I can’t believe it’s the end of April already, I feel like the year is flying by now. I often don’t have a great awareness of time, I have to work quite hard to keep track of where I am in any given month and then usually this happens where I’m surprised that it’s the end of another month!
I mentioned in my March round up that I was starting to feel lighter and enjoying the feeling of spring. I am definitely in full spring mode now. I’m loving the lighter mornings, the lighter evenings, the light in general and now is the time that I feel ready to start planning, put new things out into the world and just enjoy being.
Here are some of the things that I’ve enjoyed in April!
Lovely April things
I ate a lot of chicken nuggets. I go through phases of comfort foods (usually chicken or potato based - a roast dinner is the dream) and so chicken nuggets have been a staple this month as there have been a lot of changes to my routine so this has helped to regulate me. I can highly recommend Lidl’s own brand ones, they’re pretty delicious.
I embraced self employment! I’ve been consulting on and off since 2021 alongside part time employment but it was finally time to go out on my own now. One of the things I’ve noticed almost immediately is how much calmer I feel. Not having to commute regularly or manage back to back calls or stick to a rigid schedule feels life changing. I delivered my first neurodiversity workshop last week and really enjoyed being able to share my experience and do a tiny bit to hopefully make things easier for other people in workplaces and beyond.
I filled my cup by heading to Bristol to visit our friends for the day. Friendships have always been something that I’ve found really difficult and I can count on one hand my friendships now, so it’s always lovely getting to spend some time with people who get you.
I read a whole actual book! If you’ve been here for a little while, you’ll know that I have been struggling to focus for a long time but I have got my reading mojo back. I read Weyward by Emilia Hart and absolutely loved it. It explores feminism and feeling like you don’t fit it with a bit of magic thrown in. Just the perfect read.
I visited Rye for the day with my husband and our dog, Dottie. Dottie is still really nervous even though she’s been with us for nearly a year now so we can’t wander around the town as it’s too stressful for her. So instead, we go to the harbour which is just magical. We stroll through the nature reserve and then head down to the beach. Dottie loves having so much space to just be herself so we run around and do our best sniffs. I love the smell of the sea air.
I watched Baby Reindeer on Netflix. I really enjoyed this but it was definitely not an easy watch. It explores some really difficult themes (stalking, harassment, sexual violence) in a way that looks at the complexities and contradictions that we all are as human beings.
I wore this t shirt pretty much all month. I try not to buy too many new clothes now as overspending is something I’ve struggled with for a long time but it was in the sale and I loved everything about it, the colour, how soft it was, the way it makes me want to shout ‘hot dogs’ in a New York accent all day.
Looking ahead to May
I’m going to Spain! On my own! I’m terrified!
Okay, so I’m half terrified and half excited. As an autistic ADHDer, this is probably a perfect example of how it feels to navigate life. ADHD me is super excited to be going somewhere new, especially somewhere warm and really excited to be learning new things. Autistic me wants to stay at home and never leave again. You can see why life is a challenge sometimes!
But I’m going to Spain to continue my ADHD coach training and spend some time with some other amazing ADHDers, learning more about coaching and immerse ourselves in all things ADHD for a week. It’s something I really want to do so I am facing my fears and stretching myself to reach this goal.
The fabulous
has just written an amazing post about travelling as an AuDHDer so I will be keeping all of this in mind and hoping for an easy transition. I have a lovely ADHD coaching teammate meeting me at the airport in Spain and then we’re travelling to the training location together so that will help some of the travel nerves. All I have to do is get myself on the plane at this end (obviously, easier said than done!). I’ll definitely share any travel tips or insights once I get back.Ask me anything
I would love to do a Q&A in May. If you’d like to ask anything about ADHD, autism, navigating work (my work background is in HR), coaching or anything else really, I’d be really happy to hear from you.
Feel free to ask your questions here and I’ll answer them in one of my May posts. I’ll keep the form open until Friday, 10th May. The form is completely anonymous but you can add your name to your question if you’re happy to be identified.
As always, thank you so much for being here. I’m really enjoying this little corner of the internet where I can just be myself.
Until next time,
Allie x
As always so honest and inspiring. Me leaving my full time job feels a bit like a rollercoaster but there was no way I was able to survive in that environment another month. I also watched Baby Reindeer on recommendation of my daughter and found it quite…yeah. I look forward meeting you in Espana in just another few Weeks.
It sounds like you're finally embodying your true self and living the way that naturally works for you. Sounds wonderful! I'll be in Spain too--not in May, but July. That will be my first time there. I'm also both excited and nervous about that trip. I hope you enjoy your time with colleagues and have a wonderful trip.