The best news of all? I’m growing and loving food more and more each day! Eating is my new favorite hobby, and I can’t wait to try new flavors and textures as I grow. Mommy says that the more I grow, the better things will get! And guess what? I’ll be 7 months old next week! Can you believe it? Time flies when you’re having fun and learning new things every day.

Sending big baby hugs and lots of love,

Alyce 💖

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The Importance of Seeking Help: My Possible Journey with ADHD

Hey everyone! I wanted to share a bit about my journey with ADHD, something I’ve been exploring recently. Social media, especially Instagram and TikTok, played a big role in this. Seeing others talk about their ADHD experiences made me realize I wasn’t alone and gave me a lot of helpful info. But I also learned that while social media can be great, it’s not a substitute for professional advice.

For a while, I felt like something was different about how I process the world. I’ve had trouble focusing, made impulsive decisions, and felt a constant restlessness. Recently, I started wondering if these could be signs of ADHD. Noticing the symptoms was the first step, and let me tell you, it’s been an eye-opener.

The Chaos that is the mind

My ADHD journey has been a rollercoaster of challenges and discoveries. In conversations, I’m that person who’s always finishing others’ sentences – my brain races ahead, trying to guess what’s coming next. Sometimes I nail it, other times I’m hilariously off-base. It’s like my mind is playing a constant game of predictive text.

But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. I’m in a perpetual battle with time management – I’m either way too early or scrambling to be just fashionably late. Starting tasks? That’s a whole other adventure. I’ll stare at my to-do list for hours, paralyzed by indecision. And don’t get me started on my ever-changing productivity methods. Each year, I’m onto a new system because, let’s face it, I need that novelty to stay motivated.

My enthusiasm for new projects is off the charts, but sustaining that interest? Not my strong suit. My closet is a graveyard of half-finished crafts and abandoned hobbies. And don’t even ask about my keys, phone, or wallet – they seem to have a life of their own, constantly playing hide-and-seek.

That’s where my love for systems comes in. It’s like my secret weapon against the chaos. Air tags for my wandering possessions, new productivity hacks to keep things fresh – these aren’t just coping mechanisms, they’re my way of channeling the whirlwind of ADHD into something manageable. These systems bring a semblance of order to my chaotic mind, providing the structure I crave and the novelty I need to stay engaged.

In a way, ADHD has become my chaos superpower, and these systems are my trusty sidekick, helping me navigate the wild adventure that is my daily life. It’s not always easy, but it’s certainly never boring!

Facing the Stigma

One of the hardest parts was overcoming the stigma around mental health issues. Comments like “You just need to try harder” or “Everyone gets distracted sometimes” made it tough to take my concerns seriously. People often say, “Oh, but you’re so successful,” or “There’s no way you have ADHD.” These remarks, though meant to be supportive, can be dismissive and make it harder to seek help. Understanding that ADHD is a real condition that can significantly impact life was crucial for me.

Seeking Professional Help

Deciding to seek help was a big step. I started by talking to friends and family about my worries and experiences. Their support gave me the courage to consult a healthcare professional. I met with my Doctor this week and we discussed my symptoms and history in detail. This wasn’t just about labeling myself but about understanding my experiences. Although I haven’t received a formal diagnosis yet, seeking professional help has already brought a sense of relief and clarity.

The Role of Social Media

Social media has been a double-edged sword in my ADHD journey. It’s increased awareness and provided a space for people to share their experiences. But it also made me wonder: Are we identifying with actual ADHD symptoms, or are we just recognizing common human experiences amplified by our digital lifestyle? The line between ADHD symptoms and the effects of our modern, digitally-driven lifestyle can be blurry. Social media’s constant stream of short, attention-grabbing content has definitely affected our attention spans.

Moving Forward

Building a support system has been essential. Connecting with others who are also exploring their mental health through support groups or online communities has provided both practical advice and emotional support. This journey is ongoing and full of ups and downs, but seeking help has made a significant difference. Understanding my potential condition, finding the right support, and learning to manage my symptoms have all contributed to a better quality of life.

If you’re reading this and think you might have ADHD or another mental health condition, I urge you to seek help. It can be daunting, but it’s a crucial step towards understanding yourself and improving your life. You’re not alone, and support is available. Taking that first step could be the start of a transformative journey, just as it has been for me.

In the end, whether we end up with an ADHD diagnosis or simply a better understanding of how to navigate our attention in the digital age, the pursuit of self-awareness and improvement is always worthwhile. Remember, your chaos might just be your superpower in disguise!

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Woof Woof! 🐾

Salut les z’amis! It’s us, your favorite Frenchies, Boujee and Dapper, reporting live from the land of belly rubs and tasty treats. We’ve had quite an eventful time lately, thanks to the extra moments we’ve spent with Dad! Let us tell you, there’s nothing like more walks, snuggles, and discovering new treats.

Now, let’s talk about our nightly routine, or as we like to call it, “Operation Alyce.” Boujee here has taken on the role of the official crib-side guardian. Every night, I plop myself right next to Alyce’s crib, making sure she drifts off into dreamland. We have this little bonding time, where she tries to grab my ears, and I pretend not to notice. It’s our thing. Once she’s asleep, I sneak back to the living room for some quality Dad time. Gotta keep an eye on everyone, you know? It’s a tough job, but someone’s gotta do it!

While Boujee is busy playing nanny, I, Dapper, am on a mission to find the comfiest spot in the room. I’ve become quite the connoisseur of cushions, if I do say so myself. Plus, Dad’s been spoiling us with new treats – ever tried flavored biscuits? Divine. Just divine.

Oh, and did we mention our visit to Grandma’s? Let me tell you, it was epic. Grandma spoils us like no one else. We got extra belly rubs. Seriously, if heaven is a place on Earth, it’s at Grandma’s house. We’ve missed you, Grandma!

Our walks have been longer and more adventurous, thanks to Dad having more time. We’ve sniffed every tree, chased every squirrel (almost caught one this time!), and made a few new furry friends. And let’s not forget the puddles – Frenchie paws were made for splashing.

So, that’s a wrap on our latest adventures. We’re living our best Frenchie lives, full of love, laughter, and a whole lot of snuggles. Until next time, keep your tails wagging and your treats plentiful!

Woofs and snuffles,

Boujee & Dapper

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Thank you to our dear Vilhelmians for following our adventures! Hit like and subscribe for more! Get ready for a wild ride! Hit that subscribe button to join our awesome Substack community! Vilheeeeeelm!