When living with ADHD, shame doesn't just visit; it moves in, bringing along its buddies dread and loathing. It's a toxic mix that turns even the simplest tasks into mountains. Here's the thing: when you've got ADHD, your emotional world is like a dial turned all the way up. Feelings don't just come and go; they linger. It’s like that friend that doesn’t know when to leave. This intensity makes the prospect of facing tasks—even those you genuinely want to tackle—daunting.

Picture this: there's a project you're excited about, something you've been dreaming of getting off the ground. But as soon as you sit down to start, dread creeps in, whispering reminders of all the times things didn't go as planned. It's not just a fear of failing; it's the anticipation of the shame that might follow, a feeling you know all too well and will do anything to avoid. So, you put it off, telling yourself you'll feel more up to it tomorrow. But tomorrow brings its own set of challenges, and the cycle continues.

Then there's the loathing. It's not just about disliking the task at hand; it's a deeper, more visceral reaction. Think about having to sit through a meeting where you're expected to stay focused and contribute. As the time approaches, loathing sets in, not just for the meeting itself but for the effort it takes to appear "normal." It's emotionally exhausting, and by the end, you're not just drained; you're also beating yourself up for not being able to handle what seems like a basic part of adult life. And what makes it worse is that attending meetings may be a regular part of your job which means you don’t know when or if the torture will ever end!

This avoidance strategy might seem like self-protection, but it's a double-edged sword. Sure, it might keep the immediate feelings of shame at bay, but it also keeps us from experiencing growth, success, and ultimately, happiness. It's as if we're stuck in a loop, wanting to break free but chained down by the memory of past embarrassments.

For those with ADHD, the challenge is even greater. Our brains hold onto these emotional memories like a librarian who never forgets a due date. We've got a vast collection of moments when we've felt ashamed, and each one acts like a barrier to trying new things or putting ourselves out there. As life goes on, this library only gets bigger, narrowing our path to success and happiness even further.

The result? We're not just avoiding tasks; we're avoiding life. It's a disastrous way to live, especially when deep down, there's a burning desire to achieve and to be happy. Breaking this cycle means acknowledging the pain, understanding the role of ADHD in amplifying these emotions, and working through them. It's not about erasing the past but learning to navigate our emotional landscape with new tools and strategies, so we can tackle those tasks without dread or loathing, and finally start turning those dreams into reality.

Dialing Down Dread: Tracing Its Roots to Tame It

Module 1 - Finding Your Bearings

Self Awareness: The foundation to begin healing.

The Underestimated Role of Shame in ADHD

Module 2 - Surrender to a Better Life

Module 3 - Action Plan - Doing What Works And Feeling Good About It.