Your thoughts create your feelings.For women with ADHD, negative thoughts and emotions can be particularly challenging. However, this challenge also presents an opportunity for personal growth and mental mastery. By recognizing that our emotions stem from our thoughts, we can better manage our actions and achieve our goals. Mindfulness plays a crucial role in this process, improving attention, enhancing emotional regulation, and reducing anxiety.Visualization is a powerful tool in this journey. By imagining positive outcomes with strong emotional investment, we can boost motivation and build confidence. The Reticular Activating System (RAS) in our brain plays a key role here, helping us focus on opportunities that align with our clearly set, positive intentions.It's important to remember that while we can't control external circumstances, other people's actions, or our past, we have full control over our thoughts, feelings, and actions in the present moment. This internal locus of control is where our power lies.The dialogue we have with ourselves - our inner narrative - is crucial. By consciously shaping our thoughts, we can influence our emotions, behaviors, and ultimately, the results we achieve in life.________Resources:Mindfulness STOP Skill - https://cogbtherapy.com/mindfulness-meditation-blog/mindfulness-stop-skill________Learn more by connecting with Tracy through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, or visit adhdforsmartwomen.com.Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/bookJoin Your ADHD Brain is A-OK: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/aokVisit our website: https://adhdforsmartwomen.comJoin our community of ADHD For Smart Ass Women: https://www.facebook.com/groups/tracyotsukaJoin What Do I Do With My Life Masterclass:spyhappy.me/classUnlock your best days with Blends:https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/blendsSend a Message: Name | Email Address | Your MessageHello, my brilliant friends! I'm thrilled to announce the launch of Blends, my daily ten-minute audio mix of coaching, mindfulness, affirmations, and more, designed to create positive emotions and regulate our ADHD brains. It's a labor of love, and you can get a whole year of Blends for just $47 at adhdforsmartwomen.com/go. 

How do you effectively prepare for a meeting with an ADHD clinician to seek a diagnosis?Many women feel anxious about seeking an ADHD diagnosis, fearing encounters with professionals who lack expertise in how ADHD presents in women or who may doubt their intentions. As someone who has been through this process for both myself and my son, I understand these concerns and the importance of thorough preparation.Effective preparation involves understanding the comprehensive testing process and finding qualified professionals for an accurate diagnosis. It's crucial to recognize that medication effectiveness varies, and personalized treatment plans are essential. When pursuing an ADHD assessment, consider the benefits of standardized tests and research clinicians with expertise in adult ADHD, particularly in women.To aid in your preparation, I've developed a structured approach based on the DSM-5 criteria and Russell Barkley's adult scale. This comprehensive checklist can help you organize your thoughts and experiences before your appointment. Additionally, for those concerned about costs, there are low-cost support options available, such as university clinics, support groups, and online resources.Remember, this journey toward diagnosis and understanding is unique for everyone. By arming yourself with knowledge and preparation, you can approach your appointment with confidence and clarity, ensuring you get the most out of your meeting with an ADHD clinician.________Resources:adhdforsmartwomen.com/adhd-doctor spyhappy.me/adhdprofslist adhdforsmartwomen.com/booklist add.org/professional-directory/ https://chadd.org/professional-directory/ https://directory.additudemag.com/ additudemag.com/top-adhd-clinics/ addca.com/adhd-coach-training/ADHD-Coaches/ pi.ai/onboarding ________Learn more by connecting with Tracy through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, or visit adhdforsmartwomen.com.Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/bookJoin Your ADHD Brain is A-OK: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/aokVisit our website: https://adhdforsmartwomen.comJoin our community of ADHD For Smart Ass Women: https://www.facebook.cSend a Message: Name | Email Address | Your MessageHello, my brilliant friends! I'm thrilled to announce the launch of Blends, my daily ten-minute audio mix of coaching, mindfulness, affirmations, and more, designed to create positive emotions and regulate our ADHD brains. It's a labor of love, and you can get a whole year of Blends for just $47 at adhdforsmartwomen.com/go. 

Managing time with an ADHD brain can be tough, but what if there were ways to make it easier?Join us as Alexis Haselberger shares her story of being diagnosed with ADHD in her 40s and how it changed her life for the better. She talked about practical strategies for coping with ADHD, tips for managing digital communication, and the benefits of using tools like TickTick. Alexis revealed her secrets to staying focused and balancing work and life, all while celebrating the unique strengths of neurodiverse individuals.Alexis Haselberger is a time management and productivity coach who helps people do more and stress less through her coaching, workshops, and online courses. Her down-to-earth and fun approach makes it easy for people to adopt realistic strategies into their daily lives. She has helped over 160,000 individuals take control of their time and has worked with companies like Google, Lyft, Workday, Capital One, Upwork, and more.After realizing she faced many of the same challenges as her clients, Alexis discovered she had ADHD. She was already teaching strategies that work for ADHD brains, proving the saying, "You do the work you need."Alexis lives in San Francisco with her husband and two teenage sons, and she currently loves spending her free time on pottery.Resources:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/do.more.stress.less/ Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/domorestressless/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/domorestressless Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/do-more-stress-less-with-alexis-haselberger/id1735825992 Alexis Haselberger Coaching and Consulting, Inc.: https://www.alexishaselberger.com/ ------Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/bookJoin Your ADHD Brain is A-OK: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/aokVisit our website: https://adhdforsmartwomen.comJoin our community of ADHD For Smart Ass Women: https://www.facebook.com/groups/tracyotsukaJoin What Do I Do With My Life Masterclass:spyhappy.me/classUnlock your best days with Blends:https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/blendsSend us a Text Message. Hello, my brilliant friends! I'm thrilled to announce the launch of Blends, my daily ten-minute audio mix of coaching, mindfulness, affirmations, and more, designed to create positive emotions and regulate our ADHD brains. It's a labor of love, and you can get a whole year of Blends for just $47 at adhdforsmartwomen.com/go. 

Teachers once said, “She’ll never amount to anything academically,” but Arielle proved them wrong.This podcast episode celebrates the resilience and brilliance of women with ADHD, featuring Arielle Paul's remarkable journey. Her story is a powerful reminder that with the right support and strategies, such as neurofeedback and tailored education, triumph is within reach.Arielle's story highlights the challenges of ADHD and dyslexia, showing how she turned her struggles into strengths. Her journey through academic hurdles to becoming a successful journalist illustrates how every challenge can lead to incredible growth.Arielle Paul is a writer, musician, adventurer, and lifelong student and practitioner of Kriya Yoga.Diagnosed with ADHD and dyslexia at ten, she couldn't read or write. Despite teachers saying she would “never amount to anything academically” and suggesting Ritalin, her parents had other plans. Through neurofeedback therapy, tireless work with tutors, and meditation, she eventually graduated summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa from UC Berkeley with a double major in English and Performance Studies.Turning learning disabilities and the written word into something tangible and meaningful has been the cornerstone of Arielle’s journey. She wrote for the Los Angeles Times for six years, penning the My Favorite Room column and covering design, architecture, and mental health stories. Now, as a contributing reporter for The New York Times, she writes on development in live-work-play spaces intersecting with sustainability and climate change. Her feature on excess water consumption in Dubai, which appeared on the Business and International front pages, brought desalination to the forefront at last year’s United Nations Climate Change Conference.Born and raised in Los Angeles, Arielle is also the proud mother of three adorable cats – Frodo, Hobbes, and Drogon.Resources:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ariellepaul/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ariellepaul/ NY Times: https://www.nytimes.com/by/arielle-paul https://muckrack.com/arielle-paul ------Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/bookJoin Your ADHD Brain is A-OK: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/aokVisit our website: https://adhdforsmartwomen.comJoin our community of ADHD For Smart Ass Women: https://www.facebook.com/groups/tracyotsukaJoin What Do I Do With My Life Masterclass:spyhappy.me/classUnlock your best days with Blends:https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/blendsSend us a Text Message. Are you feeling uncertain about your life's direction? Join Tracy Otsuka's free "What Do I Do With My Life Masterclass" to discover how to make better, more confident decisions and realize your full potential. Become an expert on yourself and choose the right path forward. Register now at spyhappy.me/class. 

What makes us different can be the very thing that makes us shine. For writers with ADHD, navigating the creative process is both a challenge and a fascinating opportunity. Bestselling author Allison Larkin has turned the unique challenges of ADHD into the fertile ground from which her successful writing career has blossomed. Join us as we explore Allison’s journey from facing academic struggles in an unsupportive environment to discovering her passion for storytelling—a powerful expression of her true potential. Her experiences demonstrate how ADHD's perceived limitations can actually enhance creativity.Allison’s story is not just about accepting neurodiversity but celebrating it, showing that authenticity fosters the deepest connections and the most impactful work.Allison Larkin is the acclaimed author of novels such as Stay, Why Can’t I Be You, Swimming for Sunlight, and The People We Keep. Her stories and essays have appeared in publications like the Summerset Review and Slice, as well as in anthologies such as I’m Not the Biggest Bitch in This Relationship and Author in Progress. Living in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband, Jeremy, and their rescue dog, Roxy, Allison was diagnosed with ADHD at 19. She didn’t start writing until her mid-twenties when she discovered how to channel her unique thought processes into storytelling. Now, she considers her ADHD her biggest asset in her writing career and is passionate about helping others harness their creativity.Resources:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allielarkinwrites/Patreon: patreon.com/allielarkinwrites (coming soon)  Website: AllieLarkinWrites.com ------Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/bookJoin Your ADHD Brain is A-OK: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/aokVisit our website: https://adhdforsmartwomen.comJoin our community of ADHD For Smart Ass Women: https://www.facebook.com/groups/tracyotsukaToday, I’m promoting my son Marcus, an NYU graduate, skilled in digital advertising and tech marketing. He's planning a solo trip to South America and seeking job opportunities in New York City. Known for his resilience and research abilities, Marcus is ready to contribute to any team. If you have leads, please reach out. Thanks for supporting this unique request. Now, back to our show. Hi there, Tracy here. There are many misconceptions about ADHD, particularly that it equates to laziness or lack of motivation. In "ADHD for Smart Ass Women," I offer strategies tailored for ADHD minds to help leverage strengths and overcome challenges. Support the community by purchasing the book and sharing a review, helping spread crucial information and empower others.

In this episode of ADHD for Smart Ass Women, I have the pleasure of chatting with Dulce Vasquez, who's not only making waves in the political arena by running for California State Assembly District 57 but also reshaping the conversation around ADHD and mental health. At 36, Dulce's life took a transformative turn with her ADHD diagnosis, providing her with the clarity she'd been seeking in both her academic pursuits and political endeavors.As a formerly undocumented LGBTQ+ Latina, Dulce brings a rich tapestry of experiences to the table. Her advocacy work spans across education, housing, public transportation, and the rights of the LGBTQ+ and women's communities. Serving as the Assistant Vice President for Arizona State University's Los Angeles outpost, her journey from being a Los Angeles City Commissioner to a contender for the Los Angeles City Council and now a candidate for the State Assembly showcases her commitment to societal change.During our conversation, Dulce opens up about the challenges and revelations of living with inattentive type ADHD and complex PTSD. From navigating the world of medications to the intricacies of personal and professional relationships, her story is one of vulnerability, resilience, and empowerment. Dulce's candid sharing underscores the significant role personal narratives play in driving societal change and highlights the importance of representation and understanding within our communities.Join us as Dulce Vasquez shares her inspiring journey, her challenges and triumphs with ADHD, and her passionate advocacy for accessible mental health care. Her story is a powerful reminder of the intersection between the personal and the political, and the profound impact of embracing one's true self.Tune in to hear more about Dulce Vasquez's remarkable journey and her vision for a more inclusive and understanding society. Whether you're interested in the political implications of ADHD, the journey of self-discovery, or the nuances of advocating for mental health, this episode promises insights and inspiration in equal measure.Follow Dulce Vasquez here:Website: DulcevasquezcomLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dulcevasquez/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DulceforLA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vasquezdulce/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@vasquezdulce Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/book Join Your ADHD Brain is A-OK: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/aok Visit our website: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com Join our community of ADHD For Smart Ass Women: https://www.facebook.com/groups/tracyotsuka

Hey there! This is a bonus episode Resources: AOK: https://www.tracyotsuka.com/aok/ Haley Lin: Instagram @7am.hlz https://www.instagram.com/7am.hlz/ Red Tracy Otsuka: https://www.tracyotsuka.com Instagram: @tracyotsuka https://www.instagram.com/tracyotsuka/

I’ve been doing intermittent fasting, well, intermittently for a few years now and have found that for me personally, it helps me eat intuitively and clears my brain fog. However, I’ve been hesitant to talk about it on the podcast because I know it isn’t a lifestyle that works for everyone, but when a listener recommended author Gin Stephens as a guest I knew that she was the right person to tackle this tricky subject.    Gin, who’s written multiple bestsellers on clean eating and intermittent fasting, doesn’t promote the lifestyle as a weight loss strategy or make any claims that it can “cure” your ADHD or anything like that; rather, she focuses on the research into the gut-brain connection and how what and when we eat affects our mood, our immune systems, our cognitive functioning, and our cravings, among many other things.   In this episode, Gin gives a great breakdown of what intermittent fasting is, the science behind it, and how to ease into it responsibly. We also talk about metabolic syndrome, how to find the foods that work best for your body, and much more. Again, intermittent fasting isn’t right for everyone, but if you’re curious to learn more about it, come join our conversation. Resources: Instagram: @GinStephens Website: www.ginstephens.com Her books: ginstephens.com/get-the-books

When Martha Barnard-Rae was finally diagnosed with ADHD after years of being told it was just anxiety, she started structuring her home and work life around her brain’s unique needs and saw a complete transformation in how she lives and speaks to herself. Since getting her diagnosis, Martha has gone on to give an inspiring TedX talk about ADHD and start her own copywriting business, Word Candy, where she has the freedom to let her ADHD strengths shine.    “I want people to understand that ADHD is a part of me and I can use these powers such as they are for good. And I think the more that I can kind of say about it, the more people will understand and they can go, ‘oh, I want to work with her because she does those hyperfocus weeks because she can work in that way.’ That's a feature, not a bug.”    Join us this episode as Martha shares all the ways she’s redefining success for herself, her vulerable experience on the TedX stage, how she fills her “bowl of resilience,” and so much more.  Resources: Website: www.wordcandy.com.au Instagram: @wordcandycomms LinkedIn: Martha Barnard-Rae TedX Talk: ADHD in Girls and Women

I first met Amanda Smith in my Your ADHD Brain is A-OK program, and ever since she has been bringing so much empathy and joy to the group that I knew I had to get her on the podcast.    In Amanda’s own words, she is not your typical ADHD brain. She didn’t struggle with executive functioning or memory growing up, so when doctors discovered Amanda had a Multiple Sclerosis lesion on her prefrontal cortex, causing sudden-onset ADHD with working memory and cognitive impairment, she realized she was going to have to completely change how she had been operating for the past 32 years.    Amanda’s life was turned on its head when she got the diagnosis –her life snow globe got kicked down the stairs, as she puts it– but her ability to find new ways to forge forward and move her life in the direction she wants it to go in is truly an inspiration.  Resources Instagram: @dandylion_wishes BRIDGING THE GAP: Exploring community, connections, and overcoming barriers through intergenerational care Therapeutic Benefits of Children for People With Dementia (verywellhealth.com) Toddlers and Seniors Together: The Benefits of Intergenerational Care

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