Community Voices: Fleet on memory and acceptance

Today’s Community Voices post comes from Totally ADD community member Fleet, who shares his gift for memory.

Back in 2002, a wise person told me “ You need to work on what is going on with you and forget about everything else that is happening.” I had so much happening back then in my life. I had no idea today I could look back and actually say I finally did work on who I am, as well understand how the world around me is a lot different then the average person who has no concept of what ADHD is or what it does and how to learn and work with it.

I’m totally unique – there are no two of me, and thank God! I always knew I was different. I mean, I think and act unlike most people I know. Most of them tell me if something was to ever happen to me they would have no clue what to do. I have a few fans…:) Also when it came to relationships and having a partner I actually had no clue how that worked either. One of the biggest reasons I feel thankful for connecting my life with this personality quirk.

My Gift, because we all have one…well, it’s my memory. I actually remember being 4 years old. I remember lots about each grade I attended, and about different people I use to hang out with. I also love art very much so and have a great eye for quality. I also have a very old soul when it comes to animals, and this I have only been aware of for the last few years. Horses are my niche. I don’t have any right now but there will come a day.

I reside in Central Alberta. I work in the Automotive Industry as a Commercial Account Manager for a Ford store. I am a single father with a son with whom I share a pretty good relationship with. I feel the biggest thing in discovering that I have ADHD has been my life in general…no drama or very little, realizing my strength and also putting my weaknesses visually in front of me so I can keep an eye on them. Life has improved immensely since then. Getting the guidance and the support from the few I had to lean on was so needed when I started my journey in 2006. Howeve,r I did do one thing that helped me and that was to be a doer of what I was learning and learn as much as I can. And start applying it.

I feel empowered to accomplish all that I want. I always believed I was going to be something and make a difference but wondered how all that would happen. Now I’m seeing the results in all areas of my life.

I’m human and I make mistakes, but I know how to pass the mole hills I once looked at as mountains.