Note to My ADHD Self: The Dishwasher Shoes Story
Dear ADHD Self,
Yes, you put your shoes in the dishwasher.
And yes, it turned out exactly as planned. Perfection.
The Backstory
Do you have a favorite pair of go-to slides? The ones that have been with you through errands, farmers’ markets, and maybe even a last-minute date night?
Mine had reached a point of no return. They were dirty, and not the kind of dirty you can fix with a quick wipe down. Every traditional cleaning trick I tried somehow made them look worse.
Then it happened. I was unloading dishes, holding my beloved APL slides, when my brain, bless it, decided the fastest solution was to set them right on the top rack. Somewhere in the fog of multitasking, that choice felt completely logical.
Fast-forward to later: sparkling-clean slides, sitting next to the forks on the bottom rack. And me, standing there, laughing out loud.
Why This Moment Matters
These quirky, unexpected choices are part of living with ADHD. They’re not proof we’re “too scattered” or “careless.” They’re our brain’s way of:
Solving problems quickly and creatively.
Managing multiple tasks at once.
Choosing the fastest route to “done” (even if unconventional).
And here’s the thing, it’s okay.
The Bigger Lesson
ADHD moments like this aren’t “mistakes.” They’re creativity in motion. Whether it’s cleaning shoes, tackling a project, or finding a workaround in life, the path doesn’t have to be conventional to be effective.
It’s not about how you reach your goal, it’s about reaching it.
Humor + Self-Compassion = Superpowers
In the past, I might have rolled my eyes, told myself to “try harder,” and chalked it up to being careless.
Now? I pause, laugh, and remind myself: this is how my brain works, and I can work with it, not against it.
When we bring humor to these moments, they lose their sting. When we layer in self-compassion, they turn into little reminders that perfection is overrated.
Build Systems That Catch You
If my dishwasher can hold my shoes, my environment can hold my routines. That’s where ADHD-friendly systems come in:
Drop zones for keys, shoes, and essentials.
One-task-at-a-time rules for high-mistake zones (hello, kitchen).
Visual cues like sticky notes, labels, and checklists to guide the next step.
These aren’t about “fixing” you, they’re about supporting you. ADHD isn’t about willpower; it’s about structure that works for your operating system.
Note to My ADHD Self:
You’re not defined by where your shoes end up. You’re defined by your resilience, humor, and your ability to create systems that make life easier for Future You.
And if those shoes happen to be in the dishwasher? At least they’ll be fresh for the next adventure.
