ADHD Coach Alyssa Shaw, AAC

I see beauty everywhere. The details in each panicle (I learnt a new word) is incredible! Look at each individual flower. I also love that some of the flowers have opened and some are yet to bloom. The first year we moved into our home, I couldn't get over how beautiful this lilac tree is. Slowing down and noticing the "little things" is something that helps me go from activated --> regulated. I can feel my whole body relax. What helps you regulate?

You are invited to JOIN ME inside the aligned community on Wednesday June 3rd, 1pm EST
for the live 🎉Watch Party🎉 of my Unpacking Activation video. It's the first video in my series designed to help slow down and reconnect with yourself while still getting things done.

Comment 🎉Watch Party🎉 and I'll send you the link to join!

Have you body doubled before? I swear it’s magic! 🪄

Tomorrow, May 26th! 1-2pm EDT is our first ever body doubling session inside the aligned community!

Afterwards, it will be every weekday from 1-2pm EDT

I’m sure I will be adding more sessions but for now we will start with one a day.

Want to try? Your first two weeks are free!
Send me a message I’ll send you the link so you could try out this magic for yourself 💖

I’m SO excited to announce our very first 🎉 WATCH PARTY!! 🎉

June 3rd, 1pm EDT

This will be the very first release of the Unpacking Activation video — the first video in my series designed to help you slow down, reconnect with yourself, and still get things done. ✨

What is Unpacking Activation About?

The “Activate vs. Regulate” video explores one of the biggest hidden patterns in ADHD: mistaking activation for regulation.

Many of us think we’re resting, resetting, or trying to “get ourselves together” when we’re actually unknowingly creating pressure, urgency, stress, or stimulation in order to force ourselves into action. Since activation can sometimes work, it’s easy to confuse it with regulation.

If you've made it this far, comment below 🎉 WATCH PARTY!! 🎉 and I'll send you the link with more details!

I used to be a daydreamer, my mind would wander all over the place.

For the past ~5 years my mind has been clogged with to-dos, responsibilities and "wants".

Lately I've been trying really hard to slow down, to just be.

The interesting thing is that while I'm pregnant, I've got intense brain fog. While it's incredibly annoying when you need to get things done, it does have a little silver lining.... the brain fog helps my mind wander. At first it frustrated me - now I'm trying to embrace it.

Do you let your mind wander?

I know you've been there... There's so many things you could be doing but deciding which one to do, activating to do the thing and then stopping the task in time to transition out of it AND leave your place to get to your appointment on time. Tricky business!!

You aren't alone if you find it hard. There's a few ADHD rabbit holes in that scenario!

Regulate or Activate?

One of my favourite things to do with a client is to unpack a word.

"What is regulated to you?"
"What does it feel like when you're regulated?"

Often times people with ADHD think that they are regulating when in fact they are ACTIVATED. They are sitting on the couch scrolling, thinking they are resting and regulating their mind + body. In fact, they are thinking of all the things they need to do, and the pressure to do them is building. That is the opposite of regulating. They are unconsciously building up the stress and pressure to do something. It comes naturally since that is how we often get ourselves to do a task.

So, I'm curious: what does regulated for you?

For me, one of my grounding tools is to get outside and roam my garden. How friggen gorgeous are these bleeding hearts?! It's a flower that's is in the shape of a heart... Can it get any cooler than that?!
Bonus: they always remind me of my Gran.

The tricky thing here is I can quickly switch from taking a peaceful stroll to activating. I can start to look at all the leaves that haven't been picked up, the flowers I want to transplant, the grass patches I want to grow. I really have to catch myself and be intentional with my stroll around the garden. Do you do this?

When we have trouble starting a task, it can easily feel like we are the problem.

➡️ Identifying we are in The [Transition Gap] is a great way to remove the self-blame and bring awareness to what is really going on.

Can you think of a recent time you were in The [Transition Gap]?

When you join the Aligned Community, a win isn’t just about productivity.
It is about so much more. We focus on self-sustainability.

✨steadiness (not chaotic or scattered)
✨being connected to yourself (values, capacity, nervous system)
✨growth without forcing
✨stability even if the week was messy

🌳I rested when I needed to
🌳I paused before burning out
🌳I remembered to eat
🌳I started something I was avoiding
🌳I asked for help

➡️Can you think of a rooted win from your week?

If you're curious about joining the Aligned Community, the first two weeks are on me! Link in bio!

I'm starting a new series to spread awareness on The [Transition Gap]. My goal is to help reduce the shame and guilt around "procrastination".

Let's go from "I'm lazy" ➡️ "Oh, I'm just in The [Transition Gap]".

Can you catch yourself in The [Transition Gap] over the weekend?

Happy Monday!

I recently made up the term "The [Transition Gap]" to explain the stuck place that I've noticed myself and my clients in.

➡️ Step 1 is always to create awareness around what is happening and how your ADHD impacts you.

Do you think you can catch yourself in The [Transition Gap] this week?