Episode 1 (New Season): Reclaiming Your Power in Midlife - hormones, ADHD and new beginnings

Key Questions:

- How can ADHD symptoms evolve in midlife?

- What role do physical changes play in managing ADHD at this stage of life?

- How can we reframe challenges to reclaim power during midlife?

- What practical steps can help maintain motivation and growth?

 Quotes:

- "To reclaim our power in midlife - whether we have ADHD or not—we need to give ourselves grace and permission."

- "Like the tides, we are not meant to be consistent in the way a "productive economic unit" should be."

- "The great thing about having ADHD is our divergent thinking style - we’re more likely to see opportunities and take risks."

Episode Highlights: 

- Welcome Back: New Season Begins: We kick off the new season, introducing the topic of ADHD in midlife.

- Why I Took a Break: Discussing the importance of recognising when to step back and give yourself permission to rest.

- Reclaiming Power in Midlife: Understanding how to regain a sense of autonomy during life’s transitions.

- Physical Changes in Midlife: Exploring how aging impacts ADHD symptoms and the physical shifts that accompany this stage.

- Setting Goals and Celebrating Wins: The power of micro-goals and finding joy in small victories.

- The Power of Community: Emphasising the importance of finding others who share a similar neurodivergent perspective.

Episode Chapters:

- [00:00:00] Welcome Back: New Season Begins

  Welcome back, my friends! It is ADHD Powerful Possibilities, and we are back with a new episode and a new season.

- [00:00:07] ADHD in Midlife

  Today, we're going to talk about ADHD in midlife. If you've ever felt like you're constantly losing the thread of conversations or getting more easily distracted, you're not alone. Maybe you've been diagnosed with ADHD or are considering seeking a diagnosis. Midlife can feel uncertain for many of us.

  The great news? Midlife is also a chance to discover new ways of doing things, to reclaim who we are and who we want to be. Grab a cup of tea, sit down, and let's get started.

- [00:00:49] Why I Took a Break

  Before diving into today's main topic, I want to talk about the break I took over the summer. It started because I wasn't feeling well, and it just kept going. I think it’s important to share because it highlights something crucial—sometimes, we need to give ourselves permission to rest.

I'm someone who constantly pushes myself to be productive. But this summer, I gave myself permission—with a capital P—to take a true break. For me to be able to help you as a coach and as someone talking about ADHD online, I need to respect my own capacity and energy. And that energy isn’t constant for any of us, especially for those of us navigating midlife changes like menopause.

- [00:01:55] Reclaiming Power in Midlife

To reclaim our power in midlife—whether we have ADHD or not—we need to give ourselves grace and permission. We have to recognize that, like the tides, we are not meant to be consistent in the way a productive economic unit should be. If we want meaningful change, it starts with respecting our needs.

- [00:02:38] Physical Changes in Midlife  

Let’s get back to ADHD in midlife. Let’s start with the physical changes our brain experiences as we age. By the time we reach 35 to 40, we're in midlife, and it can feel daunting. Our brains, like our bodies, go through changes—hormones shift, arteries lose flexibility, and muscle mass declines.

For those of us with ADHD, these changes can feel even more pronounced. As estrogen declines, so does dopamine production, which makes managing ADHD symptoms more challenging. Many of us are juggling responsibilities—parents, children, jobs, businesses—making it even harder to balance the essentials like sleep, exercise, and nutrition. And yet, these become more important than ever.

- [00:04:48] The Impact of Lifestyle Choices 

I’m sure I’m not the only one who’s noticed how a lack of sleep affects focus, motivation, and productivity. Midlife can feel like an endless list of responsibilities—managing careers, businesses, and often young children. I had my daughter at 36, and it’s a lot to take on. But there is a different way to look at this stage of life.

- [00:05:40] Midlife as a Chance for Growth  

 This phase can also be a time of growth. Many of us may change careers or reassess our priorities during this time. It’s an opportunity to think about what kind of life we want to enjoy. And the great thing about having ADHD is our divergent thinking style—we’re more likely to see opportunities and take risks.

If we nurture these new ideas while looking after ourselves, we can experience a compound effect that benefits our mental health and well-being.

- [00:06:49] Adaptive Explorers and Growth Archetypes

Some of you have taken my ADHD growth archetype quiz and discovered you’re adaptive explorers—incredibly good at synthesising information and thinking expansively. This gives us an advantage as we navigate midlife changes. If you haven’t taken the quiz yet, I’d love for you to do so. It’s a great way to start thinking about your next steps.

- [00:07:51] Reclaiming Power in Practical Ways  

It’s easy to say, “Let’s reclaim our power,” but what does that mean in practice? Some of us are only now discovering that ADHD has shaped our lives. The first step is recognizing that our past challenges can teach us valuable lessons—not just about our brains, but about what we need and value.

- [00:09:02] The Power of Reframing 

Our brains don’t stop changing as we age. When we practice reframing difficulties as challenges, our brains begin to do this more naturally over time. It’s not about turning trauma into a ‘teaching moment’—it’s about recognizing that smaller challenges can help us learn more about ourselves and what we want.

- [00:10:10] Setting Goals and Celebrating Wins  

Another way to regain power is by setting micro goals and celebrating small wins. I’m not a fan of reward charts for kids, but I am a big fan of rewarding ourselves in the moment—whether that’s dancing to a favorite tune or having a cozy cup of tea. It’s these little things that keep us motivated.

- [00:11:22] Morning Practice for Success 

One practice that’s made a big difference for me is finding five quiet minutes in the morning—before anyone else gets up—to just be. Whether that’s outside in the garden or sitting quietly with a cup of coffee, being present for just five minutes can energize you for the entire day.

- [00:12:02] The Power of Community  

Let’s talk about embracing power in community. Finding others who understand your ADHD brain can make a huge difference. We thrive in environments where conversations move quickly and ideas flow freely—something that’s easier with other neurodivergent folks. Making an effort to find or create these communities can provide enormous support.

- [00:13:00] Connection and Belonging 

ADHD affects our social dynamics, but it also allows for deep, quick connections. When you’ve felt like the only zebra in the zoo, finding others like you can feel miraculous. Whether you’re a solo business owner or a manager, finding a community where you can be open about your challenges can make all the difference.

- [00:14:37] You Are Capable  

  If you’re feeling overwhelmed by midlife changes, remember this: You are whole, capable, resilient, and far more creative than you give yourself credit for. You can still be on a path of growth. Take just one step this week to reclaim some of your power—whether that’s asking for help, trying a new way of organizing things, or enjoying five minutes of quiet.

- [00:15:22] ADHD Growth Archetype Quiz  

You might even spend five minutes taking my ADHD growth archetype quiz. It’s a great way to start understanding where you are in your journey and how to take the next steps without getting stuck.

- [00:15:55] Closing Thoughts  

Thank you for joining me today. It’s so good to be back. If you found this episode valuable, please leave a comment, share it with a friend, or leave a review. As always, stay curious and take care of yourselves.

Links and Resources:

- Take the ADHD Growth Archetype Quiz: [Link to quiz]