‘So another year over – and a new one just began….’ are the immortal lyrics of Mr John Lennon.

We start the new year as if it really is a new beginning. It gives us a clear starting point with good intentions and dreams in our pocket.

But why is January 1st any different from April 26th or August 21st? Why do we need a special day to prompt us to make change in our lives?

I don’t think we do.

I think we can make change whenever we want.

If you are mentally well and healthy, you are in control of your life. You can decide every day of the year that you’ve had enough of the crap that surrounds your life and yes you can definitely do something about it.

👦Your child with ADHD shapes your life.

They determine the friends you have, the holidays you take, the meals you can share, the days out you can endure.

👧Your child with ADHD determines the life you lead.

You can make it woeful and filled with sadness and regret. It’s easy to fall into the trap of feeling utterly miserable as you are not leading the life you envisaged. I know you actually have to grieve for the life you thought you were engineering when you planned to have a family. Yes go ahead and grieve. It is a true emotion and you should be allowed to express it.

But.

Don’t dwell in the sadness. Don’t let it define you.

Life sometimes utterly sucks. I’ve locked myself in the bathroom many times to cry. I’ve driven blindly up the motorway with tears streaming down my face vowing never to go back. I’ve stayed alone in a hotel room just get away. I’ve ranted at innocent passers-by for staring at my child having a meltdown. I’ve glared with sheer envy at seemingly perfect families on holiday and wished that I could have just a little bit of normality. I’ve stood alone at the top of the playground steps.

Yet……

I have learnt to look at my funny, beautiful son differently and what he brings to family life.

I now refuse to see his difficulties as problems.

He is different, unique and an individual. I try not to judge his life against the usual standards. The trick is to see life through his eyes and not to be sad, disappointed or judgmental. Not always easy.

Yes, have your dreams for you and your family. But dreams won’t come true on their own.

😀You need to take action to make your dreams a reality.

This may be on our own or through guidance or help from others. I vow to help my son and I can advise and give him real, practical ideas how to make changes in his life.

Slimming groups and gyms do very well at this time of year as we all recognise that to make change we sometimes need a helping hand.

👯The support of a group is really powerful.

If you really are serious about making a change to your family life, then find a group of people just like you who can listen, help and understand what you’re going through.

his is exactly why I set up the Together Stronger Club. An online membership to give parents just like you a chance to meet others, learn the facts about ADHD and get the feeling that you are not battling this alone.

Look at this lovely testimonial….