Life in Full Spectrum: Adventures in Creative Living

Do you ever feel like you have too much going on, but can’t seem to stop adding to your to-do list? It’s like you thrive on chaos, but at the same time, the whirlwind of projects leaves you completely frayed at the edges.  Welcome to my world, where being both ADHD and neurodivergent is a fun (and often overwhelming) mix! I can’t seem to focus on just one thing at a time, which is both a blessing and a curse. On one hand, I love having multiple creative projects in the works. I get this rush of excitement whenever I start something new—a burst of inspiration that propels me forward and makes me feel like I’m chasing down my dreams. Whether it's writing, photography, homeschooling, or just organizing life for my family, it keeps me feeling alive. But then there’s the flip side. I also feel like I’m constantly juggling too many balls in the air, and the more projects I take on, the harder it is to keep them from crashing down. That rush of excitement turns into overwhelm. I lose trac...

As a family of six, finding budget-friendly activities we can all enjoy together is essential. Over the years, we’ve discovered some fun and low-cost ways to keep everyone entertained. Whether it’s spending time in nature, exploring new places, or just enjoying a laid-back day out, these are some of our favorite ways to bond as a family without breaking the bank. 1. State Parks Adventures We visit state parks a lot . In fact, we go so often that I’ve been meaning to get a season pass—though, somehow, I keep forgetting. Two of our favorite parks are Victoria Bryant State Park, located in Royston, Georgia, and Table Rock State Park in Pickens, South Carolina. At Victoria Bryant, my kids love the section where the water runs over the rocks, creating a natural play area. They can splash around, and at the bottom, the water forms a deeper pool that’s perfect for swimming. There’s also a spot where the water runs over the road before flowing into a hidden area on the other side, offering a m...

On September 4, 2024, I was at home, just going through the usual routine—cleaning, doing laundry, and mopping the kitchen floor—when I got a text from my mom saying there was an active shooter at one of our local high schools. At the same time, we received an alert that our kids’ schools were going into lockdown. My husband and I were pretty rattled, so we decided to head over to the schools to pick up the kids once things settled down. But as we were driving there, things got even more intense. Police, firefighters, ambulances, and the GBI started speeding by us with lights and sirens blaring, racing around corners as if they were in a high-speed chase. It was really frightening to watch and made my anxiety go through the roof. (One of many police cars around that day) So, on what started as an ordinary day, my family and I found ourselves thrust into a nightmare that no parent ever expects to face. This school shooting that occurred in our community—though not at my child’s school, ...

Living with autism is an complex journey, one that is as unique as each individual who experiences it. For me, embracing autism means navigating a world that often misunderstands or oversimplifies what it means to be autistic. Challenging Common Stereotypes: A common stereotype is that autism means lacking empathy or social skills. But many autistic people, myself included, experience emotions deeply and have a strong sense of empathy. It’s important to remember that autism is more about communication differences than mental capacity. Our ways of expressing and interpreting feelings might be different, but that doesn’t mean we don’t understand or connect with others. Social interactions can be tough, but it’s about finding our own methods and building relationships in ways that work for us. Another stereotype is that autism is a “disorder” that needs to be fixed or cured. This view misses the strengths and unique perspectives that come with being autistic. I’ve learned to embrace my di...