My Story
Hi! I’m Carey! I am so happy you found me! Here is a glimpse of my story!
My journey started in Edmonton, Alberta. I'm proud to say I did graduate from high school but with a lot of frustration and effort without good marks to show & low self esteem. I always preferred more intimate interactions over large social groups because I would get overwhelmed/overstimulated (it was a LOT of work focusing on working to ignore all the noise, other opinions, my random thoughts, over analyzing non-verbal cues, unimportant distractions, stopping the WAY too deep & FAR left field comments from coming out of my mouth, physical sensations … I’d eventually start acting like a short-circuiting robot!)
It is obvious recalling my childhood I had symptoms of ADHD (tho not the typical symptoms one would think of or diagnosed by medical professionals ADHD). As well as the cognitively overactive brain, which left me in a dark basement often, I was a chronic people pleaser, had negative self bias, was not a great student (even when putting in the effort), later to mature socially compared to most classmates, very difficult to make decisions, never sure what my emotions were telling me …
I did eventually score two honors diplomas - one from SAIT (Legal Assistant Diploma) and the other from Sheridan College in Oakville, Ontario (Marketing). I believe the reason I was able to achieve honors was because each course had a purpose and a reason. The detailed projects and firm deadlines worked for me.
After many years in the Advertising industry, marrying my husband of 22 years and having an amazing son (now 20 years old), I experienced many different part-time jobs to try and find my calling. A display consultant for Nestle Canada, receptionist and purchaser for a Canadian cabinet company, creating policies and procedures for Wicked Wedge Pizza, day worker at Bethany Cochrane, weekly Roots of Empathy Instructor/Mentor at local schools, election worker and Educational Assistant for various Rockyview Schools. I always felt like I was wandering though - never finding something worthy enough or which would keep my attention.
Having my son helped me prioritize my mental health. I found and tried as many things as I could afford/access. So many things in fact, it led me to write a book with the most helpful mind tricks I’d found called, “How to Get Out of an Abusive Relationship (with Yourself)”. Also, eventually led to my ADHD diagnosis which was a HUGE pivot. This self discovery has me being much more compassionate with myself instead of judge & blame.
I’ve been living with my misunderstood, unique brain wiring (Diagnosed ADHD) without knowing it for most of my life. All the wandering I’ve done has got me here. I’m 51 and feel I finally know myself better than I ever have. #latebloomersunite!
Now, after completing a year of ADHD Coaching and certification from addca.com, I help others navigate, discover what they want more of and provide support to create desired outcomes.
I ReImagine ADHD for myself and for others. The diagnosis doesn’t make sense with the brain wiring we have and the label, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ADD - Attention Deficit disorder.
ReImage ADHD. ReImagine the life you want to live. ReImagine your relationships. ReImagine choices which support your future goals. ReImagine a content, loving, amazing, happy you.
Carey xox
