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Vicky Rangeley's avatar

Hi Chelsey. A brilliantly drawn portrait of a wonderfully complex situation. Probably something a lot of people can relate to. You've done amazingly to keep going and let all the different ideas emerge and take form. You make your description look easy, but I can see why an explanation didn't come naturally till now. I find I take ages to think stuff through - I usually only succeed by looking sideways at something else and leaving my subconscious to pick up the work and pop out the result in some unexpected quiet moment long after I've forgotten I asked it. My subconscious is much clever than me, and doesn't panic or overthink. I get exhausted. Too many ideas that I can't keep up with, then none at all. Keep up the good work! Hugely impressed that you are managing it with job and baby, and I look forward to your books.

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Chelsey Flood's avatar

Thanks Vicky, and gosh me too with the ideas. I impulsively begin and then lose enthusiasm so often and sometimes the victory is to admit it isn't working or I've lost interest… what are you working on) dreaming of at the moment? I was watching Bump other day (excellent Ozzie show) and the mum told her daughter (a new mum and a teen) that to be a mother is to be divided and I am feeling that very much aydthet no it's. Dual dreams of happy family and creative life! Cx

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Barbara Molony-Oates's avatar

Thank you Chelsey for the reminder to write my story for you!

It’s something I’ve done before but I need to restructure it from an autistic/adhd lens.

I got sober at 30, diagnosed dyslexic at 36 diagnosed autistic with adhd at 46

Coming up to 26 years sober this week! My babies are fully grown adults with their own neurodivergent stories, and my dad at 82 is beginning to accept that he has ADHD and Autism

It’s a great journey, and lovely to find other souls to share the paths

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celia sparks's avatar

I love this article. I get a lot from your writing. I have been in recovery for a long time and it is so helpful to connect it to my neurodivergence. Thank you for articulating this.

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Chelsey Flood's avatar

Thanks Celia! Lovely to hear from you. Could you tell me about your neurodivergence? Also, do you go to AA, still? I have been finding it difficult to make meetings due to the sosh anxiety they trigger...

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Barbara Molony-Oates's avatar

PS I’ve seen a flyer for neurodivergent friendly meetings in Brighton. Will try and find more info. Also happy to chat

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Barbara Molony-Oates's avatar

I found 7 online using the Everything AA app, I think one a day

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Alayne White's avatar

All I have to say is keep writing, keep changing, keep that luscious creative juice of an adhd Superchick brain as your superpower sidekick- women need to hear how you cope, lean in, self care, overthink, redirect rewind snd repeat and all that stuff that happens when the fire is smoldering or burning out of control. You. Yes you are helping people with your voice.

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Chelsey Flood's avatar

Thanks Alayne! I feel powerful and unstoppable when I read your message : D I will try to remember I am helping people with my voice in the moments when I feel like I am just embarrassing and exposing myself lol. Thanks so much for reading and for the pep talk, I always need one! <3

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