I crossed over the threshold into my thirties with a sigh of relief (once I’d finished my week-long panic attack between London and Ibiza.) My chaotic twenties were over and I had been promised from those that had gone before me that “Club 30” had a strict door policy and that crushing self-doubt, bad choices, limiting beliefs and uncertain relationships (with myself and others) were not on the guest list.
Oh Hana. This is such an empowering post, and so beautifully articulated. Thank you for sharing. I was diagnosed with combined ADHD at 26 last year and in turbulent circumstances. I have been carrying so much shame about who I am? Who I missed out on being? I am a people pleaser, heart on my sleeve wearer, passionate and impulsive. I also crave routine but that feels like prison. I am spending a lot of time re-framing this language around myself. But because I’ve done it once I assume that’s it. That’s not the case obviously. I have always been validated by my creative processes and successes. If people like my art they must like me right? Wrong. The world is not as black and white as that. I’ve always used my art as a tool for communication and exploring the grey area. I’ve been told recently when I tried to articulate my struggles and reasons behind not being able to do certain things and they were called excuses. Negative criticism hits differently I feel with my brain. I feel it physically and it becomes the truth. Thank you so much for holding space for important conversations and helping me feel seen when I feel like I had began to lose myself.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts here! Lots that I relate to and lots to reflect on. Looking forward to future articles and your podcast when that goes live.
Oh Hana. This is such an empowering post, and so beautifully articulated. Thank you for sharing. I was diagnosed with combined ADHD at 26 last year and in turbulent circumstances. I have been carrying so much shame about who I am? Who I missed out on being? I am a people pleaser, heart on my sleeve wearer, passionate and impulsive. I also crave routine but that feels like prison. I am spending a lot of time re-framing this language around myself. But because I’ve done it once I assume that’s it. That’s not the case obviously. I have always been validated by my creative processes and successes. If people like my art they must like me right? Wrong. The world is not as black and white as that. I’ve always used my art as a tool for communication and exploring the grey area. I’ve been told recently when I tried to articulate my struggles and reasons behind not being able to do certain things and they were called excuses. Negative criticism hits differently I feel with my brain. I feel it physically and it becomes the truth. Thank you so much for holding space for important conversations and helping me feel seen when I feel like I had began to lose myself.
Its my pleasure, Megan. Thank you so much for reading and for the thoughtful response x
Thank you Hana! I found your Substack through your appearance on the ADHD Adult podcast.
Thanks for being here, Rebecca!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts here! Lots that I relate to and lots to reflect on. Looking forward to future articles and your podcast when that goes live.
Thank you, Steph!
Beautiful work Hana! I can't wait to hear more. Thank you for sharing with the world. Chris x
Thank you, Chris!
This was so interesting to read Hana - and very helpful too. Thank you for sharing
Just fucking great mate. 👏🏻