Unfiltered: The ADHD Blog - When Life Gives You Lemons...

Unfiltered: The ADHD Blog is created/written by Unfiltered (a kid with ADHD) and Anchor (a Licensed Therapist)

Dear Anchor,

I was reading a book about ADHD to better understand it when I came across a page titled “Look at the Bright Side of ADHD.” It totally changed how I see myself!

The page explained that ADHD traits can be tricky, but they can also be superpowers. It was like, when life gives you lemons, make lemonade—flip the “bad” traits into something awesome, kinda thing.

For example:

• Easily distracted? That can mean you’re amazing at juggling lots of things at once.

  
  

• High energy? That can mean you’re ambitious and ready to take on the world.

  
  

• Strong-willed or stubborn? That can mean you’re determined and never give up.

The page even had space to write your own traits and turn them into positives. For curious, I wrote that I was smart—because I love learning about everything. For talkative, I wrote social—because I like connecting with people.

The best part? Even traits that seem totally negative can have a bright side! Seeing these hidden strengths has made me feel proud of who I am—and excited about my future.

Signed -A.W Brooklyn AKA Unfiltered 

Dear Unfiltered

I love how you can look at the bright side of things! It sounds like you’ve taken what God has given you and learned to adapt and adjust. I love the idea of “when life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” Lemons are bitter, but with the right mix of ingredients, you can turn them into lemonade, lemon bars, lemon meringue pie, or even lemon pops! You can turn something bitter into something sweet and savory.

This is such a great lesson about reframing challenges in life. There is always a bright side to a tough moment, and always an opportunity to turn something bitter into something sweet. Great job being self-aware and reflective. Looking at challenging things from a new perspective is a great life skill!

Signed - Anchor