiety, or shutdown.

At Practical Wisdom, we believe understanding these primal responses is key. By recognising how your neurodivergent brain reacts instinctively, you can better navigate life's challenges and develop strategies for managing stress, sensory overload, and emotional regulation.

Join our supportive community, where we explore practical, compassionate ways to thrive with your primal brain, embracing your neurodiversity not just as something to manage, but as a source of strength.

Learn more and connect at practicalwisdom.uk.

18/06/2025

🌈 Celebrating Autistic Pride Day! 🌈

Today, we’re proudly marking Autistic Pride Day, a celebration created by autistic people, for autistic people. It's about self-acceptance, celebrating neurodiversity, and recognising the amazing strengths and differences within the autistic community.

Since 2005, when Aspies For Freedom launched this special day, the message has been clear: autism is a natural, valuable part of human diversity, not something to be fixed or cured. The rainbow infinity symbol beautifully symbolises the endless diversity and possibilities that autistic minds bring to the world.

At Practical Wisdom, we wholeheartedly support autistic individuals and strive to foster understanding, acceptance, and inclusion every day. Together, let’s keep breaking stereotypes, amplifying autistic voices, and creating spaces where every mind is valued.

Happy Autistic Pride Day! 💖

17/06/2025

How exciting to be featured in the UK finance piece by Yahoo Finance about communication in the workplace.

👀 Some tips about neuroinclusion. Go have a look 🙃

Super proud to be working with Leanne Naylor on this important area with our neuroinclusion quality marker and a shout out as we jointly wrote this.

ND Accreditation, here to help organisations achieve neuroinclusion.

https://lnkd.in/ei9GZbzw

12/06/2025

✨ When our memory feels like Swiss cheese! 🧀 ✨

If you experience executive function challenges, you’ll likely relate to having a memory that's a bit patchy, complete with holes here and there!

For those of us with ADHD traits, remembering simple things can sometimes feel tricky. Shopping might mean relying on lists, or walking into the store without one and buying spontaneously, based on what catches our eye.

Our spaces might look messy at times, but that's usually because leaving things visible helps remind us of tasks or important paperwork.

Fading memories can be both a blessing (letting go of painful moments) and bittersweet (when we wish to hold onto happy ones). That’s why we rely on visual cues, keepsakes, photos, or notes to anchor our memories.

Yet, with this unique brain wiring comes incredible strengths, spotting patterns, on-the-spot problem solving, intuitive insights, and creativity. Many of us with ADHD naturally pick up on subtleties and emotions others might miss.

How about you? What are your favourite memory hacks?

07/06/2025

One of our favourite sayings is "own your weird"

Celebrate your unique self.

We know that it is not always easy to do but we hope find your own safe place to just be you.

04/06/2025

We aren't conventional - and that's our strength!

Maybe you’ve always sensed you're different, noticing that you think differently from others. Perhaps, like many of us, you've not always felt comfortable owning your uniqueness.

At school, many of us experienced understanding ideas quickly, but struggled when it came to tests, writing, or grades. Some of us had extra support, while others quietly felt we didn’t quite fit in, navigating childhood without clear answers or labels.

Yet, when we finally embrace our true selves, whether it’s neurodiversity, sexuality, or simply our unique way of seeing the world, we open doors to a richer life filled with possibilities and opportunities.

Let's celebrate and value the incredible gift of thinking differently, together!

01/06/2025

June means celebrating LGBTQ+ stories, identities, friendships, and families in all their wonderful diversity. It’s a month for honouring the courage it takes to be ourselves and embracing the beauty of our differences.

Whether you're planning to attend events, catch up with loved ones, or quietly acknowledge your own journey, Pride is about feeling connected, seen, and proud, exactly as you are.

How are you celebrating Pride this year? We’d love to hear your plans! 💖

23/05/2025

What Counts as Neurodiversity?

The concept of neurodiversity is gaining well-deserved attention, but many people still wonder: what exactly counts as neurodiversity? Neurodiversity refers to the natural variation in the human brain and encompasses a range of neurological differences. They represent the diverse ways people think, learn, and interact with the world.

Read our blog all about this to find out more, we would love you to share what you think in the comments too!

https://practicalwisdom.uk/nutrition-and-mental-health-what-do-we-know-2/

19/05/2025

Many of us are now used to the word Dopamine!

And those of us with ADHD know the struggle that comes with regulating dopamine levels in the brain, it can impact our mood, motivation, and focus.

Dopamine is the neurotransmitter that helps us feel rewarded and motivated, but it can be difficult for people with ADHD to produce or maintain this.

It can also be the thing that leads people to have impulsive or addictive behaviours, and it can be overproduced in those of us with ADHD.

Understanding this balance can help us better manage symptoms and find strategies for success!

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