ADHD Khaleesi

10/06/2024

This is an aggressively affectionate reminder that slowing down and accommodating yourself is NOT. COUNTER. PRODUCTIVE. 🙅🏼‍♀️

Last year I fell into the vicious cycle of listening to social media when it told me I wasn’t doing “enough”, and it resulted in a terrible prolonged burnout.

“Try this for more views!”

“Videos that are 1 minute or longer perform better!”

I’d been masking, completely unintentionally - trying to keep up with targets / benchmarks that constantly changed.

So I took a hiatus, learned how to slow down again, and made a promise to myself that I would only post things that I *want* to post about.

And since making this decision, I’ve had the most amazing opportunities present themselves. 🥹

Obviously I’ve still had to work super hard to get here. 💪🏻 But without taking action to look out for myself more, I wouldn’t have been in the headspace that I am now, where I’ve felt capable of throwing every part of myself into these experiences.

I’ve never been one for shouting the loudest - and I now know that’s okay. It’s MORE than okay.

For me, the best way to show the importance of being the YOU-est version of ✨you✨, is to lead by example… and last week especially, I’m proud to say that I have done that. 🥹

HAVE YOUR OWN BACK. NOURISH YOUR BEAUTIFUL BRAIN & BODY. IMMERSE YOURSELF IN YOUR SPECIAL INTERESTS. HYPE YOUR LOVED ONES. HYPE YOURSELF EVEN MORE. WEAR YOUR SAFE CLOTHES TO A TAYLOR SWIFT CONCERT.

Because there’s no telling what exciting doors you’ll open, simply for embracing & accepting yourself. 🔮✨

30/05/2024

That’s not a threat… (or is it)

If you’re not already tuning into - firstly, why on earth not?!

Secondly, I’d especially recommend tuning into Watch Out LIVE on BBC iPlayer next Tuesday 4th June at 9pm (after Springwatch)… You might just see a familiar face. 👀😇

27/05/2024

Spot the newest addition. 🪜

I had originally planned a couple of arches for my pumpkins, but it’s such an open space - I’d feel awful if a storm blew them into someone else’s plot and caused damage!

But my lil pumpkin plants were starting to look a bit sad in their pots, so my fiancé and I put our heads together (along with a pallet, a few nails and some mesh)… and the pumpkin a-frame was born!

I’m proppa buzzing with how this turned out and I’m already thinking of making another one for my melons! (behave 🍉)

The allotment is really starting to spring to life now! The seeds I sowed last week are already germinating, and the lettuces are looking crrrrrisp. 😮‍💨

I also decided to embrace a spot of chaos gardening and sowed a bunch of mixed sunflower seeds at the far side of the plot. 🌻

Hope you’ve all had a lovely weekend! xx

20/05/2024

The sun hurts me eyes okayyy ☀️🔥

Had had another productive afternoon down the allotment yesterday! Managed to level out some more of that rubble-y ground surface, and built 2 x big boi beds.

I also planted out my Welsh Onions, and sowed:

- Borage
- Red Amaranth
- Mustard Green Giant

I also planted out 2 of my pumpkin varieties in the garden for my pumpkin arch, and potted on a LOT of sunflowers 🌻

It’s so exciting starting to see everything come together, and there is still so much more on its way! 👀

Hope you’ve all had a lovely Monday, fam. Xx

25/04/2024

Allotment progress sow far… 🌱

(See what I did there?!)

Between the weather and busy life things I’ve not managed to get anything built on the plot yet, but ya girl has her design drawn up on some graph paper and I can’t tell you how excited I am to see it all coming together. 🥹

The good news is that none of this has stopped me from getting some seeds started!

Our kitchen table and windowsills have been looking like a scene from Jumanji 🌿🪴🐊 But thankfully have come through with some cracking lil cold frames, so OF COURSE I grabbed a couple. It’s still pretty cold so I’m keeping a close eye, just in case anyone needs to come back inside.

ANYHOO a few of you have asked me what I’ve been sowing this month so here’s a lil rundown of my April seed sowings:

🌱 Veg, fruit, leaf-y things:

- Welsh onion
- Leek Porbella
- Strawberries
- Sweet peppers
- Pumpkins (Musquee de Province, Jack Be Little, Golden Hubbard)
- Pea Alderman
- Watermelon Sugarbaby
- Chervil
- Chard Bright Lights
- Rainbow Carrot
- Lettuce Little Gem
- Spinach

🌼 Flowwaz

- Sweetpeas
- China Aster
- Treasure Flower
- Nasturtium
- Cosmos
- Sunflower (Teddy Bear, Velvet Queen, Irish Eyes, Sunburst, Beauty Paquito)
- Chamomile

And that’s just the start of it 🤣 I can’t wait for you all to see what I’ve got planned… all I can say is that I am well & truly carrying my “don’t do the same as everyone else” mindset into my growing. 👀

If you have any weird & wonderful suggestions PLEASE throw them at me in the comments - I’d love to add some more to my list! 🧡

17/04/2024

Let’s talk about labels 🏷️

In light of the recent rehash in the media about the increasing demand for ADHD & Autism assessment referrals, I felt like it was important to touch on why demand is growing - and it has nothing to do with benefits or attention seeking.

The long and short of it is that diagnostic criteria has been updated, awareness is increasing through research & shared lived experience; and the outdated, limited stereotypes are finally being dispelled.

Diagnosis rates may be higher than ever, but they’re also more accurate than ever. 🧡

06/04/2024

Swipe to see a PROPPA happy me. 🤣

If you’ve followed me for a while you’ll already know that I fell in love with tinkering in the garden last year.

My mental health improved 📈
I started seeing more lil wildlife visitors 🦋🦅

And after I grew my first ever pumpkins I knew that I wanted to do more this year, but the wait lists for allotment plots are so long that I wasn’t expecting to have one yet…

Then last week a letter popped through my door telling me that some brand new plots were available, and I GOT ONE. 🥹



I know you’re all here for different reasons, soooo are we okay with allotment content here OR shall I set up a separate account?

24/03/2024

Level 35 🎮

I’ll be honest, I wasn’t looking forward to my birthday this year for a few personal reasons.

But my lovely fam have made sure I had a lush day regardless! 🧡

…and so did the Universe. She threw a stunning Aurora display last night and it was INCREDIBLE to witness. 🔮✨

I am thankful, filled with love, and as ever do not intend on “acting my age” anytime soon.

###

23/03/2024

Neurodiversity Celebration Week is amazing 🙌

I love that it opens up so many conversations about why it’s such a good thing that no two brains are the same!

I also think it’s a great time to share some the less ✨aesthetic✨ parts of being Neurodivergent, too. I’ve seen this trend recently and have been saving it especially for this week.

We should always celebrate what makes us who we are, but it’s important that we keep conversations approachable too. When everything is so focused on the positives, some may feel bad for not feeling as ‘celebratory’ if they’re having a hard time. 🙏

This is a super vulnerable post for me - open discussions are perfectly fine as always, but please be kind. 🧡

18/03/2024

Neurodiversity means ALL of us. 🧡

Neurodivergent or not, no two brains are the same. Isn’t that incredible?!

Just like many of us love to learn about & nurture the biological diversity in our natural world, we need to do more to recognise and celebrate the beauty in Neurodiversity, too. ✨

Is it challenging at times being Neurodivergent? Absolutely.

Would I want to change the wiring of my brain? Absolutely not.

Because despite the bad times, the dangerous situations I’ve found myself in, the social / academic / professional challenges & barriers… my brain is responsible for the most beautiful parts of who I am, too.

Without my unique wiring, I simply wouldn’t be me. 🦄

16/03/2024

Finally found my dream greenhouse. 🌿☀️

is every bit as magical as I imagined… and so much more. 🧡

We did however underestimate how HUGE the place is 😅 there’s so much that we didn’t get a chance to see, so I’ll definitely be making a return trip in the very near future!

02/01/2024

Consider yourself ✨aggressively hyped✨

I talk a lot about not conforming to societal norms & expectations, and sometimes, it doesn’t even have anything to do with being Neurodivergent.

It’s about simply being YOU.

It’s the 2nd of January - give yourself a break. 🧡

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30/11/2023

I’ve been feeling a bit “lost” in the world of social media - especially in the Neurodivergent community.

What started as a community that aimed to give everyone a safe place to “be”, has now become a very difficult place to navigate.

I want to do positive things here - I just need to figure out what that looks like for ✨me✨

19/11/2023

4383 days…

🏠 1 house
🐾 2 dogs
🧭 Many adventures
🌱 Immeasurable (and unexpected 😅) growth & changes

Happy 12 years to my incredible fiancé - I am forever grateful and proud to be writing this story with you.

✨RICK AND MORTY FOREVER AND EVER, A HUNDRED YEARS RICK AND MORTY✨

20/10/2023

It’s my Spicy-versary! 🧠🌶️✨

If someone told me 2 years ago that I’d be the person I am today, I wouldn’t have believed them.

I still have a lot of learning to do! But I’m very proud of what I’ve achieved since my diagnosis. 🙏

Between the endless research, being properly medicated, and making a LOT of lifestyle changes, I’m a completely different woman in comparison to the 30 year old Sarah who broke down in the Dr’s office because she “couldn’t pretend to be a person anymore”.

It’s never too late for anything my frens - especially when it comes to living YOUR best life. 🧡

✨✨✨✨

(Special shout out to my fiancé, fam , followers and friends both within and outside of this incredible community - do not underestimate the huge part every single one of you has played in my journey 🥹💚)

••••••

01/10/2023

Happy October 1st from your resident pumpkin Queen 👑🍂🎃

My fiancé and I had the most wholesome date picking pumpkins at yesterday morning! I don’t think the poor lad knew what to expect but he loved it 🥹🧡

These photos are the epitome of Autistic joy and I love everything about them.

If you ever feel embarrassed / self conscious about expressing your joy, or being excited about your special interests, please try to remember that’s when you’re the most ✨you✨ - and that’s amazing.

(Autumnal sweater is from .whittaker ‘s collection at 🍂🍁🪵🌼)

•••••••••••

🍁

13/09/2023

🙏🔥

05/09/2023

🙏🏻🎯🧠🌶️

31/08/2023

Happy September Eve to all my fellow Autumn souls. 🧡

You’re not “cringe” for showing that this time of year brings you so much joy! The world needs more of that energy - throw that shizz in the air like a pile crunchy Autumn leaves. 🍂

(Big ups to for really knowing their target market ☕️🎃)

30/08/2023

💚 allllll too often!

Comment 💚 if you feel misunderstood a lot!

23/08/2023

Creating mini goals for myself has been a huuuuge game changer since I’ve been back into my strength training. 🏋🏻‍♀️

Novelty 🤝 Cute leggings and water bottles.

Competition 🤝 Beating my achievements from the week before.

The secret to staying motivated long term with ADHD 💡

If you’re tired of setting a long term goal, one you’re REALLY passionate about, and losing interest:
keep reading!

The secret to long term consistency in relation to your goals…

🙅🏼‍♂️ is not some magical superfood, pill or supplement

🙅🏼‍♂️ is not about discipline

🙅🏼‍♂️ does not mean you need to “lower your expectations”

The ADHD brain is hardwired to seek instant results

Instant results & long term goals don’t go together, do they? And herein we find both the problem, and the solution.

Your brain is craving short term goals, you want to meet a long term goal, so…

Why not draw a path from now to the goal; setting miniature tasks & accomplishments along the way? 😎👀

This way you’ll be receiving mini boosts periodically which can help in keeping you motivated towards the longer term goal!

Follow Heydhd to learn more about managing ADHD!

22/08/2023

🙏🙏🙏

We say this with love 🫶🏻

You will NOT remember the thing, so write it down! 📝 Your intentions are good, but your working memory… not so much.

You’re not a bad person for having poor short term memory, but don’t make life more difficult than it needs to be - you’re allowed to accommodate yourself! 🙏

12/08/2023

When you’re trying to be ✨cute✨ ADHD Autistic but you’re actually
🕷️is that a spider🕷️ and
👹who the F is parking outside my house👹 ADHD Autistic.

BUT LOOK HOW MUCH MY PUMPKINS HAVE GROWN. 🥹

06/08/2023

Ahhhh… Salmon skin roll. 🍣

Of course, always ask the Autistic people in your life whether they prefer person-first language, or identity-first language. 🙏🏻

For me, it’s identity-first all the way! My brain function is the very core of who I am - I can’t simply choose to “not let it define me”.

Consider it like talking about someone who’s first language is different to yours! You appreciate that there could be crossed wires or misunderstandings now and then, but would you hold that against them? Would you tell them “not to let it define them”? Of course not - it is who they are. 🧡

✨✨✨✨

PS… plz don’t let this flop I’m really proud of it 😂

19/07/2023

FOREVEEEEER YOUNG. 🎶

Before my diagnosis, I always felt so ashamed and uncomfortable when people treated me as if I was younger than I am. Seeing jaws hit the floor when they heard my age, made me want to burst out of my skin and RUN.

But now? I embrace it. I genuinely have NO care for what society expects of a woman my age.

I have always had friends of very different ages, and I love that about myself. I think it speaks volumes about the person I am. 🫶🏻

You want to play videogames? I gotchu. 🎮

Want some company at the garden centre? LET’S GO. 👩🏼‍🌾

Need a late night drive for McDonalds and deep chats? I’ll get the first round. 🥤🍔🍟

And if you speak down to me as if I’m an idle teenager? I’ll dig into the pre-prepared scripts that I have locked away in my brain to shut you down in the most eloquent way possible. 🤣

Do people always think you’re much younger than you are? 💭

✨✨✨✨

09/07/2023

Just a smol garden feature 😅

After discovering the magical impact gardening has on my mental health, a few weeks ago I got myself a mini greenhouse / grow house so I could have a bash at growing fruit & veg.

Anyone who knows me, knows I’m an Autumn gorl through & through 🍂 so OBVIOUSLY when I stumbled across some Baby Bear Pumpkin seeds in , I lobbed those bad lads into my basket and planted them in the grow house as soon as I got home.

…But then they started growing. And I realised I was NOT prepared at all. Did you know that pumpkins need 90cm space to grow?!

But, after a deep dive on garden-tok, I found the answer I was looking for. You can grow pumpkins vertically.

Those who know me also know that I don’t really like to do things conventionally, so good old climbing trellis just wouldn’t do it for me.

So allow me to introduce…

🔮 The magical Pumpkin Arch. 🎃

Expect many photos of this over the weeks to come. 😂

(Arch was an absolute steal from 🧡)

🍁

08/07/2023

I’m just a Khaleesi. Standing in front of a hobbit-y looking gate. Asking for a photoshoot. 🔮🐉✨

I’ve not felt this confident attending an event in such a long time.

I didn’t dress “conventionally” or “for the weather”. I wore my nose ring and didn’t wear high heels.

I used my with pride and happily answered questions about them.

It’s amazing how much more of life you can enjoy when you know who you ✨truly✨ are. Once you have those answers, not one single person can ever tell you otherwise. It’s so empowering & freeing. 🫶🏻

28/06/2023

This is your reminder that nourishing your spicy brain (& body!) doesn’t need to be complicated. 🙏🏻

As an AuDHDer with an eating disorder, eating has never been an easy or simple concept for me.

One of the worst possible things I could do is put myself in a position where I need to constantly think about food! Which, thanks to toxic diet culture, I have done for far too many years.

Some things that are helping me now:
🧡 Going back to basics - making sure I’m eating healthy fats & protein in particular, choosing foods that I enjoy in taste & texture, and not guilting myself for enjoying lil treats!
🧡 Having no shame in buying pre-packaged foods. It may cost a little more, but I’ve wasted far too much food & money in the past because I didn’t have the energy to prepare it myself.
🧡 Smoothies! I have a smoothie packed with protein, fibre & healthy fats every morning. At least if I forget to eat for the rest of the day, I know I’ve had something substantial.
🧡 Supplements 💊 have created an incredible blend of amino acids, probiotics, minerals, vitamins & botanicals to support & empower your spicy brain 🧠 check out the link in our bio over at .22 for more info!