A Renewed Appreciation for Ryan

I was very fortunate to attend the International Conference on ADHD this past weekend in Baltimore. Over 2,000 physicians, therapists, coaches, educators, parents and individuals who either work with, live with, and/or have the gift of ADHD themselves attended. For three days, I ate with, communed with, and took classes with a group of people who are passionate about ADHD, want to learn more about ADHD and want to share with others their insight, information and ongoing medical and psychological studies. I was able to meet in person for the first time with classmates from my coaching course who had become dear friends. I met and made new friends from all over the United States and Canada who had a single thing in common: ADHD.

Unfortunately, there is not enough space here to tell you all the things that I learned. But I took one very important nugget away from this conference, and that is a renewed appreciation for Ryan. At almost every turn, I was reminded of how extraordinary he is. Although I work with ADHDers every day and I am one myself, I often forget that Ryan is the reason I am a coach, and the reason for going to the conference. As I sat in one of the keynote addresses, I was struck by how difficult, yet wonderful an ADHDer’s life can be. I was reminded again that Ryan’s brain works differently, that he often has to work twice as hard as a neurotypical person. That his ability to be resilient and his determination is remarkable. That there are thousands of people just like him who struggle every single day to get motivated, to complete tasks, to focus on something that isn’t interesting, to get to places on time, to not procrastinate. I was reminded to take a step back and look at Ryan as a whole person and not at his individual struggles. I was reminded to take that all important pause when struggles in life or communication seem to be mountainous. I can tell you that I sat in one keynote address and cried, and cried. Not out of sadness, but as if a lightning bolt had hit me. A huge reminder to why I was there and that Ryan is not alone. There is great hope for Ryan and all who are like him.

1. Thank you Ryan, for who you are. Your future is bright even though the path to get there is littered with obstacles. I will continue to be your cheerleader and promise to take the pause when things don’t go as planned and help you when you ask. I will always be here for you. I love you.