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Academy Awards April 2025

7 Cups Academy / by hopefulSmiles6137

April 30th, 2025

...See more Hello Academy Team! I hope you’re all doing well and thriving in your journeys as mentors, trainees, interns, and leaders. I’m Smiles, your new Academy PA, and I’m thrilled to bring you my very first monthly recognition post! I’m honored to be part of celebrating the amazing people who make the Academy such a supportive and inspiring space. It’s time to roll out the red carpet, cue the applause, and shine a well-deserved spotlight on the stars of our community. Each month, we recognize those who have gone the extra mile to lift others, lead with compassion, and make the Academy a place where people grow, thrive, and belong. So, grab your popcorn. Here are this month’s Academy Award Nominations! Before the Applause: Who Can Be Nominated? You can nominate someone if they: • Are actively involved in the Academy (as a mentor, team lead, intern, trainee, or alumni) • Played a meaningful role in supporting you during your Academy journey You can’t nominate: • Yourself (we know you’re awesome, but this is about others!) • Admins • People not directly involved with the Academy Submit a nomination [here [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeEZIVi3mnziP54xaUoWYZVzI5Xmzg_BcNpKwdE_ac-Hr7BSA/viewform]] for next month’s celebration! Spotlight Nominees for this month: @PetiteSouris “Very kind and helpful guidance provider!” “They helped me and clarified the steps and they were so professional . Thank you” @Kieran000 “Kieran is always kind, they explain things so that you can understand. Thanks for being wonderful ❤️” @Ivy229 “Thank you for supporting me and being so welcoming even though you weren't my assigned mentor!” “She is dedicated to her professional and self improve ment. Also a popular mentor who seems to keep up good relationships with trainees.” @aCalmOasis “They were helpful and gave me information i was unaware of to help me on my path” “very kind and supportive” @Calmingcomfortero “He is very helpful. He is always eager to solve my doubts. One of the best mentors ever and is very encouraging in each step.” @positivePumpkin22 “I would like to nominate them for their exceptional support throughout my LDP journey. They consistently provided thoughtful guidance, offered valuable insights, and created a welcoming environment that made it easier to navigate challenges. Their dedication to helping me grow as a leader, combined with their genuine care and encouragement, has made a significant impact on my development. I truly appreciate their unwavering support and commitment to my success.” @Healingtalk “Always supportive, kind and helpful. Takes time to answer questions and always open and friendly.” @June777 Friendly, nice, conscientious and hard working. She always takes the time to ask questions when needed and responds in a friendly manner. Very reliable. @Walkalot “He shows dedication to the program, responds to messages promptly and gets involved and does extra when needed.” They offered great support to me during the quality listening training and helped me chose my electives. Was always ready to answer questions and we have a good talk. @Calmingcomfortero “They have show hard work, consistency and dedication from the beginning. Always quick to ask questions and respond to messages. Friendly and enthusiastic” @Phoenixthepoised “They have shown dedication and commitment to the program from the beginning and keep in touch, letting us know of breaks and other issues that need to be mentioned. Professional and nice to work with” @WonderousLove3994 “Friendly, responsive and positive person to work with” @Cordialdancer “She is hard working, dedicated and committed often taking on extra tasks when needed. Se also provides feedback when needed and is always friendly and open during interactions. They deserve this award because they were of great help to me. They checked in with me whether I was doing good or not. They helped in clearing my doubt in the number of chats that had to be completed.” @Aputik “She keeps up good interactions and asks and responds appropriately. Pleasant and nice person to work with” @Chader “He showed great enthusiasm in the beginning and began with a great start. Showing dedication and commitment. Messaging trainees in the earliest opportunity and asking when having questions” @loveagape “They deserve this award because of how genuinely caring, attentive, and supportive they’ve been every step of the way. No matter how big or small my questions were, they always took the time to answer them with patience, kindness, and clarity. What makes them stand out is how much they truly care not just about the work, but about the people they’re helping. Their words made me feel heard, respected, and never alone. You can tell they don’t just do this out of duty, but from a place of real compassion and dedication. They’ve impacted me more than they probably know, and I’ll always be grateful. People like them are rare, and the difference they make deserves to be recognized.” @CordialDancer “They deserve this award because they were of great help to me. They checked in with me whether I was doing good or not. They helped in clearing my doubt in the number of chats that had to be completed.” Nomination Tally: Here’s how many stars these amazing individuals received: @PetiteSouris⭐⭐ @Kieran000⭐ @Ivy229⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ @aCalmOasis⭐⭐ @calmingcomfortero⭐⭐⭐⭐ @positivePumpkin22⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ @Healingtalk⭐⭐⭐ @June777 ⭐ @Walkalot⭐⭐⭐ @Calmingcomfortero ⭐ @Phoenixthepoised⭐ @WonderousLove3994⭐⭐ @Cordialdancer⭐⭐⭐⭐ @Aputik⭐⭐ @Chader⭐ @loveagape⭐ @CordialDancer ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Congratulations everyone! @PetiteSouris @Kieran000 @aCalmOasis @calmingcomfortero @positivePumpkin22 @Healingtalk @June777 @Walkalot @calmingcomfortero @Phoenixthepoised @WonderousLove3994 @Cordialdancer @Aputik @Ivy229 @Chader @loveagape Let’s keep this beautiful culture of recognition alive. If someone in the Academy made your journey better — let them know here! [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeEZIVi3mnziP54xaUoWYZVzI5Xmzg_BcNpKwdE_ac-Hr7BSA/viewform] Nominate them and let’s celebrate the mentors, guides, and friends who make a difference.

ADHD and Friendships: Navigating Social Struggles

ADHD Support / by hopefulSmiles6137

May 30th

...See more Friendships can be beautiful and healing- but for many people with ADHD, they can also feel confusing, exhausting, and even painful. You might care deeply about your friends, but forget to massage them back. You may interrupt in conversations, overshare without meaning to, or isolate when you feel overwhelmed. And sometimes, people misunderstand you- making you feel like you're "too much", "too distant", or "too forgetful". You're not alone. ADHD can complicate social interactions, but it doesn't mean you're bad at making or keeping friends- it just means you might need to approach connection a little differently. Common Social Struggles in ADHD * Forgetfulness & Inconsistency- You might forget to reply, cancel plans last minute, or get distracted in the middle of texting. * Rejection Sensitivity (RSD)- A small joke or silence from a friend can feel like deep rejection, even if it wasn't meant that way. * Oversharing or Interrupting- Impulsively might make you speak before thinking, or go on long tangents without realizing. * Burnout from Socializing- Masking or trying to "act normal" in social settings can be draining, leading to long periods of withdrawal. * Trouble Reading Social Cues- You might miss hints, tones, or body language, causing misunderstandings. Ways to Navigate and Nurture Friendships with ADHD * Be honest and Open- Let your friends know how ADHD affects your communication and social habits. Many people will understand once they know. * Use Tools to Stay in Touch- Set reminders to message someone, or keep "people list" to remember who you want to check in on. * Create Low-Maintenance Friendships- Seek friends who don't need constant to feel connected, and who understand that silence doesn't mean disinterest. * Set Social Boundaries- It's okey to say "I really want to hang out, but i need some rest time first". * Learn to Pause- Practice slowing down in conversations- count to three before jumping in, and remind yourself It's okey not to fill every silence. * Forgive Yourself for Mistakes- Missed calls, forgotten birthdays, or awkward moments don't make you a bad friend. They make you human. ADHD doesn't make you unlovable or broken. The right friends will see your heart, not just your habits. You deserve friendships where you can be fully yourself- forgetful, passionate, distracted, and all. With Love, Smiles

ADHD and Time Blindness: Why You’re Not ‘Irresponsible’

ADHD Support / by hopefulSmiles6137

April 5th, 2025

...See more Ever planned to leave the house in five minutes, only to look up and realize an hour has passed? Or told yourself a task would “only take 10 minutes,” but it somehow took all day? If you have ADHD, you’re likely familiar with time blindness—a struggle to accurately perceive and manage time. People might call you “irresponsible” or say you “don’t respect their time,” but that’s not the full story. Time blindness isn’t a choice—it’s a neurological challenge. And understanding it can help you build strategies to work with your brain, not against it. What Is Time Blindness? Time blindness is the difficulty in: * Estimating how long a task will take * Remembering future commitments without reminders * Feeling the urgency of deadlines until they’re dangerously close * Managing transitions between activities * Noticing the passage of time in the moment For people with ADHD, time often exists in two states: Now (what’s happening in front of you) Not now (everything else) This means if something isn’t immediate, it might as well not exist—until it suddenly does, causing last-minute panic. Why Does ADHD Cause Time Blindness? 1. Executive Dysfunction – The brain struggles with organizing, prioritizing, and predicting time-related tasks. 2. Dopamine & Interest-Based Motivation – If something is fun or engaging, hours can pass without noticing. If it’s boring, even five minutes feels unbearable. 3. Working Memory Challenges – Future tasks aren’t felt as real until they’re right in front of you, leading to forgotten appointments and missed deadlines. 4. Hyperfocus & Task Switching Difficulties – Getting “stuck” in a task (even an unimportant one) makes transitioning to another feel impossible. How to Work With Time Blindness * Use External Timers & Alarms – Don’t rely on your brain to track time; set frequent reminders. Visual timers work best. * Create Time Estimates (Then Double Them) – If you think something will take 30 minutes, assume it will take an hour. ADHD brains tend to underestimate. * Time Block Your Day – Schedule activities with clear start and end times, even for leisure. * Use Physical Cues – A wall clock, countdown timer, or visual schedule can help make time more real and visible. * Practice “Future You” Thinking – Ask yourself, “What can I do now to help Future Me?” Setting out clothes or prepping a bag the night before can ease last-minute stress. * Have Grace With Yourself – Time blindness isn’t about laziness or not caring. It’s part of ADHD. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s finding systems that help you manage time in your way. You are not irresponsible. You are not lazy. You simply experience time differently—and that’s okay. With the right tools, you can navigate time blindness with more ease and self-compassion.

ADHD and Decision Paralysis: Why Simple Choices Feel So Hard

ADHD Support / by hopefulSmiles6137

March 26th, 2025

...See more Ever found yourself staring at a menu for way too long, unable to pick a meal? Or spending hours debating which task to start first, only to end up doing nothing? If you have ADHD, decision-making can feel overwhelming- even for the smallest choices. This is known as decision paralysis, and it happens when your brain struggles to prioritize, weigh options, or predict outcomes. Why does ADHD Make Decision-Making So Hard? 1. Too many choices, Too little clarity- ADHD brain struggles to filter out unnecessary details, making every option feel equally important. 2. Executive Dysfunction- The part of your brain responsible for planning and prioritizing (executive function) has trouble organizing information efficiently. 3. Overthinking Every Option- You might spiral into what-ifs, analyzing every possible outcome, which leads to feeling stuck. 4. Fear of the "Wrong" Choice- ADHD and perfectionism often go hand in hand. The fear of making mistake can make you avoid choosing altogether. 5. Time Blindness- You might underestimate or overestimate how much time a decision will take, making the whole process feel even more overwhelming. How to Overcome Decision Paralysis Limit Your Options- If you have too many choices, narrow them down to two or three. For example, instead of picking any meal, choose between two favorites. Set a Time Limit- Give yourself a countdown (e.g., 30 secs for small decisions, 1o mins for bigger ones). This reduces overthinking. Use a "Good Enough" Mindset- Not every decision has to be perfect. If it works well enough, its the right choice. Flip a Coin ( Seriously)- If you feel relief or disappointment at the result, you already know what you want. Externalize the Decision- Ask a friend or write out your options. Talking it through can make the choice clearer. Make the First Small Step- If you can't decide which task to do, just start something. Once you begin, momentum will help carry you forward. Decisions don't have to be perfect- they just have to be made. with practice and patience, you can train your ADHD brain to push past paralysis and take action. With Love, Smiles

ADHD and Relationships: How to Communicate Your Needs

ADHD Support / by hopefulSmiles6137

August 30th

...See more Relationships- whether romantic, friendships, or family, can be both deeply fulfilling and incredibly challenging when you have ADHD. You might struggle with forgetfulness, zoning out during conversations, or impulsively saying things you don't mean. Sometimes, people misunderstand your intentions, making you feel like you're too much or not enough. But the key to thriving in relationships is communication- honest, open and ADHD friendly communication. Why ADHD Makes Communication Tricky 1. Forgetfulness & Inconsistency- You might forget important dates, plans, or even past conversations, making your partner or friends feel unimportant. 2. Zoning Out & Distractibility- You want to listen, but your mind drifts. Even when you care deeply, people may feel like you're not paying attention. 3. Emotional Intensity- ADHD comes with deep emotions that can be overwhelming, leading to impulsive reactions, over- explaining, or shutting down completely. 4. Rejection Sensitivity (RSD)- A small disagreement or criticism can feel devastating, making you avoid conversations that could actually strength the relationship. 5. Impulse Control- Blurting things out, interrupting, or making impulsive decisions can sometimes lead to misunderstandings or conflicts. How to Communicate Your Needs in relationships Be Honest about your ADHD- Let the people in your life know how ADHD affects you, Saying, " Sometimes I struggle to focus, but I truly care about what you're saying" can help them understand. Use "I" Statements- Instead of saying, "You never understand me", try, " I feel overwhelmed when i can't express my thoughts clearly". This reduces defensiveness. Ask for Help (Without feeling Guilty)- If you struggle with remembering plans, ask your partner or friend to send reminders instead of assuming you don't care. Practice Active Listening- Repeat back key points ( " So what I hear you saying is...") to show you're engaged, even if you struggle to maintain focus. Set Communication Routines- Schedule check-ins with loved ones to address any concerns before they turn into bigger issues. Be Patient with Yourself- You won't always get it right, and that's okey. The people who truly care about you will appreciate the effort you put into communication. ADHD doesn't make you "bad" at relationships- it just mean you communicate differently. And that's okey. With understanding, patience, and the right tools, you can build strong, meaningful connections with those who truly care about you. With Love, Smiles

ADHD and Sleep Struggles: Why Your Brain Fights Rest

ADHD Support / by hopefulSmiles6137

August 30th

...See more If you have ADHD, you've probably had nights when you know you should sleep, but your brain refuses to shut down. Maybe you're stuck in a late-night hyperfocus session, doom-scrolling on your phone, or just lying in bed, restless. And the next day? Exhausted, frustrated, and promising yourself you'll "sleep early tonight"- only to repeat the cycle. Why does ADHD Make Sleeping So Hard? 1. Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome (DSPS)- Many people with ADHD have an internal clock that runs later then neurotypical people. This means your brain naturally resists sleep at "normal" hours. 2. Hyperactive mind at night- Your thoughts don't slow down because the world is quiet. Instead, it might be the only time you have space to think- leading to endless mental rabbit holes. 3. Dopamine-seeking behaviors- When your brain is low on dopamine, it craves stimulation. This can lead to late-night scrolling, binge-watching, or gaming activities that trick your brain into staying awake. 4. Revenge Bedtime Procrastination- You've been mentally exhausted all day, and now that you finally have time for yourself, you don't want to waste it by sleeping. 5. Inconsistent Sleep Routines- People with ADHD often struggle with routines in general, and sleep is no exception. One late night can throw off the whole rhythm. How to make Sleep Easier Take a Brain Dump- If your thoughts won't atop racing, grab a notebook and write everything down before bed. If helps your brain to "let go" of the unfinished thoughts. Create a Low-Stimulation Wind-Down Routine- Dim the lights, avoid screen, and do something calming like reading a book ( a physical book , not an e-book), or listening to soft music. Set an Alarm for Bedtime, Not Just Waking Up- Many people with ADHD ignore bedtime until its too late, a reminder can help. Use the "Two-Minute Rule"- If you cant just make yourself go to bed, just get into bed. Tell yourself that you'll stay there for two minutes- often, that's enough to get your body to settle. Don't Punish Yourself for Bad Sleep- Beating yourself up over another late night only adds stress,. Accept it, and try again tomorrow. You're not lazy, and you're not broken. ADHD brain just works differently- but with a little self-compassion and the right strategies, sleep can get easier. With love, Smiles

Rejection Sensitivity and ADHD: You are NOT Your Thoughts

ADHD Support / by hopefulSmiles6137

March 20th, 2025

...See more If you have ADHD, you might feel rejection more deeply than others. A small comment, a delayed reply, or a simple "no" can feel like a personal attack. This is called Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD)- when rejection (or even the fear of rejection) causes intense emotional pain. If this sounds familiar, you're not alone. Many people with ADHD struggle with RSD, but it doesn't define you. Here are some ways to manage it: 1. Recognize when its RSD, not Reality Sometimes, our brains interpret neutral situations as rejection. If someone doesn't reply to your text right away, it doesn't mean they're upset with you. Try asking yourself: "Do I have proof that this person is rejecting me, or is my brain jumping to conclusions?" 2. Pause Before Reacting When you feel a wave of rejection, take a deep breath. Give yourself a moment to step back and ask, "Is this situation as bad as it feels?" Emotional reactions can be strong, but letting them settle before responding can prevent misunderstandings. 3. Reframe Negative Thoughts Instead of "They don't like me," try " They might be busy." Instead of " I always mess up," try "Everyone makes mistakes, and I can learn from this." The way we talk to ourselves matter! 4. Communicate Your Feelings If you're unsure about a situation, ask for clarity. For example, if you feel ignored, try saying, " Hey I noticed you've been quiet. Are we okey?" Often, you'll find out it had nothing to do with you at all. 5. Be Kind to Yourself RSD can make you feel like you're "too sensitive" or " not good enough", but your emotions are valid. You are not broken. You are not "too much". Your brain just processes emotions differently, and that's okey. 6. Surround Yourself with Supportive People Find friends or a community that understands and supports you. Being around people who appreciate you can help counterbalance the fear of rejection. You are more than your thoughts ADHD and RSD might make life harder, but they don't define your worth. You are not your worst thoughts. You are valued, you are enough, and you are not alone in this. With love, Smiles

How to Stay Organized with ADHD: Simple Strategies That Work

ADHD Support / by hopefulSmiles6137

May 31st, 2025

...See more Staying organized with ADHD can be tough, but its definitely possible with the right strategies! If you find yourself constantly overwhelmed by tasks, don't worry - you're not alone. Here are some simple and effective ways to help you get organized and stay on the track: 1. Use Visual Tools Sometimes, or maybe most of the time, keeping everything in your head can be troublesome and overwhelming. That's where the visual tools come in. Whether its a physical calendar, a whiteboard, or a sticky note on your desk, seeing the tasks can make a huge difference. If you prefer digital tools, apps like Trello, Todoist, or Google Keep can help you organize tasks and set reminders. 2. Break Tasks Into Smaller Steps When a task feels too big, it can be hard to get even started. Break tasks down into smaller, manageable chunks. For example, instead of " cleaning the house" , break in down into " clean kitchen" , " organize living room" and so on. Breaking tasks into smaller manageable steps makes them less overwhelming and easy to accomplish. 3. Set Timers Its easy to lose focus and get distracted while on a task, especially with ADHD. One technique that can help is setting a timer. Try the Pomodoro Technique - work for 25 minutes without distractions and then take a break of 5 minutes. You can adjust the times fit for your needs, but using a timer can help you stay focused and prevent burnouts. 4. Prioritize your Tasks Not everything is urgent, and sometimes it can feel like you're drowning in a sea of to-dos. To stay organized, try prioritizing tasks. Start by focusing on the most important or time sensitive tasks first, and then tackle the rest as time allows. This way, you're not trying to juggle everything at once, which can be overwhelming. 5. Create Routines Having a routine can make it easier to stay organized because it removes the need to make decisions constantly. Whether it's a morning routine to set the tone for your day or a weekly routine for specific tasks, creating structure helps your brain focus on what's important, instead trying to remember everything. 6. Declutter Your Space A cluttered space can lead to a cluttered mind. Start small and declutter one area at a time, like your desk or a section of your room. Keeping things organized in a small, manageable space can help you feel less distracted and more productive. Remember: It's OKEY to NOT Be Perfect! Everyone's journey with ADHD is unique , and finding what works best for you will take time. Progress doesn't have to be a perfect-small steps count! With patience and persistence, you'll discover your own rhythm and ways to stay organized that suit you. With love, Smiles

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