Real Stories
In Their Own Words
Since we’re all about lived experience and community, we thought we’d share some real journeys honest, inspiring, and told in each person’s own words.
We understand how important it is to have a space to use your own voice, and just as important to hear other people’s experiences, to see things from different perspectives and different journeys. We’re all unique, and every path here looks a little different that’s exactly what makes this page worth reading.
We understand that some people prefer person-first language, others prefer identity-first language, and everyone’s choice is unique we respect and honour each individual’s decision.
So below are real accounts of what it’s actually like to navigate the world with a neurodivergent mind with a touch of Hope for those that need it. I will start with my story first…
Learning to Feel Instead of Hide.
As a little girl, I felt everything in a BIG way, but always learned to hide it. On the outside, happy and well-behaved. I have always been extremely empathetic to others too. But on the Inside I was not empathetic to myself- I struggled with food, body image, alcohol, substances, and dangerous situations. By my mid 20's I began a lot of Personal Work and I studied Mental Health and started to understand other's and myself better. At the age of 29 I became a Mum and in my early 30's I was diagnosed with ADHD. During this time I was also studying Counselling so it really helped me understand my own journey even better aswell as being able to understand other's as we are all unique and have different stories too. I always try to look on the bright side of life only because I know how precious it is now but I believe emotions are so important and healthy and expressing them is vital. I am a Mum myself now to two beautiful boys who are full of so much energy and creativity and big feelings too- and it is important to allow them to feel what they need to feel not hide it because I know where that can lead. That's why I created The Positivity Movement to give Lived experience Education, Create a Community that feels safe for being who we are and encourage others to see their strengths in a neuroaffirming way. I am grateful for my journey because it has led me to where I am today.
Your Story Could Be Here...
Your Story Could Be Here To give others hope, share: What was it like growing up (or getting diagnosed), did you feel different, unseen, or misunderstood? What helped you get to where you are now, a moment, a person, a diagnosis, a change?
What are your Strengths etc. Do you have your own Business or the ability to be deeply empathetic now to yourself and others? Are you a parent? What have you learnt raising a neurodivergent child? What do you want others to know or feel from your story?
Your Story Could Be Here...
Your Story Could Be Here To give others hope, share: What was it like growing up (or getting diagnosed), did you feel different, unseen, or misunderstood? What helped you get to where you are now, a moment, a person, a diagnosis, a change?
What are your Strengths etc. Do you have your own Business or the ability to be deeply empathetic now to yourself and others? Are you a parent? What have you learnt raising a neurodivergent child? What do you want others to know or feel from your story?
If any of these stories hit home for you, or for someone you’re thinking of right now, share this page. You never know who’s been waiting to feel a little less alone.
And if you have a short story (under 300 words) that gives hope to others on their journey, we’d love to hear it. Feel free to SEND IT HERE with MY NEURODIVERGENT STORY as the subject, if you think it could inspire someone else. Thank you!