Sleep deprivation really does heighten our emotions, my best work may very well be produced at such times though...

One of those nights again where I didn't really sleep that well the night before so hey lets make it 2 nights in a row (I see a hattrick coming!!)!

Insert spontaneous crying whilst listening to the usually calming mindful sounds that usually assists ones sound sleep!!

Serving up a 3 main course of sanity hacks from yours truly in a bid to somewhat "normalise" the frustrating fact that despite my efforts my mind won't switch off...

My mind insists that it is party time. The day-to-day activities makes it easier to not notice the various different random scenarios popping into my mind...

Insert deciding what breed of dogs various members of my family (and my husband's family) are most alike based on their attributes (in case your wondering I'm a Staffy - I don't think an explanation as to why is needed but I am interested in your thoughts as to why you think I chose that breed of dog for myself).

Let's think about self-compassion as a starter. We've got to sandwich this after all (food pun 100% intended)!

I mean I started straight away sharing how I am (quite understandably) not feeling my finest version as I am shattered. But in this thunderstorm, my light through the clouds is this post. And that's it. Our mind often goes to doom & floom first, but once we see that we don't have to linger...

I don't feel anxious right now but I can't switch off. I sorted the lights in the room driving me mad (the flashing light from my electric toothbrush charging, the light from my TV, a crack of light - disrupting the otherwise dark space - coming from the curtain); my ears are covered with my head bonnet - can't be having them exposed! Calming music on...

I accept my beautiful Neurospicy self. Although I'm struggling to sleep I know sleep challenges are common for people who are Neurodiverse and I will be kind to myself tomorrow, knowing that I may not be functioning at my optimum...

Insert 3rd sound choice in an attempt to encourage sleep to descend.

Main course a bit more self compassion...

Needs to be a bit of a filler of a meal; you know like after a big dinner when you just want to nap afterwards.

A larger portion is the main course and I'm overflowing my cup with kindness. All the things I am grateful for today... leaning a new process - successfully! Connecting with a new client. Just feeling pretty satisfied with where I am at this life stage. The list goes on...

I trust the process and the journey of self-discovery I am on. I may not always understand why it is happening or what is going on, but I accept that I know I can trust my own judgement.

Dessert (or pudding as a good friend of mine insists it is referred to as) is deffo my fave course! What is there not to like about a delightul sweet course. That amuse bouche! By this stage I'm full from all that self-compassion and actually feeling pretty beat.

My mind has taken some stuff out like a pensieve and I'm feeling lighter, or actually more realistically my eyes are feeling heavier and arms tired of holding my hands up typing lol!

Dessert is peace of mind to fall asleep. Get what's on your mind out. Find a way to slow your mind and feel productive in the time your mind denies you sleep...

I put out energy about a hattrick at the start but my lesson is learning I need to unwind earlier tomorrow to help promote me falling asleep earlier...

I am in control of how I am left feeling in any given situation. I have the power to define my emotional narrative. I'm just a boss like that!

My superstrength is seeing that in every perceived negative situation there is a positive to regain a balance being restored. I may have to be awake in a few hours but I have shared this which feels good - balance restored. Plus knowing my beautiful ADHD mind I'm sure I'll be pepped up tomorrow and functioning well enough...

Insert realisation of drinking delicious coconut milk matcha blueberry latte (lots of caffeine)... I have tried and tested appropriate "safe" daily caffeine consumption...I already had a coffee this morning...additional delicious latte does not bode well for my ADHD mind. But I forgot that LOL!