The Flourish Model: Embracing Self-Accommodation for ADHD Women
What is Self-Accommodation?
Self-accommodation is about making life work for you, not against you. It’s understanding that as a woman with ADHD, the usual way of doing things might not be the best for you. Instead of pushing yourself to fit into a world that feels overwhelming, it’s about finding easier, more comfortable ways to manage your day-to-day life.
Why Self-Accommodation is a Key Pillar in the Flourish Model:
- Celebrating Your Uniqueness: Your ADHD neurotype is a part of who you are, and that’s something to be embraced. Self-accommodation is about honoring your unique way of experiencing the world.
- Taking Control: It puts you in control. You get to choose the path that feels right for you, not the one others expect you to take.
- Reducing Stress: By choosing methods that align with your needs, you significantly reduce the stress and anxiety that comes from trying to conform to standard norms.
- Building Confidence: When you find strategies that work for you, it boosts your confidence. You’re no longer struggling to keep up; you’re succeeding in your own way.
- Promoting Well-being: Your overall well-being improves when you live in a way that suits your neurotype. You feel more balanced, content, and capable.
Practical Examples of Self-Accommodation:
- Choosing Easier Routes: If busy streets overwhelm you, take quieter routes. It’s not about avoiding challenges; it’s about choosing a path that keeps you calm and focused.
- Grocery Shopping Your Way: If crowded stores are stressful, have your groceries delivered, or shop during off-peak hours. It’s about making routine tasks more manageable.
- Work Environment Adjustments: If open-plan offices are too distracting, request a quieter space or use noise-cancelling headphones. Create an environment where you can be your most productive self.
Why This is Healing for ADHD Women:
For many ADHD women, there’s been a constant push to adapt to the world’s pace, often leading to feelings of inadequacy and stress. Self-accommodation is healing because it’s a shift from trying harder to trying smarter. It’s about acknowledging that your brain works differently and that’s okay. This approach validates your experiences and supports you in finding ways to live that are more in tune with your natural rhythm and capabilities.
In Conclusion:
The Flourish Model with its focus on self-accommodation is about thriving as an ADHD woman. It’s a celebration of your neurotype and a commitment to living a life that feels fulfilling, less overwhelming, and authentically yours. Remember, you’re not just coping; you’re flourishing by making life work for you in your own unique way.