Making Peace with My ADHD Brain

When I was around 53, I found out I had ADHD. I had already lived more than half my life without knowing it — just compensating in whatever ways I could.

I recently gave medication a try, but the anxiety it brought on was so intense that I decided I was better off without it. So I keep moving forward with the knowledge and self-awareness the years have given me.

Yes, I procrastinate. But now I catch myself when it happens. Is it easy? Not really. Does it stop right away? Also no. But it is possible. One strategy that’s been working for me (most of the time!) is keeping a very tight calendar. I block out tasks, meetings, routines — all clearly defined and colour-coded. If it’s in the calendar, it gets done.

I don’t trust my brain to remember things. And as time goes by, I trust it even less. So I rely on multiple layers of reminders: alarms, calendar notifications, and the occasional post-it. It might sound like a lot, but the calendar handles most of it, and the extras are just backups.

Time also taught me something important: it’s okay to change plans. A cancelled meeting doesn’t have to ruin your day — it can feel like a little gift of surprise free time. And I’ve learned to enjoy those moments.

That’s all for now — a few tools and thoughts from my own journey.

And you? What are the tricks and routines that help you get the most out of your days?