Zoe Kessler's Blog

It’s taken a while, but I’ve finally managed to transition from the “before times” to living in the midst of the global COVID-19 crisis. Some say we’re now living a “new normal,” an expression which means nothing to me as I never actually figured out what the old “normal” was.

For me, and many others with ADHD, transitions have always been a toughie. And as far as transitions go – this one’s been a doozy.

Add to that, unlike so many others, I’ve been working even more hours than usual througho...

An Unhappy ADHD Princess; hypersensitivity to whalebone corsets aint pretty

ADHD women: dont think of it as a global pandemic; think of it as a fleeting opportunity to be in the majority.

Consider this: now no ones sure of what day it is! Were not alone anymore.

This morning I looked at my toenails after my shower and sarcastically thought, guess its time for my mani and pedi. I chuckled to myself. Out loud. One does that when one lives with a cat, plants, and ADHD.

And then it dawned on me....

Zoë Kessler, Photo ©Michael McLuhan, 2012

Im Back!

Forgive me readers; its been five years since I last posted.

Of course, in ADHD time, thats roughly 150 years at least thats how it feels.

Over that time, Ive been working full-time as an editor and multi-media journalist for a local newspaper. After I left the paper, I spent about a year meandering on the side-trails of life (read: recovering from debilitating burnout).

Im glad Ive finally found my way back to the main trail and just in...

Zoë Kessler, Photo Michael McLuhan, 2012

I’m Back!

Forgive me readers; it’s been five years since I last posted.

Of course, in ADHD time, that’s roughly 150 years – at least that’s how it feels. Over that time, I’ve been working full-time as an editor and multi-media journalist for a local newspaper. After I left the paper, I spent about a year meandering on the side-trails of life (read: recovering from debilitating burnout).

I’m glad I’ve finally found my way back to the main trail – and...

Most of us (thank goodness) aren’t plagued by ADHD in every area of our lives. For example, I’ve heard from women who are successfully managing a law career, but fall apart when it comes to managing their home life.

Some have relationship success, but struggle when it comes to meeting deadlines, getting organized, and arriving at work on time.

Who says you can’t have it all?

Me? I consider myself a “generalist.” That is, by the time I was diagnosed, I’d pretty much covered all the bases: my...

It’s that time of year again! October is ADHD Awareness Month.

I’ve been thinking about what “ADHD awareness” means to me. And the short answer is: everything.

My own diagnosis was about a decade ago, and at first, the learning curve was steep. In fact, I had to jump off my bike and walk after the first year or two just to make it up the hill. I’m not saying I’ve arrived, but I’ve come a long way and (mostly) I’ve enjoyed the journey.

Thinking back on those first tentative steps, new insight...

It’s that time of year again! October is ADHD Awareness Month.

I’ve been thinking about what “ADHD awareness” means to me. And the short answer is: everything.

My own diagnosis was about a decade ago, and at first, the learning curve was steep. In fact, I had to jump off my bike and walk after the first year or two just to make it up the hill. I’m not saying I’ve arrived, but I’ve come a long way and (mostly) I’ve enjoyed the journey.

Thinking back on those first tentative steps, new insight...

Don O’Brien via Compfight

If I had to list my relationship with time on Facebook, I’d have to choose, “It’s complicated.”

Shortly after my late-in-life diagnosis, I learned my ADHD brain was to blame. Sure, it was great to be absolved of time-management guilt, but I was pretty sure the rest of the world would still expect me to arrive on time, ADHD or not, so I poured over ADHD books seeking time-management tips.

I started using a paper planner right away, and still rely on one. I didn’t ev...

RussellReno via Compfight

I’ve been thinking since my last post about the issue of ADHD and ADHD look-alikes. I’ve written about them before, but found myself taken by surprise at recent events in my life.

For example, ADHD and depression often go together. While I’ve never been diagnosed with clinical depression, I know plenty who have been, including those who are doubly endowed with both.

Yet for the past year I’ve been experiencing what might be categorized as clinical depression. Maybe...

Hamish Irvine via Compfight

“Forgive me, Father, for I have sinned. My last confession was…”

I’m not Catholic, but that whole confession thing speaks to me right now. Let’s try it like this:

Forgive me, Dear Readers, for I have sinned neglected my blog. My last confession post was two months, three weeks, and two days ago and these are my sins issues:

I’ve been binge-watching Coronation Street and reading novels until the wee hours of the morning I’ve caved to my Facebook addiction until I...