Invisible ADHD and the Year That Changed Everything
Some years don’t just pass — they shape you. 2025 was a year of contrasts.
Highs and lows. Loss and discovery. Endings and change.
One meaningful shift came from exploring the possibility that I have ADHD, which led me to the life-changing book Invisible ADHD (link here). In it, the author encourages readers to imagine a “bus” filled with people whose qualities you admire—those you aspire to grow into.
That exercise got me thinking about the real people in my life who have shaped me. There are too many to name, but these are a few who came to mind first. Some are no longer with us, while many continue to share their gifts with the world.
Alison (be humble, live a beautiful life, be intentional, mcm, gallery style art rotation, Grow things you can put on your table …wildflower gardening style….looks unplanned but every detail is accounted for….low growing, tall, shrubs, edible. be sophisticated and cultured, stylish, embrace vintage and resale, look for the gems amongst the junk….find a weird storage unit for a good chair but be sure to take your dad, volunteer your time, ride your bike, enjoy your music and maybe learn an instrument one day)
Bert (be loving, keep family first, keep moving even when you don’t feel like it, life is like the Yeti rollercoaster ups and downs but a heck of a ride, planning and logistics)
Marion (be creative, be artistic, you can do anything! Make your own art, take time to make something beautiful, listen to your children and grandchildren, make them feel loved and like they are your favorite, make great food, learn to do ALL the things,)
Greg (when you have the energy run with it, make time to take care of yourself….don’t over do it, but if you feel like over doing it DO! Surf, fish, be by the ocean, get help when you need it, love your family, do nice things for them when you can, be a good neighbor and do nice things for them, hand someone a lifesaver, a smile and a boisterous greeting)
Madge (love your family dearly, make them chocolate cake and fried chicken, curate a beautiful comfortable home where the furnishings fit exactly, you design it once and forget it…maybe a few tweaks here and there…buy the good drapery, have a tv room, don’t keep too much junk, recycle…don’t watch too much news, have a mid-century home and colorful tiled bathroom, do not cover those terrazzo floors!! rock the babies in the nursery)
Linda (stay busy in your retirement, volunteer you time, travel later in life, do kind things for other, make the cookies, do fun things for others and even do the hard part for them, keep your family memories and stories, )
Jimmy (skip in the grocery store, do a little gambling,)
Charlie (sing, do nice things for your community and country, share your stories freely with family, whistle, listen to classical music and Tommy Dorsey, be classic and respectable, be loyal to your family, buy nice things and keep them forever, say “hey hotshot!” to kids, have your family over for dinner, )
Coral & Nico (take every moment you have with your loved ones, time is precious, don’t be too hard on your kiddo….they are doing the best they can and so are you. Live a life of adventure, don’t let the paint dry under your feet but take down time when you need it. Show affection, by the soft blankets, look for signs, never forget, you can always start over)
Pam (love your family dearly and put them first, remember your parents, hold a tradition, make memories for you children and their children, start a new career later in life, be a boss at said career, volunteer, ride the train hand out gifts to the kids, be loyal to your people, be easy going, eat dinner in bed, relax when you need it but also wake up at the crack of dawn to do what you need to do. buy yourself nice quality things, you deserve the good jewelry, treat your in laws like family)
Maria (be present, be humble, don’t be a know it all…even if you do actually know it all, stay close to your children, do anything for them, even the adopted ones, be a good friend, be deliberate, pinch your pennies, make good investments, make others feel like they are the only ones around, marvel in your grandchildren, treat them like they are the most special kids in the world, be intelligent, be curious, be a trailblazer, look for helpers, be bold, be nice but not too nice, stand up for yourself and your family, take care of others, take good care of yourself, eat in moderation, exercise into your later years, clean out the closets but hold on to special memories, take beautiful pictures, be humble about your art,)
Paula (have high standards, keep it clean and orderly, find a deal but buy the very best, garden, decorate, cook beautiful food, don’t be too hard on your self or others, give others some grace, stay busy, eat in moderation but enjoy what you eat to the fullest, buy the good wine, drive a car that is cool and stylish but functional for your life, remember every conversation, buy sweet gifts for others, start new interesting chapters, be fisherman and farmer, decorate your home beautifully)
Sue (fill those giant stockings and use the good ribbon, remember that seasons change and embrace and enjoy the next chapter…maybe even make it even better, strive for perfection but be ok with imperfections, call your family, be a listening ear, enjoy great design, raise good humans with interesting careers, watch your grandchildren and love your kid’s spouses, design a modern home, pay attention to detail)
Randy (love with all your heart, save your money, plan your life and plan that trip (maybe two or three!), make time for a joke or a funny moment, be intentional with your words, wait before you speak, don’t be too nice, set boundaries, create a flexible job that you don’t want to retire from, put yourself and your health first…but also put your family first. take care of your parents, find the helpers, be open to new opportunities, use your intuition, be generous with your family…but not too generous, take your time but also hurry up.)
April (be generous with your contacts, mentor artists, buy beautiful things made by local artists, stay open late for your customers, text and help a stranger)
Amber (stay light, fun and happy, prioritize your health, buy vintage, find the thrift deals, sell ALL the things, have 10 jobs, DIY, learn to woodwork and make things, make fun art, be creative, make a beautiful space on a budget, buy from Marketplace, love your hot hubby, call your family, ride the e-bike & scooter, enjoy the scenery, love your family fiercely and be there for them when they need you. Offer up helpful advice, be ok if they don't take it. sing karaoke at the top of your lungs, make a great playlist, move to NYC, move to Denver, follow your passions)
Faith (if you see an opportunity to share go for it, do something nice for a stranger, do something sweet to make a connection with a family member)
Piper (dance, make time for laugher and good joke, be empathetic, pay attention to people's words...and sing the correct lyrics, be a good friend, talk to adults freely, dance when the moment strikes, keep shining brightly and share those gifts, take in every detail, don’t be too hard on yourself, express your feelings freely)
William (keep that childish wonder, rock & roll vibes, stay close to your parents, talk to adults, wildly ride that cart around the cul-de-sac)
Gianna (stay strong, keep smiling through adversity, you can handle anything)
Michelle (be the house everyone wants to come too, create a warm welcoming home, invite the friends, drive the boat, catch the fish, get the cuddly animal, take your daughter to the concert in Paris, )
June (be a good neighbor, make new friends (even if it takes awhile) ride the e-bike, love your kids fiercely, take a chance, start a new beginning, get help for your kiddos, do ALL the things, be creative, plan fun things always, “party” on Friday nights,)
Jessica (plant the plants, make the pottery, chill out, give a gift just because, be a calm presence)
Trisa (be funny, be outgoing, never meet a stranger, be design oriented & have a great eye, embrace the chameleon, be a mentor, when you have a good feeling about someone run with it and bring them in your circle. start a business on a whim, move to a new country, love freely, have your friends over, drink the drinks (in moderation) and smoke the cigarettes, find a good tailor, be forever young at heart. Wear your good clothes, be bold with your hair and your life)
Bob (volunteer, live a life of adventure, tell good stories, be humble, give back, take care of your family, ride the motorcycle)
I’m carrying these people with me on my bus into 2026.
I hope you find the people on my bus inspiring too. 🤍
Much Love,
Amy