This is why retirement is such a mess for me! I am constantly trying to give structure to the days; and obviously, what I have is not enough. The morning anxiety is unbearable many days.
Retirement is sold as freedom but for ADHD brains it can feel like freefall. the morning anxiety for me eases when there's at least one external commitment per day, even if it's just 'library opens at 10am.' gives the brain something to push against!
Having to give up my treasured career (working with toddlers who have autism) due to a TBI has been one adjustment after another.
Now that I’m through the surgeries, the physical therapy, the grief, and reached acceptance of my new life, I struggle each day because there is no structure.
For the past few years, I thought it was me and my oft times wonky brain. I blamed myself for not being able to accomplish the things that I wanted to get done.
Your newsletter and your wise insights have helped me to realize that it’s not me (to the degree I thought it was anyway). That I _need_ structure. And that it’s possible.
This is why retirement is such a mess for me! I am constantly trying to give structure to the days; and obviously, what I have is not enough. The morning anxiety is unbearable many days.
Retirement is sold as freedom but for ADHD brains it can feel like freefall. the morning anxiety for me eases when there's at least one external commitment per day, even if it's just 'library opens at 10am.' gives the brain something to push against!
Having to give up my treasured career (working with toddlers who have autism) due to a TBI has been one adjustment after another.
Now that I’m through the surgeries, the physical therapy, the grief, and reached acceptance of my new life, I struggle each day because there is no structure.
For the past few years, I thought it was me and my oft times wonky brain. I blamed myself for not being able to accomplish the things that I wanted to get done.
Your newsletter and your wise insights have helped me to realize that it’s not me (to the degree I thought it was anyway). That I _need_ structure. And that it’s possible.
Thank you. A zillion times, thank you. 🦋
the shift from 'I'm failing at being productive' to 'I need structure and that's okay' is very powerful. rooting for you in this new chapter Barb :)
Many thanks 😊 🦋