Hi, I'm Kayla Bowers. I'm a Tennessee based Mom who who enjoys sharing my experiences with homesteading, gardening, our cabin life, marriage, and authenticity.

So… I Seem to Have Undiagnosed ADHD, and That Explains A Lot!

Posted by:

|

On:

|

Let me start by saying this: I seem to have undiagnosed ADHD, and it makes so much sense now! As I look back at my life, I can’t help but connect the dots that were always there but never fully formed. For years, I’ve started projects and jumped into crafts with passion, only to let them fizzle out. But here’s the thing—those arts and crafts projects I didn’t finish? I don’t regret them at all. In fact, they’ve brought color to my life, and most importantly, they’ve given my kids a love for creativity.

I think we all have something unique to bring to this world. And maybe for me, that “something” involves diving headfirst into a million different things without necessarily tying them up in a neat little bow. I like to believe that some of the most creative and impactful people throughout history were the same way—famous names like Albert Einstein, Thomas Edison, and even Walt Disney have been said to have had traits of ADHD. Can you imagine them without the creative chaos they thrived on? I can’t! The world wouldn’t have been the same without it.

And let’s not forget comedians like Robin Williams and Jim Carrey, who both embody the vibrant energy and creativity that ADHD can bring. Their quick wit, boundless energy, and unique ability to make people laugh are part of the gifts they brought to the world. Robin Williams had an incredible mind that moved at lightning speed, and Jim Carrey’s larger-than-life expressions and humor wouldn’t be the same without his ADHD. They’re a perfect example of how ADHD can fuel creativity and originality in ways that enrich the world.

Sure, we live in a time where ADHD might seem overdiagnosed or misunderstood by some, but let me tell you, this so-called “lack of focus” doesn’t define who I am. It certainly didn’t define who I was in school, even when I was labeled as “not paying attention.” I actually found out I can do online school at my own pace just fine. Honestly, who decided we all needed to fit into a neat little box, anyway? That box doesn’t appeal to me at all. The older I get, the more I realize—I don’t want to be a people-pleaser.

I have God, and I have my family. They love me every day, and that’s all the validation I need. I used to care so much about what others thought of me, trying to mold myself into someone else’s version of “good.” But that’s no way to live. Yes, I’m sweet, and yes, I care about people deeply, but trust me, that sweetness didn’t come from an easy life. It’s because I’ve been through tough things—bullying, believing cruel lies about myself, and letting the devil’s whispers get too loud in my head.

The truth is, we all go through things that try to break us, but I’ve learned to lean into the love God shows me and the love from my family. That’s what keeps me going. I’ve learned not to listen to the noise in my mind or the lies that try to stop me from seeing the goodness God has in store. And, oh—because that noise can be LOUD.

Speaking of noise, I’m posting video down below that perfectly captures what’s going on in my mind at times. Picture this: the video starts with someone saying, “You’re too calm,” but meanwhile, in his (my) head, it’s like different songs are playing all at once! It’s not that music is always on my mind (although I do love it), but sometimes my thoughts can feel chaotic, and that can be hard for others to understand. I’ve often felt misunderstood—like when I’m in the middle of a conversation with a couple of people, and then someone across the room interrupts me. I don’t always respond right away, and then I hear, “Oh, she’s not listening again,” followed by a sigh. That feeling of being misunderstood is never fun, but being interrupted isn’t great either. It’s a balance, especially when my mind is already filled with its own noise!

So, yeah, my mind can get noisy, and it doesn’t always feel good. But I’m learning to embrace the chaos and lean into who I am, flaws, noise, and all.

This video also:

Facts About ADHD:

  1. ADHD Isn’t Just for Kids: While ADHD is often diagnosed in children, many adults live with undiagnosed ADHD. The symptoms, such as difficulty focusing, restlessness, and impulsivity, can carry into adulthood.
  2. Hyperfocus Exists: While ADHD is often associated with a lack of focus, people with ADHD can experience “hyperfocus” on activities they find especially interesting. This can result in being incredibly productive in certain areas, even if it’s temporary.
  3. ADHD Affects Executive Functioning: People with ADHD often have difficulty with tasks that require planning, organizing, or remembering details. This explains why projects might get started but not always finished!
  4. ADHD Isn’t Just About Inattention: ADHD can also involve hyperactivity and impulsiveness. It’s a broad spectrum that affects different people in different ways.

Resources:

  • CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder): chadd.org
  • ADDitude Magazine: Offers tons of helpful articles, podcasts, and support groups for adults with ADHD.
  • ADHD Aware: Focused on ADHD education and advocacy for all ages.

Now, I’d love to hear from you! Do you have diagnosed or undiagnosed ADHD? What have you learned about it in your own life? I’ve been seeing so many videos lately of people finally figuring out that they have it, and it’s amazing to see the clarity they feel. I also have friends—diagnosed or undiagnosed—who experience life with ADHD, and I’ve learned that it’s not the same for everyone. Feel free to share your story in the comments below! Going to post a song that is special but first a video talking about it because that is the order that I came across it. If you have time to listen to the video and the words from this beautiful song down below! I am not adopted earthly and I love my parents very much! This video explains what is meant by this song.

ADHD or not, you’re not defined by your limitations. We all bring something unique to the table, and this messy, beautiful life wouldn’t be the same without each of our quirks. God made us with purpose, even in the chaos!

Now, let’s embrace it and whatever you are dealing with. 💛

With love,

Kayla (Katie Bee)

Posted by

in