 Lately I've been going trough a lot emotionally including:
8.Arts/Crafts 9. Following inspiring people:
Which ideas resonate with you? What inspires you? Feel free to comment questions, stories, advice, tips/tricks, anything related to where you are on your journey 😃
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 Are you in your 20s? Does this time in your life bring up thought-provoking questions? For me personally, being a 20-something makes me want to truly begin my life, take steps to becoming who I'm meant to be, and creating the life I want! I want to use this time of my life to explore who I am, take small steps to figure out my professional path, find and build relationships, prioritize myself, see the world, gain real-life experience, find harmony between doing what needs to be done and having fun, make mistakes and learn from them, learn what's in and out of my control, and fail and learn what I can do better. This is my time to enjoy the present and not let the past or future deter me from what I want! I'm going to give myself permission to explore who I am and do what makes me happy without the guilt of not doing what I'm supposed to be doing.
Do you have a professional dream that you feel scared to go after? Do you overwhelm yourself with all the steps? Give yourself grace to make a plan, map out the steps, and make the dream happen! There's not a timeline to follow. Take steps that feel right to you and enjoy the process. Be gentle with yourself while working through the stages to make your dream come true! Relationships are one of the most important aspects of life. Making new relationships and maintaining the ones you have come with challenges, but worth it for the right people! Ways to find your people:
Reflection Questions: What suggestions above resonate with you? How do you want to make the most of your 20s? What do you want to prioritize in this stage of your life? Feel free to comment questions, stories, advice, tips/tricks, anything related to where you are on your journey 😃
 Because NVLD comes with challenges like visual-spatial deficit, non-verbal communication, executive function, and coordination, discovering your dream career can feel impossible. The real, honest truth is you can do anything you set your mind and heart to! This is something I struggle with and think others do too. One thing I'm discovering is you can forge your own path. Instead of a traditional career, you can make your own business or freelance. Here are 7 tips to help you thrive in a career you love: 1. Know your superpowers Take time to explore what you're naturally good at Common strengths include:
2. Identify challenges so you can work with them instead of against them Common challenges:
3. Explore what feels aligning Find roles where your strengths can shine and challenges are supported. Ideas:
6. Look for mentorship & community 7. Redefine success on your own terms As you read this post, remember that you're not broken; you're different Reflection Questions: Which tips resonates with you? What tips would you add? Feel free to comment questions, stories, advice, tips/tricks, anything related to where you are on your journey 😃
 Are you thinking about, in the process, or already moved out? Being on your own is a mix of excitement, fear, anxiety, overwhelm, and freedom. When you have NVLD it can feel out of reach, but you have to remember that it's possible! Struggles with executive function, spatial awareness, coordination, and social understanding can bring up new challenges to navigate, but with the help of your support system, you can work on real-life skills like cooking, cleaning, budgeting, transportation, and scheduling with a mix of personal growth skills like mindset and self-care to make the transition easier and more empowering. Break down overwhelming tasks into smaller, more manageable pieces. Executive Function
Nonverbal Cues:
- Church groups (if applicable) - Sports - Girl/Boy Scouts - Schools clubs - Join online groups Create your own FB group
Tips:
Even if you're independent, you're not a failure if you ask for help. Not behind if you have to do things differently. Remember that this is you foraging your own path and doing what's right for you! Reflection Questions: What tips do you have for being on your own? What are you working on? Where are you when it comes to independence? Feel free to comment questions, stories, advice, tips/tricks, anything related to where you are on your journey 😃
 Disappointment is inevitable. When you have NVLD, the emotions can feel like a bigger volcanic explosion. Whether it's family, friends, romantic partner, job, career, personal, anything, it can be a mixture of emotions - frustration, confusion, sadness, and self-doubt; wondering if you're good enough. Processing change, emotional regulation, and seeing the bigger picture are struggles of NVLD. Disappointment can feel like it'll last forever rather than a change in direction. Setbacks don't define you. I experienced disappointment recently and working through feelings of frustration, sadness, and wondering if I'm good enough. I keep hearing move forward and I won't be where I am forever. Logically I know it's true, but emotionally I just want to feel my feelings and not feel like I'm on a timeline. 1. Acknowledge Feelings Write down how you're feeling Talk to someone you trust Try using a Feelings Chart 2. Break free from All-or-Nothing thinking 3. Create a Step-by-Step Plan Forward 4. Lean on your Support System 5. Rejection is Redirection Working through disappointment is tough. With NVLD there's an added layer. Every challenge is a chance to learn from your mistakes, grow through what you go through, and prove to yourself how strong you are. Keep going - your story isn't over yet. Reflection Questions: What is your most recent disappointment? How do you work through disappointment? Feel free to comment questions, stories, advice, tips/tricks, anything related to where you are on your journey 😃
 Do you struggle with believing in yourself or finding your strengths? I know I do! You're not alone. This guide gives practical ways to build confidence and embrace your journey. 1. Know Your Strengths & Embrace Them NVLD has challenges, but also one of your greatest strengths! Instead of focusing on the negatives, focus on what you excel at. Strengths can include:
2. Reframe Negative Self-Talk Instead of Focusing on "I cant's", Focus on "I can".
5. Learn to Self-Advocate
Reflection Question: How have you built confidence? Feel free to comment questions, stories, advice, tips/tricks, anything related to where you are on your journey 😃
 Navigating life after high school can be a lot. When you have NVLD, there's another layer. Changes can be overwhelming and exciting 😃 Changes you can expect between high school and adulthood are - More independence (phone calls, making appointments, keeping track of prescriptions, handling insurance, food orders, etc. ) - Relationships needing more attention (family, friends, & romantic) - New challenges executive function skills (task management, time management, paying attention, organizing, planning, prioritizing, starting & completing tasks, understanding different points of view, regulating emotions, processing information, multi-step directions, change in rules/routines, overly emotional; fixate on things, achieving goals, focus, adapting to change & transitions, problem-solving, following directions, etc.) - Learning self-advocacy - Figuring out what's next (college, job, doing life on your own terms) - Driving/public transportation
- Learn to easily explain NVLD - Find disability resources in school, work, and career - Self-confidence - Keep trying a task until you get it; don't quit - Don't let people do everything for you; even if you don't do it perfectly - Practice a new interest until you get it - Ask to be told/showed how to do something; then do it yourself - Teach someone else the thing you know how to do - Put yourself in other person's shoes - NEVER ASSUME - Be grateful for every worker - Be Kind - Pay attention to others around you - does someone need a kind word - Growth - Practice texting with family & friends - Consider others' feelings with your words - Try to assess if someone meant to hurt your feelings or upset with the situation - Write in notebook or email back & forth with family & friends
- Use digital calendar - Use timer/phone - Get a watch - Use Post-Its - Dry erase calendar/board - Create routines that work for your lifestyle - Break down big tasks into small, manageable steps - Set up reminders and alarms - Stop, breathe, & think - How do I feel? - Why do I feel this way? - How do I not feel this way? - KNOW when you need a reset
- Stay connected - Be open to meeting new people - Find like-minded communities - Clubs (4-H and school) - Interest Groups (church; if applicable and Girl & Boy Scouts) - Sports - Events - Online Communities (create group) - Practice Social Cues Emotional: - Set Boundaries - Self-Care (don't forget about YOU!) - Journaling - Write to yourself - Stream-of-consciousness - Write to someone who has passed on - Use photos & describe how you felt - Write when you're upset & don't know why - Gratitude - Art - Strengths - Take a break & step away - Use headphones or book when you're feeling overwhelmed
- Be upfront about accommodations - Take notes to create structure - Step-by-step instructions - Mentor or trusted coworker as guide College - Disability Services - Front of class - Audio recordings or typed notes if handwriting is difficult - Study Group
- Give yourself Grace - Lean into strengths - Stay flexible NVLD has its struggles, but also what makes you unique. The transition from high school to adulthood is a journey in itself of self-discovery, independence, and growth. You can navigate this chapter with confidence! Reflection Questions: - What’s been your biggest challenge? - What's been your biggest win? Feel free to comment questions, stories, advice, tips/tricks, anything related to where you are on your journey 😃
When you find out you have Non-Verbal Learning Disorder (NVLD) it can be easy to focus on all the challenges you encounter on a day-to-day basis. - Spatial Awareness -Nonverbal Social Cues (facial expressions, hand gestures, body language, tone of voice, and eye contact - Executive Functioning (organization, planning, focusing, achieve goals, self-control, attention, memory, problem-solving, and change - Abstract Math (Geometry, fractions & decimals, greater than & less than, and understanding part/whole relationships) - Time & Money - Multi-Step & Story Problems - Graphs, Maps, & Charts - Misaligning Columns - Coordination We as a community forget about our strengths. The most powerful thing you can do is lean into passions and interests! Instead of trying to "fix" what's "wrong" with you, focusing on your strengths allows you to - build self-confidence & self-trust - navigate challenges with creative problem-solving - find workarounds with your personal lifestyle - develop self-advocacy skills in all areas What about our strengths? - Rote Memory (learning and memorizing facts or information through repetition and memorization techniques; rather than focusing on understanding or comprehension) - Attention to Detail & Deep Analytical Thinking (structured career, pattern recognition, and step-by-step plans) - Vocabulary and Verbal Ability (writing, blogging, journaling, clear & direct communication, online communities) - Auditory Retention (ability to hold onto and remember sounds and auditory information; song lyrics and recalling a story) - Empathy (supportive friend, mentor, and advocate) - Understanding - Loyalty - Persistence & Strong Work Ethic (break tasks into smaller steps, structure & routines, and embrace challenges as opportunities) How to Lean into Strengths - Strength Journal - Set goals aligned with strengths - Surround yourself with people who appreciate your strengths Strengths are your Superpowers! When you embrace your strengths, your unlock your potential Reflection Question: What strengths resonate with you? Feel free to comment questions, stories, advice, tips/tricks, anything related to where you are on your journey 😃
 I've always loved reading and writing growing up! I never knew the many different directions you could take as a writing career. First, I dipped my toe in the water by starting a blog to share my personal experience with NVLD to help others in the community. Next, I decided to try my hand at publishing, I wrote a self-help book about my experience with NVLD to teach and inspire parents, children, teens, young adults, and adults along their journey. After going through the publishing process myself, I made the decision to start my own publishing company with freelance copyediting and proofreading services. That's how Flourishing Writers Publishing was born! It's an emerging publishing company dedicated to helping writers, bloggers, and podcasters share their works of personal development, self-help, NVLD, and spirituality with a focus on books, blogs, podcast scripts, podcast show notes, and newsletters. The purpose is to share your message in a clear, effective, and authentic way. I work closely with you to preserve your voice while using clarity, flow, and consistency across your work. You get the feel of a partnership committed to communicating your passion, knowledge, and heart with your audience! Contact me today, I'd love to be part of your author journey! Check out my services at: https://www.fiverr.com/julie_russell04 Reflection Questions: What does your perfect work partner look like? Feel free to comment questions, stories, advice, tips/tricks, anything related to where you are on your journey 😃
 There are so many aspects of NVLD to learn about and navigate. What about the emotional side? Anxiety? Frustration? Overstimulation? Perfectionism? Fear of failure? Self-doubt? Overthinking? Not feeling good enough? Embarrassment? Shame? Broken? NVLD affects everyone differently. My experience included dealing with anxiety, frustration of feeling different, overstimulation, the need to be perfect, fear of failure, doubting that I could ever experience independence, overthinking and making everything harder than it needs to be, not feeling good enough, embarrassed about the extra help I need in particular situations, shame for a part of me that most people don't understand, and feeling broken. Anxiety was so real for me when it came to my tendency of excessive worry. I found every reason to stress myself out, especially in social situations. What helps me to get through feeling anxious is using my self-care list. What helps me is listening to my favorite music, bubble bath, reading, inspirational quotes, learn something new, listen to podcasts, be creative, cuddle Yoda/stuffed animals, try new hobbies, travel (beach, mountains, iconic) and journaling. At the beginning, there was frustration behind being different. I learned that's why It takes me longer than others to complete tasks. Sometimes I need verbal and written step-by-step instructions. Overstimulation happens when there's too much noise, lights, and too much activity. It can lead to exhaustion and burnout. One example for me is a wedding. There's so much going on. I will say though I went to my first concert and It was an out of this world experience! I was worried about the environment since it's not quiet like I prefer, however having the artist to focus on, moving around, and creating memories. It felt like an out of body experience and I was floating in the air watching it. The need to be perfect has always been a struggle and explained a lot when I got diagnosed with NVLD. I always put pressure on myself to "get things right". When it comes to planning big projects and taking big leaps, I feel like I need a plan to follow before starting. When I think about working on my business, I always feel like I need a plan. What helps me to push through is done is better than perfect. I don't need to have everything planned out before posting or sharing. Fear of failure has been a huge issue for me. I always fear disappointing those I care about. If I have a different opinion from someone, I get nervous to share it. Self-doubt amplifies when I think out the possibility of being independent. I have to remember that I can do anything I set my mind to. Overthinking makes me get in my own way and make everything harder than it needs to be. When it comes to social situations and difficulty interpreting nonverbal cues the fears are amplified. I'm learning that I need to advocate for myself and ask for direct, yet warm communication. Also change is hard to process. When something is different, overwhelm plays its role real well. I'm not sure what to do when plans change. Routines and structure helps, however, being rigid isn't good either. There needs to be a balance of routine and dealing with change. At the beginning, I didn't feel good enough with this new part of me. With time and learning to navigate this new part of me I know it's my superpower. There was embarrassment and shame behind this new part of me needing extra help and not being able to do everything like everyone else. I learned there's no need to be ashamed or embarrassed about being different. You're not broken if you're different! Emotional struggles are real, but they don't define you 💜 Learning to manage emotions is a lifelong journey, and that's okay. There's no timeline to follow. Reflection Questions: What have you experienced? What strategies help you? Feel free to comment questions, stories, advice, tips/tricks, anything related to where you are on your journey 😃
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