How do you identify? (I'm not talking about pronouns.)

“A client used your term in my Reiki class this weekend, neurodivergent”.

Every Monday morning, my office roommate, Kelly, the Shamanic Reiki Healer and I have a Zoom. We discuss our recent wins, what we need to keep doing, where we need to re-focus, set goals, update goals, commit out loud to be more accountable, give feedback and have a safe sounding board to keep moving forward in our work.

• Curious if accountability meetings could benefit you? Expand to read more.

  Accountability meetings can benefit individuals in achieving personal and professional goals. These meetings can increase motivation, improve accountability, enhance communication, increase productivity, and improve problem-solving skills. They provide a structured opportunity for individuals to review progress, set new goals, and receive support and feedback from others.

  By setting specific goals and reviewing progress on a weekly basis, individuals can stay motivated and focused on achieving their objectives. The sense of accountability that comes with these meetings can be a powerful motivator for taking action and making progress.

  Weekly accountability meetings help to identify areas for improvement and develop strategies for overcoming struggles. By working collaboratively with others to find solutions, individuals can develop their problem-solving skills and overcome obstacles more effectively.

  Moreover, these meetings provide an opportunity to communicate with others and receive feedback on their progress. This can help to prioritize tasks and increase motivation to achieve objectives.

  By providing a structured opportunity to review progress, set new goals, and receive support and feedback from others, these meetings can help individuals stay on track, increase productivity, and improve their problem-solving skills.

In last weeks session, Kelly mentioned that one of her Reiki students identified themselves as neurodivergent. I was not even remotely surprised.

Neurodivergence describes brain differences that affect how one’s brain works. It creates a unique set of strengths and challenges, typically associated with ADHD, dyspraxia, autism and learning disabilities like dyslexia.

Now before you start making assumptions about what neurodiversity looks like, let's take a look at some of the more famous neurodivergent people.

Many with dyslexia

Dyslexia is a learning disorder that affects a person's ability to read, write, and spell. It is estimated that up to 15% of the population may have some degree of dyslexia, and it is a condition that affects people of all ages, races, and backgrounds. Despite the obstacles that come with neurodiverse learning, many people who have the condition have gone on to achieve great success in their lives.

Here are some famous dyslexics and neurodivergent people who have made an impact in their respective fields:

1. Richard Branson: The founder of the Virgin Group is dyslexic. Despite struggling with reading and writing, Branson went on to become a successful entrepreneur and philanthropist.

2. Albert Einstein: The famous physicist and mathematician is believed to have had dyslexia. Despite struggling with reading and writing, Einstein went on to make groundbreaking discoveries in the field of physics.

3. Steven Spielberg: The famous filmmaker has dyslexia. Despite struggling with reading and writing, Spielberg went on to become one of the most successful directors in Hollywood history.

4. Simone Biles: The Olympic gymnast has ADHD. Despite her struggles with hyperactivity and attention, Biles has won numerous gold medals and is considered one of the greatest gymnasts of all time.

5. Temple Grandin: The animal behavior expert and autism advocate is autistic. Despite struggling with social interactions, Grandin has made significant contributions to the field of animal science and has written several books on autism.

These are just a few examples of the many successful dyslexics and neurodivergent people who have made an impact in their fields. While neurodivergent conditions can present obstacles, they do not define a person's abilities or potential. With the right support and resources, individuals with neurodivergent conditions can achieve great success in their lives. It is important to recognize and celebrate the unique strengths and talents of all individuals, regardless of their neurological differences.

And then there was me...

When I was recently diagnosed as a dyslexic (although it won’t come as a surprise to those of you have been reading my emails for the last 20 years, LOL), I started to notice how many of my clients have strong neurodivergent tendencies – deep processing, holistic thinking, sensory sensitive and highly empathetic if not fully empathic. So, I started making a list of the common identifiers I see in people who greatly benefit from the work we do... and yes, a few identifiers are related to neurodivergence.

Here are a few of the other identifiers that made the holistic healing benefits list…

Chronic Health Conditions

Chronic health conditions are long-term illnesses that often require ongoing treatment and management. Many chronic conditions can be aggravated by stress, which can cause symptoms to flare up and make it more difficult to manage the condition.

Here are a few chronic health conditions that can be triggered or worsened by stress:

1. Asthma: Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that can cause breathing difficulties. Stress can trigger asthma symptoms by causing inflammation in the airways and making it harder to breathe.

2. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): IBS is a digestive disorder that can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, and constipation. Stress can trigger IBS symptoms by disrupting the normal function of the digestive system.

3. Migraines: Migraines are a type of headache that can cause intense pain, sensitivity to light and sound, and other symptoms. Stress can trigger migraines by causing blood vessels in the brain to constrict and release chemicals that cause pain.

4. Psoriasis: Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that can cause red, scaly patches on the skin. Stress can trigger psoriasis symptoms by causing inflammation in the skin and weakening the immune system.

5. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS): CFS is a complex condition that can cause severe fatigue, muscle pain, and other symptoms. Stress can trigger CFS symptoms by disrupting the normal function of the immune and nervous systems.

Managing chronic health conditions that are triggered by stress can be challenging, but there are things that can be done to help minimize the impact of stress on the body. Some strategies for managing stress and reducing the risk of flare-ups include:

• Engaging in regular physical activity

• Practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga

• Getting enough sleep and practicing good sleep hygiene

• Eating a balanced diet and avoiding triggers such as caffeine and alcohol

• Seeking support from friends, family, or a therapist

By taking steps to manage stress and minimize the impact of chronic health conditions, individuals can improve their overall health and well-being. It's important to work with healthcare providers to develop an individualized treatment plan that addresses the unique needs of each person.

Highly sensitive

Being highly sensitive is a personality trait that is often characterized by a heightened awareness and sensitivity to one's surroundings. People who are highly sensitive may be more easily overwhelmed by sensory input, including noise, light, and touch. They may also be more empathetic and attuned to the emotions of others.

Here are some common traits of highly sensitive individuals:

1. Sensitivity to sensory input: Highly sensitive individuals may be more easily overwhelmed by sensory input such as loud noises, bright lights, and strong smells.

2. Emotional sensitivity: Highly sensitive individuals may be more empathetic and attuned to the emotions of others. They may also be more emotionally reactive and prone to feeling overwhelmed by intense emotions.

3. Overstimulation: Highly sensitive individuals may become overstimulated or overwhelmed by too much sensory input or emotional stimuli. This can lead to feelings of stress, anxiety, or exhaustion.

4. Depth of processing: Highly sensitive individuals may process information more deeply and thoroughly than others. They may be more analytical and introspective, and may take longer to make decisions.

5. Creativity and intuition: Highly sensitive individuals may be more creative and intuitive, with a heightened ability to perceive and appreciate beauty and art.

While being highly sensitive can present challenges, it can also be a valuable and positive trait. Highly sensitive individuals often have a unique perspective on the world and can be deeply compassionate and empathetic. They may also be more creative and intuitive, with a strong ability to appreciate and enjoy the beauty of life.

It's important for highly sensitive individuals to take care of themselves and manage their sensitivity in a healthy way. This may involve taking breaks from overstimulating environments, practicing relaxation techniques such as meditation or yoga, and seeking support from loved ones or a therapist.

By understanding and embracing their sensitivity, highly sensitive individuals can harness their strengths and live a fulfilling life.

Caregiving

Caregiving can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience, but it can also be incredibly stressful. Whether caring for a loved one with a chronic illness or an aging parent, caregiving can take a toll on one's physical, emotional, and mental health.

Here are some common stressors that caregivers may face:

1. Lack of control: Caregivers may feel like they have little control over the health and well-being of their loved one. This can lead to feelings of frustration, anxiety, and helplessness.

2. Time constraints: Caregivers often have to balance caregiving responsibilities with work, family, and other obligations. This can lead to feelings of overwhelm and exhaustion.

3. Financial strain: Caregiving can be expensive, with costs for medical equipment, medication, and home modifications adding up quickly. This can create financial strain and make it difficult for caregivers to make ends meet.

4. Emotional strain: Caregiving can be emotionally demanding, with caregivers experiencing a range of emotions including sadness, anger, and guilt. Caregivers may also feel isolated and alone, especially if they are caring for a loved one with a chronic illness or disability.

5. Physical strain: Caregiving can be physically demanding, with caregivers often performing tasks such as lifting, bathing, and feeding their loved one. This can lead to injuries, exhaustion, and other health problems.

It's important for caregivers to take care of themselves and seek support when needed. This may involve asking for help from family and friends, joining a support group, or seeking counseling. Caregivers should also prioritize self-care activities such as exercise, sleep, and hobbies that help reduce stress and promote relaxation.

By recognizing the stressors of caregiving and taking steps to manage stress and seek support, caregivers can better cope with the challenges of caregiving and provide better care for their loved ones.

Caregiving stress is compounded when it is for one's with special needs such as elderly parents, very young children, kiddos with disabilities or (you guessed it!)... neurodivergent kids.

Anyone who has ever been in this position has lost count of the number of time people have said, "Can't you just.." or "This worked for my..." Special needs require consistency with fluidity, patience with hustle and likely a unique solution to every unique problem. And don't even start me on the costs associated with special needs. It doesn't leave much in the bank mentally, emotionally, physically or financially.

Life long learners

Personal growth is a lifelong journey that involves continuous learning, self-discovery, and self-improvement. As we age, it's important to embrace personal growth as a means of finding personal fulfillment and living a more meaningful life.

Here are some ways that we can find personal fulfillment in personal growth:

1. Embrace curiosity: Curiosity is the key to lifelong learning and personal growth. When we approach life with an open mind and a desire to learn new things, we can discover new passions, develop new skills, and expand our understanding of the world around us.

2. Set goals: Setting goals is an important part of personal growth. By setting realistic and achievable goals, we can challenge ourselves and push ourselves to new heights. Whether it's learning a new language, mastering a new skill, or achieving a personal milestone, setting goals helps us stay motivated and focused on our personal growth journey.

3. Embrace failure: Failure is an inevitable part of personal growth. It's important to embrace failure as a learning opportunity and a chance to grow and improve. By embracing failure and learning from our mistakes, we can develop resilience and build the confidence to continue pursuing our personal growth goals.

4. Seek feedback: Seeking feedback from others is an important part of personal growth. By seeking feedback from people we trust, we can gain valuable insights into our strengths and weaknesses and identify areas for improvement. Feedback can help us develop self-awareness and improve our personal and professional relationships.

5. Embrace discomfort: Personal growth often involves stepping outside of our comfort zones and taking risks. It's important to embrace discomfort as a natural part of the personal growth process and push ourselves to try new things, take on new challenges, and develop new skills.

Personal growth is a journey that requires dedication, commitment, and a willingness to embrace new experiences and challenges. By focusing on personal growth as a means of finding personal fulfillment, we can live a more meaningful and fulfilling life.

Are you curious if you “check any of the boxes”, neurodivergent or not? So am I!

Click here to fill out the 45 second survey. It will also show you the collective results so far.

(Yes, I would be nosey too and want to see what others checked. LOL.)

Find out more about the how holistic healing serves neurodiverse people, caregivers, the highly sensitive and more.

Over the next few weeks I’ll be unpacking the what and why for each of these boxes starting with whichever gets the most checks. So be sure you clicked your boxes above! It will take less than 1 minute (according to the survey app... but, how long you reflectively dwell on the options is up to you.)

Here to help keep you stay amazing,

Aimee

PS - Want to know how I began to truly see my neurodivergence? Here's a clue...