Mental Health – A Taylor'd Life

Grief and the mundane

James (a fictional name) sat across from me, quietly weeping over the death of his 16-year-old cat. James had raised his furry companion since the kitten was only a week old. He bottle-fed the little ball of fur, rubbed its belly to help it defecate, as a mother cat would, and kept it warm againstContinueContinue reading “Grief and the mundane”

Beyond-the-Self Engagement: Rethinking What Makes Life Meaningful

For a long time, I thought I understood what gave life meaning. Or perhaps more accurately, I thought I understood what should give life meaning. Like many people in North America, I unconsciously absorbed the idea that meaning was supposed to come from visible things: career, achievement, contribution, relationships, family, impact. Meaning was something youContinueContinue reading “Beyond-the-Self Engagement: Rethinking What Makes Life Meaningful”

Borrowing Momentum: A Small Experiment with Motivation, ADHD, and Writing

Woman reading book at wooden table with two dogs lying on rug

I want to be a writer. More accurately, I want to write. But getting myself to actually sit down and do it is another story entirely. Most mornings follow the same pattern. My dogs wake me up far too early — usually around 6 a.m. I feed them, then feed the wildlife (chipmunks, squirrels, mallardContinueContinue reading “Borrowing Momentum: A Small Experiment with Motivation, ADHD, and Writing”

ACT Therapy and Neurodivergence: Same Therapy, Different Translation

I recently came across a professional workshop focused on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and neurodivergence. At first, I was disappointed that I could not attend. But after reading through the outline more carefully, I realised something interesting: much of what was being presented was not necessarily a brand-new therapeutic technique, but rather research andContinueContinue reading “ACT Therapy and Neurodivergence: Same Therapy, Different Translation”

A Rant: Rejection Sensitivity, ADHD, and the Temptation to Overstate

Several years ago, I hosted a small dinner party—just three guests, good wine, delicious food, and stimulating conversation. As the evening wore on, the talk turned to communal gardening. The guests became increasingly animated about the idea of building a shared garden, something they could tend together and enjoy the fruits of, quite literally. IContinueContinue reading “A Rant: Rejection Sensitivity, ADHD, and the Temptation to Overstate”

Me and hobbies

So Many Hobbies, So Little Mastery (And That’s Okay) Hi, I’m someone with ADHD—which basically means my brain is constantly on the lookout for something novel, quirky, and preferably fun. If it sparkles, sings, or involves paint, I’m interested. Like many folks with ADHD, I’ve spent a good chunk of my life dreaming of becomingContinueContinue reading “Me and hobbies”

From one Imposter to another

Today, the word “entitled” is bouncing around my brain. Not “entitlement,” but entitled. It started with me listening to the introduction to an audible book called “The Secret Thoughts of Successful Women.” The book is on Imposter Syndrome. In the book, Betty Rollin, a journalist with The New York Times, is quoted asking a youngContinueContinue reading “From one Imposter to another”