Gratitude, Growth & ADHD

As we head into Thanksgiving, I’ve been thinking a lot about what I’m grateful for. I get to do work that matters, work that changes lives. I’m grateful for the trust families place in me, for the effort young adults put in, and for the resilience I see every single day in this community. Seeing that effort take root and grow over time genuinely moves me.

I’m also grateful for the real, committed journey this work requires. ADHD doesn’t take the holidays off. For some of the young adults I work with, it’s easy to get stuck in a loop of perceived failures or to fixate on what is not going right. ADHD brains are wired to scan for problems, and sometimes they do not know when to stop scanning.

This is where gratitude becomes more than a buzzword. It becomes a tool. Not one that ignores the hard stuff, but a tool that helps refocus attention onto what is working, even in small ways. Gratitude does not have to be natural to be effective. Practicing it intentionally can change the channel. I’ve seen young adults resist it at first because it can feel forced. Once they lean into it, it shifts the energy in a powerful way.

For parents, that same shift can bring a little breathing room. Holidays often come with full schedules, travel, and plenty of expectations. Still, they also create space to recognize the effort, both yours and your young adult’s.

We don’t need things to be perfect to feel thankful. Sometimes just noticing that your young adult showed up, contributed, or took a small step forward is enough. Remind yourself of how far you have all come.

Be kind to yourself in this season. In a world that’s moving fast, it is okay to slow down and reflect on what truly matters.

Wishing you and your loved ones a warm, meaningful Thanksgiving. You’ve earned it.