Living with ADHD as a Healer, Yogi, and Artist

ADHD, Dyslexia, and the Healer’s Path: From Hustle to Holistic

Choosing presence over performance in a chaotic world.

The Myth of the “Still” Healer

There’s a common belief in wellness spaces that a “good” healer is always calm, organized, and serene. They meditate for hours, live by a planner, and move through life with quiet grace. But that’s not me.

ADHD doesn’t look like laziness. It looks like hyper-focus at 2 a.m. It looks like forgetting appointments but remembering the emotional nuances of a student’s body language from six months ago. It looks like starting four projects, getting lost in a song lyric, and suddenly reorganizing the spice cabinet mid-flow.

And still, I hold space for others deeply and intentionally. I’m not trying to be polished. I’m trying to be present.

I can meet others in their chaos because I’ve had to learn to make peace with my own.

Yoga Without a Script

I no longer prepare for my yoga classes, and that’s intentional. Instead, I walk in, look at my students, feel the room, and teach based on what I sense they need in that moment.

It wasn’t always like that. I used to plan and rehearse, trying to get it “right.” But over time, I realized my strength was in presence, not performance.

ADHD taught me to pay attention to nuance, energy, and unspoken cues. Yoga taught me to trust that.

This doesn’t mean I wing it carelessly. It means I listen. I let the moment shape the movement.

Dance Is a Different Story

Dance class presents a whole different challenge. Unlike yoga, I have to prep for dance. I choreograph routines, choose music, and practice the steps.

But this kind of structure can be really hard with an ADHD brain. I get caught up in the music and lose count of the beats. My brain and body get tangled in the words of the song. I’ll drift into the emotion of a lyric and completely forget the next move.

I used to fight it. I pushed harder. I stayed up later. I drilled the steps until they were perfect. I thought perfection would make me better. But it didn’t.

What made me better was authenticity.

Now we laugh when I mess up. We play with the rhythm. We make jokes and embrace the imperfection of it all.

The class isn’t about flawless performance anymore; it’s about connection, creativity, and joy.

Art in All Directions

Being an artist with ADHD feels like living in a constant swirl of color and static. Ideas come fast—loud, alive, and brilliant. I chase them like fireflies. Just like fireflies, I can’t catch them all.

I start each idea with excitement and wonder. But finishing? That’s harder.

I used to sell meditation jewelry and artwork. I loved the creation part, but the business side drained me. Tracking expenses, meeting deadlines, and repeating designs turned my medicine into a hustle.

So I made a conscious choice: I closed my shop. I returned to creating just for me, spontaneously and soulfully, with no pressure to produce on demand.

Now, when the inspiration flows, I follow it. Not for profit, but for presence.

Writing Between the Lines

Despite being dyslexic and ADHD-brained, writing has always been my sanctuary. I’ve always been a storyteller. A writer. It’s how I escape. It’s how I connect.

Even as a child, before I understood dyslexia, I knew I could make people feel something through words. I’ve won awards for poetry, short stories, and even plays—not for perfect spelling or structure, but because they reflected how I see (and want to see) the world.

Now I write to plant a seed, to inspire, and to build community. I write better than I speak because my thoughts travel faster than the spoken word. The words on paper don’t get tangled. They dance. They breathe.

Yes, I use spell check and tools now, but there’s nothing like putting pen to paper and just letting it flow. Even when it’s messy. Especially when it’s messy.

Writing is my favorite form of art. Not because it’s polished, but because it’s real. It brings me home to myself.

And that’s a big part of why blogging is so sacred to me. It’s where I get to process, express, and offer something true to the world.

The Gift of Divergence

Living with ADHD and dyslexia has taught me to drop perfectionism and embrace presence. I’ve learned to work with the rhythm of my mind, not against it. I understand that the way I do things might be unconventional, but they’re still sacred.

Yes, I forget things. I miss steps. I mess up counts. Sometimes I misspell. Sometimes I stumble. But I also see the world with texture. I notice what others miss. I feel things deeply. I show up honestly.

I don’t create beauty despite my differences; I create beauty because of them. Divergence isn’t a flaw; it’s a frequency. When I tune into it, I remember I belong to something ancient and wise.

But here’s the thing: Because of these differences, nothing comes easy. When people say I seem so present at events or prepared when I teach, what they don’t always know is that I’ve worked hard to be here.

Every moment of presence has been earned through layers of self-trust, self-regulation, and practice.

This From Hustle to Holistic series is personal for me. I had to stop the hustle. It was a huge financial shift, but it gave me my life back.

I had to find a new rhythm that actually supports the way I move through the world. Not in spite of my neurodivergence, but in honor of it.

Affirmation

Place one hand on your belly and one on your heart. Whisper: “I am allowed to move at my own pace.” Ask: What does my rhythm need today, less push or more presence?

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The Healing Power of Community

Community plays a vital role in our healing journeys. It offers support, understanding, and a sense of belonging. When we share our experiences, we create connections that uplift us.

In a world that often feels isolating, finding your tribe can be transformative. Together, we can navigate the complexities of ADHD and dyslexia. Together, we can celebrate our unique paths.

Embracing the Journey

The journey of healing is not linear. It’s filled with ups and downs, twists and turns. Embracing this journey means accepting where we are right now. It means being gentle with ourselves as we learn and grow.

Each step we take is a part of our story. Each experience shapes who we are. Let’s honor that journey together.

Finding Your Rhythm

Finding your rhythm is essential for holistic living. It means tuning into your body and mind. It means recognizing what you need at any given moment.

Are you feeling overwhelmed? Take a break. Are you feeling energized? Dive into your passions. Listen to your inner voice. It knows what you need.

The Importance of Self-Care

Self-care is not just a buzzword; it’s a necessity. It’s about prioritizing your well-being. It’s about creating space for rest, reflection, and rejuvenation.

Incorporate self-care practices into your daily routine. Whether it’s through meditation, journaling, or simply taking a walk, find what nourishes your soul.

The Future of Healing

As we move forward, let’s envision a future where neurodiversity is celebrated. A future where everyone is accepted for who they are. Together, we can create spaces that honor our differences and empower us to thrive.

Let’s continue to share our stories. Let’s continue to support one another. Together, we can pave the way for a more inclusive world.