ADHD and Me: How I Learned to Embrace My Differences
By Holly Kent, MSN, PMHNP-BC
3 min read
The other night, I was sitting at home doing diamond art with my daughter. It's her favorite hobby, and recently, it's become one of mine too. There’s something about placing each tiny gem that helps settle my nervous system and gives my restless brain something to focus on—and that’s when it hits me: my ADHD, which can be frustrating and chaotic at times, is also responsible for some of the most meaningful parts of how I experience life.
As a psychiatric nurse practitioner and someone who lives with ADHD, I often talk to my clients about the challenges it can bring, but I also like to share a few of the things I have learned to appreciate (and even love) about the way my ADHD brain works that is sometimes taken for granted.
Three of My Unique ADHD Traits
1. Creativity That Doesn’t Quit
ADHD brains don’t stop dreaming—we’re natural idea machines! Sure, we might not follow through on every single thought, but the pace and passion behind our creativity is something that just can’t be learned or taught.
I’ve had sparks of inspiration hit me in the middle of a conversation, during a walk, or even while folding laundry. Some ideas stick and some don’t, but the flow of possibilities feels like a superpower at times. This trait has helped me create things I am proud of and shaped how I solve problems. It has also helped me design solutions in my practice that are both practical and intuitive.
Living with ADHD often means feeling a lot, and sometimes, feeling everything all at once. And yes, it can be overwhelming, but it also makes me deeply in tune with others—like how I can usually sense when a client is hiding sadness behind a smile or when a friend is going through something even if they say they are fine. This emotional sensitivity has made me a more compassionate provider and a better friend. My ADHD has taught me to read between the lines and not to always take things at face value.
2. Spontaneity Can Be Beautiful When Grounded
Some of my favorite memories came from spontaneous road trips or experiences that pushed me out of my comfort zone in the best way. That kind of impulsiveness can be full of joy and adventure, but I’ve also learned that not all spontaneity feels good in the long run. Sometimes, it can lead to overcommitting or saying something I didn’t really mean.
Over time, I’ve realized how important it is for me to slow down and check in with myself. I just take some time to pause and ask myself whether my spontaneity is positive or self-destructive. This simple moment of reflection has made a big difference in helping me feel confident that my spontaneity is going in a direction that feels safe and aligned with my goals. I’ve found that with a bit of patience, I can still let life surprise me in ways that feel good.
3. Hyperfocusing Can Be Peaceful
There’s something almost magical about the way ADHD dives all the way into something we care about. When I’m deep into my hobbies like diamond art or songwriting, everything else quiets down. That’s the kind of peace I try to help my clients find in their everyday lives too. And it doesn’t have to be a crazy time-consuming hobby either. Activities like gardening, exercising, dancing, or doing your own DIY project around the house can be a great way to put your focus to work.
Some days, living with ADHD can feel heavy, but it’s not a flaw or failure. Over the years, both in my personal life and in my work as a psych NP, I’ve come to see it as a different way of experiencing the world. A way that’s often rich in creativity, deep in empathy, and full of connection and strength.
If you have ADHD, I want you to know this: you are not broken, lazy, or “too much.” You simply have a brain that works differently and beautifully. And sometimes, the best way to calm it is with a small moment of stillness. Sit down, pick up something that brings you peace (sparkly diamond or not), and let your mind do what it does best. If you're ready to better understand and work with your ADHD, we're here to help you get started!
All content and information on this website are for informational purposes only. None of the material is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This information does not create any client-provider relationship. Please consult with your mental health care provider before making any health care decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition.